Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #155

Here you see the riders breezing horses…each having a nice hold of the reins. Photo by John Shirreffs

Hello,

It is a bit chilly here…but I am having so much fun just being ME and playing outside with my friends. My coat is growing out perfectly which makes me so comfy in this weather. I really feel I have adjusted beautifully to my life here at Lane’s End Farm. I understand I’m getting some visitors from CA this weekend…before they go on to Florida. I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THEM!

Earlier a fan asked what ‘throwing the reins’ means and Dottie said she would get a direct quote for you from Mike Smith. She met with him a couple times to get this information for you…and it was cute. Mike did all of the actions….as though he was riding me…but it took a bit of time to get it put into a few descriptive words. She said it was adorable to see him explaining it with his hands and all of the movements. Amazing how you can do something a zillion times….and can show it with actions…but putting it into words is another story!

Earlier, we spoke of the RACING BRIDLE. It has 6 major parts: BROWBAND—which we reviewed earlier and REINS…which we are discussing today…are 2 of them. The REINS attach to the bit rings beneath the cheek pieces of the bridle. They should not be so short that a rider needs to lean too far forward to hold them properly…or too long that can get caught up in a rider’s feet or saddle. They should be just right!

Per John, “REINS are what the RIDER holds onto when guiding the horse. They are very important as the reins are a source of COMMUNICATING with the horse. In some ways, they are like a steering wheel…and/or a gear shift to let the horse know to pick it up or slow down. In racing, when you relax your hold on the reins, the horse relaxes with you. When you pick up the reins and take a tighter hold on them, the horse knows to pick it up and go faster. Moderating the reins indicates the speed you want the horse to go! These are all part of the lessons a race horse needs to learn during his/her career!

In the photo above, you see 3 of John’s riders breezing horses in the morning. Breezing…in this instance means a very relaxed type of workout. Each rider is holding onto the reins in a manner to accomplish exactly what John wants each horse to learn in this drill. Horses are learning lessons…all of the time!

PER MIKE SMITH…when you ‘THROW THE REINS’ you may do this for various reasons. The primary 3 reasons include: “1) to get a better hold of them 2) to allow you the opportunity to pull the whip through to switch sticks and 3) to get the horse to go into a DRIVE. This means to encourage the horse to pick it and ‘get going’. Also, by doing this, it moves the BIT around in the horse’s mouth and tells him/her you are asking for something and to pay attention to you.”

When Dottie asked him how I responded to this…he had some VERY SWEET THINGS to say about me. Per Mikie, “Zenyatta was PUSH BUTTON. All I ever had to do was ASK HER TO RUN…and she would literally respond to whatever I asked her to do. She was BIG and POWERFUL…and she was very happy to respond to whatever my body language asked of her!”

It really makes me feel good when someone I worked with so closely gives me a compliment like this! When you try hard to do your best…it is really NICE when your effort is noticed…and appreciated by your peers! Thanks MIKE…for making my DAY!

With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z

Reader Interactions

203 Comments

  1. / Reply

    You sound like a great ride…and bring back memories of riding. Of course, my horses were a little less powerful; my aunt’s retired Thoroughbred mare that she adopted, later my aunt’s very obliging Quarter horse gelding, “push-button” camp horses, wonderfully trained Arabian horses at my favorite lesson as a teenager. I saw the helmet-cam video of what it’s like to be on your back. It’s a long way down. ;). Also, would you share this with some of your friends? A retired Thoroughbred named Hotstufandthensome needs help and a home. http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/archive/2011/01/06/graded-stakes-winner-needs-a-home.aspx

  2. / Reply

    Hello Zenny..

    Could you ask Dottie if maybe we could have a video of the friends that visit from California? I sure miss seeing you as often as we used to. Thanks for all the updates and info. As always kisses on that beautiful nose from me…..

  3. / Reply

    What a fabulous post today! I’ve been riding horses for about 15 years, and it always amazes me how perceptive horses are to cues. They just want to know what we want from them so they can please us. Also, I’m hoping the entire Team Zenyatta will be able to stop by Kentucky on the way to the Eclipse Awards in Florida! Good luck in this, your final “race.”

  6. / Reply

    Thanks for the information. Cool! I learn something new today. Have a wonderful day Queen Z and please be safe outside. We love you!

  7. / Reply

    “push button” horses- are the ones who are #1-exposed to good training techniques #2- intelligent enough to grasp all aspects of training #3- willing enough to use what they’ve learned to act in partnership w/ the rider.
    Clearly Zenyatta had all three. Many horses do, but it seems from Mike’s comments that she had them to an exceptional degree….she was the complete package– a very LOVED “package” indeed! Keep the posts coming! We appreciate them ever so much!

  9. / Reply

    Thanks to Mike for taking the time to explain this to Dottie and US.
    It’s great you will be getting visitor’s this weekend… I hope they get there early to spend good quality time with you! I am also hoping that you get HOY!!! Love you and Would still love to see recent images of you and your NEW COAT!! Please share with us.. and maybe hint as to whom Zen will be breeding with… Thanks Love, Hugs and Kisses to you all.

  10. / Reply

    My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, I really enjoyed hearing from Mike. What a TEAM, he and you made in racing! Zenyatta, you and Mike will be forever remembered in racing history for the Best Pair of Filly & Jockey in our lifetime. I love Mike for taking such GREAT care of you on the track. I bet you two could read each other’s mind when racing. I definetly would like to know what Mike said to you to put you in over drive? I am so excited, only 6 days to the Elcipse Awards. Zenyatta you look great in your new coat and I’m so happy you are loving it there. I bet they let you watch TV and see your Team Z there. I can just hear you neighing when they announce the winners. That would be so cool to see you on the screen to speak live like they do stars when not there to accept. I love you so much, Zenyatta. Enjoy your company this week. I know that will be a great visit. As Always Hugs & Kisses With Love From Alabama, Amanda
    P.S. Dottie, Thanks so much for keeping these posts going. I know you are one busy lady and it means so much to me for you to do this. Thanks for answering questions. It makes me feel a part of Lady Zenyatta’s life even if I am in Alabama. Thank You!!!

  11. / Reply

    Hi Zenny! Geez, I wonder if the Mosses or the Shirreffs would like to “adopt” me?? I know I’m a little old, but I’d sure love to see you again, and then go to the Eclipse Awards in Florida (I’ve never been to Florida):-)
    XOXO HUGS & KISSES

  12. / Reply

    Good Morning, Queen-Z & Team-Z,
    WOW, another very interesting and well written entry to this wonderful “Diary” !! Thanks, Dottie, John, and Mike. I love these little horse racing lessons; they make watching the races so much more meaningful and fun. You all are the BEST AMBASSADORS for this, my favorite, sport !!
    Best wishes and love, OraJean

  15. / Reply

    It’s a bit more than chilly here in Colorado this morning, it’s -7!!!! Brrr. Thanks for all the info on horse racing that is posted here. I like watching “Inside Information” on HRTV, have learned a lot about horses, jockeys, etc.

  18. / Reply

    Wow, you learn something new every day, I just watch racing, never figured it all out, now I road some what , and knew how to do certain, things, but this rein thing, was interesting, and seeing how Queen Z appreciates how she reponded to commans, how cool is that, in other words, her appreciation for her hard work, and that pays off all the time, thanks for the lesson in reins, in racing, have fun with your new friends,in the field,

  19. / Reply

    Hi Zenny! When my mamma asks me to go into “drive” I would rather take a nap. I love to walk and maybe trot. She tells me all about what a good girl you are. I’m going to have a carrot now.
    Love Boo
    P.s. Sometimes my mamma falls off.

  20. / Reply

    Hi Zenny. Just thought you’d like to know I was a little down and depressed, then I came across your diary post, which I follow. I know you will be happy to hear that I almost forgot how therapeutic my horses are for me. Reading the informational sections you post took my mind off of my troubles and the reference to the bit movement, made me think of you racing, and also my own horses–and how smart they are. So I went outside and spent some time with them. (We are having a winter storm here in SC, a couple of my horses moved here with me in 2007 from L.A.) I hope it makes you glad to know that what we learn from you gets translated in to better care and understanding of our own horses. It makes us more responsible horse owners and more insightful as far as how our horses are affected by our actions.

    You are so remarkable in so many different ways! A gift from God indeed.

    Love you Zenny…

    Chris

  21. / Reply

    Thanks Dottie and Z for the lesson today….it was very interesting. It was kind what Mike said about you Z but I think we all knew that already…because we all know you are the most intelligent horse ever. So what Mike asked of you…we know you did it full throttle and the best ever. Also how lucky for you to have the best jockey ever on your back ….you two were the best together and the best ever on your own. Love to you Z….and to Mike….

  22. / Reply

    Family stopping by for a visit – way cool. Bet your excited. Hope you don’t have to much “sprucing-up” to do around the place before they get there! Being such a good girl, I know you will want everything to be perfect when your guests arrive. I’m guessing you’ll be taking some fun-loving photos for your album. I know you will be sharing them with your extended family as well. Can’t wait. BTW – Did you happen to hear any “Insider Information” on the little party going on in Miami Monday night? Your name has been coming up alot in the conversations about the guest of honor. Sorry if I bombarded you with all this stuff. If your pretty head is about ready to explode, feel free to rest it on mine anytime!. . . . LOVE & HUGS QUEEN Z

  24. / Reply

    There will be cheers throughout the world next Monday night when Z and team win their awards. And thanks again to Mike Smith – he also is an inspiration because of his love and caring for the horses he rides, especially his Queen Z! What a combo they were – both amazing. Enjoy the week, Z and stay warm and happy.

  25. / Reply

    Hello, Miss Zenny. So wonderful to read your post today. The information was great. There are so many small gestures in a riders body language that communicates so much to the horse, it is fun to learn about them in more detail. Thank you Zenyatta and Miss Dottie too. And how special to get the explanation directly from Mike. We miss seeing and hearing from him as much as in the past. Hope everything is going well for him. His words about you were another tug at the ole heart strings. You always gave it your all, beautiful. The relationship between you both was so wonderful to see! Glad you are getting some company from CA. I know how much you all must miss each other, there will be treats, smiles, hugs and kisses all around. You will be able to Tango in person, literally. We all know Steve Haskins has a soft spot for you, so I am sure there will be hugs and kisses from him also. Can’t wait to see the video’s and pictures and read the posts from everyone. Much love Z, have a fun day!! XXXOOO

    Carole K – Wish we could get together for a good coffee chat. I have been following a similar path in gathering information about the thoroughbred and enjoy it immensely. I am adding to my library often, but if you have any great recommendations, please share. I ordered a first edition of Royal Blood: Fifty Years of Classic Thoroughbreds with the paintings and comments of Richard Stone Reeves this week, can’t wait. Just became a member of Club Three Chimneys also. They share some great e-mails with pictures and inside information. It’s such fun!

  26. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta: Does it hurt to have a bit in your mouth and are there different kinds of bits that can be used? Is a bit necessary? Thank you. I love you.
    Barb G

  27. / Reply

    Wow I didnt know some of that stuff! Thats cool! I’m glad I get to learn things through you! haha! Love you Zenyatta! :D

  28. / Reply

    Thank you Zenny this was really great to read and I will now have a look at your races on youtube just to see Mike the reins throwing. Enjoy you life, stay healthy. Love you Zenny.

  30. / Reply

    Lucky Mike to have had the opportunity to ride beautiful you. All that has happened in your career is because you are beyond amazing. I believe Mike said you are the best horse he has ever ridden. Zenyatta, he has ridden over 5000 horses. That should tell you something about yourself. I say again, YOU ARE, SIMPLY THE BEST!!!! You have transcended the race track into the hearts and minds of people all over the world. I LOVE YOU and am counting the days until spring so I can come and meet you. I have a special card that I am going to be sending you so check you mail. (*_*) xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.