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
Ingrid in MA
Someone more savvy can correct me if I’m wrong,but aren’t most whips or crops more of a noisemaker these days,not for actually whipping or hitting? There’s like a little flap or something on the end and it makes the whip noise,but isn’t for striking the horse. A lot of times,I’ve seen jocks just show the crop to the horse and it makes them take off. But we all know that our Mike only used the crop once or twice ever with Zenyatta – seems like almost every race was a “hand ride” – no extra encouragement needed for our Queen to run! It’s almost unfair to everyone else, because Zen and Mike made racing look so effortless and easy!! Big Zen hugs to you,Zenny, Team Z, and Mike too!
jim
to: catherine uher. i posted you comments tonight on my facebook page. i wanted people to have an idea of what zenyatta has done for people like you. i will pray for you. jim mattos
Ann M
Sweet girl, we love you! Look forward to Dottie’s posts everyday, love her thoughtfulness, John’s pictures and the education you give us – thanks for being such a faithful writer and such a sweetie- Love you sooo much!
Kathryn Cogswell
*Apples, Oranges & Grapes; O` My! Comparing BCC `10, with World Thoroughbred Rankings to predict HOY: isn`t it true that WTR has to do with imposts the horses carried in their races — and those, assigned by racing secretaries, have to do with previous wins in a given year, adding weight to level the field? Still, Blame (where ‘Z’ was last year) carried 129# to her 125# this year; and while I can`t find imposts for her winning BCC `2009, earlier that year, at The Vanity Handicap (gr 1), she carried 129# — 15# & 13# more pounds, respectively, than the two horses behind her. There are voters for the Eclipse Awards who know much more than this about these variables; but since they don`t seem to be the same things, and influences, criteria & attitudes do change from year to year, wouldn`t this be a good year for other, more classic, visionary factors to affect their thoughts and votes? *[‘Anyone can count the seeds in an apple; but who can number the apples in a seed?’ Khc]
Heather MacMullen
Dear Robbie Pfeufer Kahn, Thank you for your kind response. I really just wanted Dottie to know how much I appreciate what she does for her family. Thank you again, Heather.
Jane in Seattle
Zenyatta and Dottie, I am so glad to see you have been openhearted and included Mike in here recently. I have heard rumors about dissension in the team, and that Mike will not be riding for your barn anymore. Everyone needs to do what they feel is right, and it wouldn’t be human not be disappointed by the BCC. But Mike and Zenny were such a special partnership, and there seemed to be so much love on both sides. I often think about the BCC and ask myself – if Garrett Gomez had been riding Z, would she have won, instead of Blame? And I think, well maybe – but what I think next is – if Garrett (or another jockey with his style) had ridden her all along, would she have wanted to keep racing as long as she did? Garrett is a fine jockey, but for Z – it almost seems like Mike was meant for her. I don’t want to upset anyone, or seem rude by posting this. I just hope so much that as time goes on, all hurts will be healed, as everyone involved is such an inspiration to us all. I am so grateful for all the joy you have brought us, and look forward to whatever the future brings.
Megan S
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn- The crop does not hurt the horse. Instead, if used correctly, it just emmitts a loud noise. True, somehorses may not like it very much, nbut is no way causing them great deals of pain. It is just an encouraging tool.
ZENYATTA!!!
Its so lovely to hear from you again, and also Mike! Thanks for awnsering our questions and teaching us more about your world!
Love,
Megan from a slighlty warmer Cali! <3
Lynne
Greetings Zenyatta and Dottie – thanks again for all the wonderful information about horses and horse racing. It is great of you all to open the door and let all your fans into your world.
Timmy Todd M.A,
Zenny never lost to Haynesfield. Blame did!,,,,Nor did she struggle with Quality Road( Nice Summer Horse),Blame did. 5 Group one wins is always better than 4. Let’s face it folks,( with all due respect and honor to Mikey), if those two Angels get a different,( not better), trip, Blame becomes an even bigger footnote in racing history. The Time Is Now! Zenyatta is Horse of the Year, Decade, and Century~! They have 89 years to find an Equine that can be considered worthy of carrying her saddle clothe. The right Horse for Horse of the Year,,,just so happens to be a Big Mare! Viva Le Blue and Pink( Jerry and Anne),! Viva Le Sherriffs! Viva Mario and family! Viva Stephen! Viva Le Zenyatta! She not only lays it down on the track, she lays it down every breath she takes. The one and ONLY,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Zenyatta! Her Ladyship and Royal Kentucky Sovereign! Hail and Long Live The Queen!
Professor Timmy
Cheryl
Those world ranking folks are just wacked out of their minds. It sounds like a big good old boys club that is still dozing around in the 17th century. My sympathis to those who cannot recognize true greatness and your fans Zenyatta couldn’t care less about that stuff. We know who you are and we know the size of your heart and fearless dignity. Just love you little lady! Andale and Pancho say Hey.. I mean HAY!
Cathleen
Zenyatta, did I miss the post that said fans can visit you in July????
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
Thanks to those of you who provided information/opinions about racing whips. I have seen the flap at the end of the whip.
It must have a softer impact than a thin whip.
Recently, I’ve thought of whip use as a means of exciting a horse’s prey instinct. Even the sight of the whip, b/c they can see behind them, could arose a flight response (or pick up the pace).
Clearly, Mike and Zenyatta were in a class by themselves (or a rare class of racehorses and riders). I hardly saw him use his whip. He and Zenyatta communicated through subtle physical means, undoubtedly voice suggestions as well.
I did, however, witness Mike using the whip at the very end of BCC 2010, but it seemed almost an act of despair b/c his beloved horse seemed to be narrowly losing her chance to win that important race, her last. Afterwards, as we know, Mike wept and said Zenyatta’s loss was his fault.
I ride a Quarter horse (on a suede saddle blanket as I’ve mentioned). Lucy does not like pressure against her sides, nor does she like a tap of the crop. If such methods are tried, she’s apt to gnash her teeth, lay her ears back, and cow kick. It’s hilarious but frightening to think that in another barn she might be beaten into submission (my teacher trained with Monty Roberts). Instead, if you sing to Lucy, squeeze ever so gently with your legs, hold a crop but don’t use it, instead just say “crop,” she will move along and listens to other voice requests such as “trot” or “canter.” A deep exhalation of breath brings her back to a walk. I’ve come to love Lucy’s refusal to do any work unless the conditions suit her.
It’s late again. Sleep well Zenyatta.
Best regards–Robbie
Barbara Wood
Good night, sweet Z, and good night, Catherine. Many of us on this site are praying for you!
Cheryl
Pick a guy with dapples – he’s got to have nice dapples or you just can’t go out with him…just an after thought!
Kathleen Marsh
I love these posts. They are the first place I go to every night when I get home. You are the greatest horse. Someone else said they didn’t need a bunch of sports writers telling them who the best horse was–I agree 100%. I have no doubt who the best horse is.
Cathleen
@Jane in Seattle, Mike is riding race #2 at Santa Anita on 1/13 on a mount trained by John and owned by the Moss’s.
Hilltophorsewoman No Cal
Dear Zenyatta and Team, I have to work out of town next week and will frantically be looking for an offtrack betting establishment in hopes they will be showing the Awards on TVG. It feels like the anticipation before one of your races! @Ann Ferguson…I totally agree, if Zenyatta doesn’t get it, I hope for Goldikova rather than Blame. She was awesome at the BC too. I just pray that the voters did the right thing. Thanks everyone!
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
Dear Susan G: This post comes at the very end so I hope you have the chance to read it. Thank you very much for the story about John’s comment regarding Grade 1 races. What you said after “Perfect answer–it’s only people who are trying to rationalize their votes who come up things like ‘mediocre horses running in Grade 1 races’,” made perfect sense to me.
Best–Robbie
Elise
Dear Zenny: What a gift you have been to me these past two years! I keep thinking…they saw her talent; they let her grow up; her spirit was never crushed; instead her drive and love of running was nurtured while she was carefully trained.
Then…she breaks slow and trails the field before digging deep for her strength and power and speed and the field falls away one at a time. Joy rolls from those flying hooves straight into this old girl’s heart.
I keep returning to the video clip of your Keeneland sale. I notice how you scoped the crowd, ears pricked forward, interested in everything around you. I see your intelligence and active involvement in your surroundings. It is a delight to watch you.
Without giving away any secrets, I would sure like to know what the first impressions your ‘people’ had of you were. Can you ask them to share some of those?
Jane in Seattle
@Cathleen,
Thank you for that wonderful news! Just goes to show, you shouldn’t listen to gossip =-) I just loved the sight of Mike in that teal and pink!
S
Just got your calendar in the mail! Beautiful pictures but where is your Dear John? I know he is camera shy and likes to be behind the camera, but would have been nice to have seen him in the Dec pic with Dottie, Jerry and Ann :). Hope you have had a nice day big girl.
M2 + Little Bit & Ready Lady
Thank you. We think the world of you Zenny and Mike. Dottie you too.
judith berube
Dear Z.
Mike Smith was always one of my favorite jockeys. I have followed him from his days in New York and then when he switched to California. I was very happy when I found that he was your regular rider. It’s great that you and Dottie explain so much about racing and what it takes to do it right. Love to you.
Dottie Combest
Hi Zen, I’m glad you are having a nice time relaxing with your buddy’s ~ but I’m sure you also miss your “Queen Z Dream Team” especially Mike’s loving affection when he is around you ~ can’t imagine your life without ALL the TLC ~ soon you will be sharing the TLC with your bambino ~ sure hope he or she takes after you in all ways ~ you are perfect and need no improvement in anyway shape or form ~ you are God’s Special Gift !!! We miss you :)
Beverly
Dear Zenyatta,could you fined out for me if Jerry Moss is related to a Maggi Moss from the Des Moines, Iowa area? she is also into Horse Racing.
deana dameron
Hi Z-Thanks so much for all the information, I am learning so much from you! You stated in an earlier post that Don Robinson was going to come and see you. Did you get to visit with him and did you remember him from when you were a baby? You have done so many remarkable things since then. You are such an inspiation to us all. Mike clearly respects and loves you so much as well as all of the people in your life. Good luck on the HOTY award! You deserve it and so much more. I hope I am able to enjoy a video or pictures of you in your paddock with your new friends, soon.
Jena Hobert
Zenyatta, I am so glad that you, Dottie, John & Mike are explaining things. Thank you. I have had horses all my life, but they still teach me things everyday. You can never learn enough about horses.
There is a former racehorse at Camelot feed lot in NJ. He is trying to be rescued by Dreamcatching Meadows which is a small rescue. Zenyatta he is on his way to Canada unless they can get him. He was long listed for the 2009 Kentucky Derby. He is sound and just 5. Would you please explain about rescues for OTTB (off track thoroughbreds). I know you have mentioned CANTER. All the horses rescues are overwelhemed due to the economy.
We love you Queen Z! Zenyatta for HOY!!!! Love from all of ; Secsea Dance, Salawgi, Simon and Picasso the rescued boy.
Suzen
Z,
I hope you are thinking about writing a book. You have a wonderful way with words and so much information to offer. And you continue to be an inspiration to us all.
Thank you ! Thank You ! Thank You!
Stella
Dear Queen Z,
So glad to hear your coat is growing for this wickedly cold weather, so that you’ll be toasty and warm as you play with your friends.
From the very first time I saw you, Z, you’ve been an inspiration to me. I hope you know how much joy you’ve given to all us humans who love you! :)
Have a fun and wonderful day!
Love and kisses,
Stel
Alex B.
Dear Zenyatta,
We here in Boston are in the middle of a Blizzard…Heavy wet snow. No work today…Trees are coming down and there are power outages.
I think I will watch your races that I have saved on DVR and I did buy your first DVD with your 14 races. I hope a new video is posted soon with you rolling in the snow..What fun for you! XOXOXOXOXO