Happy Saturday, Everyone!
Thank you for the kind comments about yesterday’s ‘Z SKY’ photo. I think the image of ‘Z’ DANCING in the CLOUDS is simply magical!
In the responses, quite a few of you have asked about the different charities we have in our industry. From a very early point in my career, my Team felt it was quite important for me to be philanthropic. Life often presents so many different types of challenges. This is true for people as well as my fellow horses. It is the belief of MY TEAM that when one is in a position to offer a ‘helping hoof’…one should do so! Thus, I DID!
There are MANY, MANY wonderful charities. It is such an individual thing. It all depends on what type of charitable giving is special and most meaningful to you. Please listen to your own heart on these issues!
With me, I wanted to focus on 3 different areas.
1) I wanted to work with programs which helped to RETRAIN horses leaving the racetrack and prepare them for a SECOND CAREER. A percentage of ALL of my CA purse earnings went directly to CARMA for this purpose. I also worked with CANTER and TROTT to help them with their fund raising activities through T-shirt sales, donating my shoes, halters and signed photos. Additionally, I painted MONEIGHS for Re-Run. This is to give you a few examples…but please remember there are many wonderful organizations who work towards the goal of helping horses to be retrained for a post-racing career. I have worked with several of them and will do so in the future. Daily, we owe GREAT THANKS to a large number of hard working, devoted people who strive to improve the quality of life for countless horses!
2) I also felt a need to help older horses have a dignified retirement. OLD FRIENDS is very, very special to me. My Team has worked with Michael and his staff on this project from the beginning. So many wonderful, older, class horses have found a home with Michael. Old Friends…is very dear to my heart!
3) Additionally, I felt the need to help people! I did this in several different ways. RACE FOR EDUCATION works to provide college scholarships for students who need financial assistance while trying to reach their academic goals. I donated halters and shoes to them and various Chaplaincy programs which assist backside workers. I also supported the V FOUNDATION and its’ work to fund cancer research and related programs. Breeders’ Cup, in my name, contributed $5.00 for every T-shirt, hat, and photo of mine they sold to this organization.
The Breyer Horse photo above is a sweet reminder to me of this part of my life. When originally designed, the Breyer Company sent the prototype for ‘approval’. They wanted to be sure John felt comfortable with ‘how I looked and that the model represented ME well’. Mary Lee and her daughter, Natasha, who worked with us on this project, visited the barn to assist with this evaluation.
They put my BREYER model on the grass for me to ‘check out’. HMMMM…my own MINI-ME! (Look at the expression on my face in this picture! It’s like I’m saying…what’s this???? I know this grass very well…and this is something very different here.) I really examined it, sniffed it and ultimately tried to lick it. I was very interested in investigating “ME”! I finally granted APPROVAL! They did a great job!
I am so fond of all of the aforementioned charities that I eventually decided MY proceeds from the Zenyatta Breyer Sales would be split 3 ways: CANTER, OLD FRIENDS and RACE FOR EDUCATION. I simply could not decide on one. Thus, I was hoping this project would be able to touch all 3 areas of my charitable giving equally.
One’s thoughts on different charities is such a personal choice. You can also go on-line and read about the different organizations and their mission statements. The ones mentioned above are just a few of the charities I have worked with to date. I just wanted to let you know the variety of organizations that are available for your consideration. I must say, during the past 3 years, I’ve been extremely fortunate to meet many wonderful, loving, and giving people……all trying to work to make a difference in our sport and in our lives!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Peggy
Hey Zen. I hope you have had a wonderful Day today. Again, Zen you be careful in this cold weather. Don’t get to playful on the ice and snow. Just to say again tell Dotty and John, Ann, and Jerry thanks again for well, just being so wonderful. Zen could you please tell our friend Michael Blowen thanks so much for his post. Peggy from Georgia says Hi Michael, I have visited Old friends many times and I just can’t say enough about the wonderful work you have done with our horse friends, We are just so blessed to have you in the world with us. Blessings sent your way. Please send Pops, Riva Invigorate little Silver Charm and all ther horses my love. I hope to that you do get Hotstufanthensome, he’s so beautiful. Hope we can fatten him up a little too. I do hope to come back to visit my nest trip up there. Zenyatta, its only about a week before HOY awards, I’m so glad its on TVG. Praying so hard that you get it, but even if you don’t it doesn’t matter. To my new friend Dawn C. thanks for sending me good wishes, I hope your doing good as well. Zen, I’ll say goodnight now, Sweet Dreams and you stay safe. Love,Peggy
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: Happy Sunday. Thank you for all the information on the various charities you support. Also thanks to the fans that included links to other worthwhile charities. The mini Zenyatta is adorable. Looks just like you, Zenny. Take care and have a nice evening. Love, Linda
Martha Lydick
Had a thought about the future sire of your foal. They should parade them in front of you and let you choose. You’re so smart, you could tell a dud a mile away.
Martha Lydick
You have my name and my email address. I do not have a website. There is a mistake on your end. Martha Lydick
mlydick1@verizon.net. What’s the problem??? I’ve bought several photos from your sight….
Barbara Wood
Dearest Z–
So many of us have banded together to help other horses in your name. It is such a blessing to give (whatever amount).
S–that’s a great idea.
Good night, Z. Love you always.
Deborah
Thank you TEAM ZENYATTA. So many horses who give their all for humans are run into the ground and cannot have a decent retirement; some are even still sent to the slaughter houses in Mexico! Racehorse owners who allow this should be banned from the sport. If money is the root of all evil then there is a special place in hell awaiting their arrival. Thank you for being a beacon of hope for all.
susan barry
First time EVER to enter your special domain, Zenyatta. I do not want to introduce a poltical discusson. But I did not see a charity named which you felt most effective in protecting your equine brothers and sisters from horse-slaughter in Canada and Mexico. (or re-appearance of plants in U,S.) I do not want your website to be a forum for this issue, but can you give me YOUR preferred “fighter” group for a donation.
Margy
Dottie,
Since it’s clear that you read these postings, I wanted to encourage you to look beyond the obvious licensing opportunities for Zenyatta. By this I mean horse-related merchandise with Zenyatta’s image on it.
The opportunity for Zenyatta products goes far beyond literal representations, and can be quite sophisticated, encompassing books, toys, apparel, games, and many more categories, even museum exhibits!
I learned licensing by working with the amazing long-term licensing agent for the Beatles and Peanuts, and I would be happy to share my thoughts with you on how to create and manage a long-term, multimillion dollar licensing program for Zenyatta.
And, although I worked in licensing for many years, I currently run a medical education company, so I am not looking for a job or client. I’m just interested in helping you for free because of all that you and Team Z have done for race fans.
You can reach me at the email address I’ve provided.
NancyJS
@Martha
There will not be any “dud” stallions in Zenyatta’s
Life. She will only be bred to the best well proven stallions.
Hey Z
Think about a trip in the future to Ireland to visit the Guiness
folks and Sea the Stars. He is sooooo awesome and
precocious. Sleep well Queen Z and play your
heart out in the morning.
Tracy K
Thank you Zenyatta and Dottie for the information on these wonderful charities. I learned recently about the TRF Second Chances Farm in Plymouth, MA run by the Sheriff’s Dept. Inmates assist with the care of retired horses who raced at Suffolk Downs. I wish more state and local governments would do this, such farms allow horses a happy retirement and provides opportunity for inmates to rehabilitate.
Khara
Thank you so much for responding to this topic. I have been so inspired by Zenyatta that I want to give something back and all of these organizations that Z works with is a good start for us “newbies” to the horse world.
Mariel
Zenny, you & your family are such an inspiration. What a caring & loving group! VERY ZEN bunch, if I must say.
God Bless all of you for your big, loving hearts!
Phyllis James
I’ve just pre-ordered my Breyer Zenyatta and hope I won’t have to wait too long for it. Your contribution to charity is one of the outstanding things about you and your team. Horses have done so much for man, man needs to do much for horses.
S
Hey Lucky girl… Just read your family is coming to see you over the weekend on their way to Florida! Peppermints, carrots and lots of hugs are coming your way I bet. So happy for you.
Jackie
Good Evening Queen “Z”. This post is truly a testament to all of Team Z. They are warm, loving and generous. Keep up the good work!
Hugs and Kisses
Keri Homer
Hi Queen Z, Just thought I would share with everyone that your old barn mate Rudolpho is all healed up and is being re-trained as a jumper. Because of Team Z’s generosity, and their gift of Rudy, many other horses were transitioned through the CANTER program. I was so excited when one of my clients adopted him, I knew he was going to find his special niche and be amazing! We are taking it slow, and have made sure that his injury has healed completely and WOW! So thanks to you and your connections – We love you here at CANTER So Cal. xoxo
Happy Harriet
Thanks, Queen Z, and the Queen Z entourage and support system for introducing us to the charities as well as to the ins and outs of horses! I googled “zenyatta breyer horse” and found this ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE VIDEO of Zenyatta meeting her Mini-Me. I hope it’s OK to post it here. Enjoy, everyone!
http://breyerhorsetalk.com/news/zenyatta-gets-her-breyer-model
Valeria Cannon
Hi Lady Z and Dottie,
I’m most definitely sending my donations to Heart of Tucson for Dyna King/Gifted in the names of Barbaro and Zenyatta as I promised. He’s doing well but still has a long, long way to go. But you can definitely tell that he has the heart of a champion (the heart of his father and brothers), he has an amazing will to live just like Barbaro! Heart is doing some amazing and miraculous things for him, but once he is out of danger, he’s still going to need a forever home with people who will love and care for him wholeheartedly. As an ardent supporter of those less fortunate than yourself (you bring magic to everyone who came into contact with you), maybe you or Dottie could could put the word out that Dyna King needs a loving home and caring humans to take care of him. I know that you can’t do this for each and every destitute racehorse, but maybe…just maybe by lending your celebrity to this cause….someone with the wherewithall will reach out a kind and helping hand to help. And maybe others seeing you lending a helping hand/hoof will do the same. I know you do a lot thru various charities that you support, but I’m pleading the case of 1 downonhisluck racehorse, who just need a chance to lead a decent life, for him to know that not every human is mean, cruel, and/or greedy. Can you please help Babaro’s brother find his way home!!!! I’ve never done this before, but I do know that if I’d known about Ferdinand before his tragedy, I would have pleaded his case without second thoughts, as I’m sure you would have too. Because I loved and respected Gifted’s brother Barbaro, I am willing to do everything within my power to give him a fighting chance! I’ve written to Three Chimney’s Farm (home of Dynaformer)and Old Friends, maybe you can use your influence to make things happen for one little horse who just wants a chance to be happy. Thank you for whatever you can do, I’m sure it will be highly appreciated and that Gifted will always know that he was touched by an angel named Zenyatta!
Carrot Hugs and Peppermint Kisses,
Valeria
Maria E. Hill
You are the greatest. A joy and an inspiration. Thanks.
Robin
Zenyatta – OUR LOVE IS COMING YOUR WAY! You and your team have restored our faith as shining examples of HOW WE SHOULD TREAT OUR HORSES who give us so much.
Robin
CHECK OUT YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE!!! 58,000+ friends and counting!!
Darlene
One week to go!! Everyone say a prayer that the “political Gods of horseracing” are finally going to see a true champion. If the Breeder’s Cup is the final deciding factor…..then they owe you last year my sweet girl.
Suzanne G
Sunday night, 9:00pm, National Public Radio, WBEZ, aired Re:sound #138 The Running Show. It was about ‘Running on two legs, running on four, but most importantly, running with all your might.’ Guess how they advertised it? Trevor Denman’s call from the 2009 Classic: un be LIEVE A ble!!! Great show about several human runners, Secretariat, Ruffian and YOU. ‘By way of a love letter, Third Coast Artistic Director, Julie Shapiro recounts the incredible racing history of another record-breaking, astonishing filly called Zenyatta’. Hope she sent you the letter–it was beautiful just like you.
Same evening found a great column written by Mac McBride, Director of Media at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. He watched the 2009 Classic standing next to John S., the Zen-Master. Reading it makes all of us who could not be there feel as if we were.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/racinghub/archive/2010/11/03/Zenyatta-John-and-Me.aspx
Enjoy the week with your new friends. Hugs to all and thanks for sharing with us. With love, Suzanne G.
Sally (B)
Valeri; What happened to him? Briefly tell more. Thanks,
Sunny Farm
Dottie : You should receive a very special award for all the good you have done !
Janet
I’m happy to hear about the charities you work with. We need more people to get involved and do what they can to help. Love the photo of Z and mini Z!
Valeria P. Cannon
@Salli – He’s on the mend, it’s remarkable what a lot of love, a lot of prayers, a lot of heart, a good warm stall, food, medicine, and loving kindness can/will do. But he still needs a forever home when he’s able to go. For more info, see Heart of Tucson on facebook or go to the website – http://www.heartof tucson.orq. Thanks for asking! Valeria
Anne Faulconer
I would just like to mention the Exceller Fund as a potential organization for charitable giving. I have volunteered with this organization and believe they do a wonderful job. I love the fact there are NO PAID employees — 100% of the donations go toward the care of the horses.
Also, $125 a month ($5/day) to any of the retirement organizations (and there are a BUNCH) is enough to sponsor a horse. You don’t have to take one home with you — you can sponsor a horse and call him or her ‘yours’, and you will be doing a wonderful thing for these beautiful creatures that give us Horse Racing!
Marilu Villanueva
Thank you for all the information on the different charities in your industry. What a blessing and opportunity for you to be able to give back to others in need. Thanks to you and your team for your generosity. How to we purchase your Zenyatta Breyer? Take care, Marilu
LarriLou Kallsen
I love the Breyer image of you Z! I hope that the Breyer company will continue to make them, I tried to order one in our town and they were already sold out before the store even got their order. I want one of them so bad and I would think with the $ going to charities Breyer would want to sell as many as possible. If you know how we can purchase one let me know. Thank you all for the wonderful posts everyday. I love knowing what and how you are doing.