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
Evy
Yay for more horse info!!! Thank you Zen&Dottie.
Casey Laughter
hey Z! Give Mike kisses for me =]
he is such a good jockey!
you are such a good horse!
can’t wait to see your babies with whoever ya get stuck with =P
can’t wait to see you!
Jean Moore
Beautiful Zenyatta, As you stated in this post, “thank you Mike”, I say, thank you Mike and Zenyatta for being the most exciting show on any racetrack in the history of racing. I review your races at least once weekly because each one still takes my breath away. You are perfection in each race and you ran with your heart and became so endearing and loved by us. You will always be first, even in the BC Classic 2010. I am so happy that your family is coming to visit this week, I know you will be so excited to hear familiar voices and feel their touch. It is my dream to just once see you in person. Please thank Dottie again for her incredible writing skills and the time she gives to your fans, we love her too. Much Love From Me to You.
george
I hope that the young boys and girls that read all the info you and your team give will inspire them to maybe go and find jobs working with horses.
mj
Robbie, thank you for your reply to my earlier post. I know Team Z is geting a terrific award, but for their Care of Z. Unfortunately, it seems to deny “The Queen” of having anything at all to do with her own great career. At least she will get older female for sure, and the voters have no way around that one. The votes are in, and we wait………
Patricia
Good Morning Sweet Girl!
It is REALLY snowy here in New England. Hope that you & all your friends are staying warm. It took a while, but I finally managed to go through most of the last 3 posts…WOW, so many nice things people are sharing. Love to all
Kim
Zenny-I asked the question about throwing the reins. Thanks to you, Dottie, and Mike for answering. Don’t know about you, but I’m ready for the horrible weather to leave KY alone. I bet we’ve not had five nice days since you arrived! Anxiously awaiting the awards Monday night. Stay warm and safe.
Chris Balmes
You are an incredible group of individuals and what you are doing for horses and the racing world is absolutely wonderful. You should be so proud. You cannot believe how important these postings have been to me the last 3 weeks especially. My aunt who had race horses and raced at Santa Anita and other tracks for many, many years (Joan Battles)is now 88 years old,retired and was on her way to a Dr. appt. 3 weeks ago and was in a near fatal accident (her driver died of a heart attack while driving her on the freeway). She is still in the hospital and everytime I go to visit her I take the Zenyatta news for the day. She loves it! It’s really fun to have someone like Zenyatta to talk about and I have been telling her all of the wonderful things you are doing to educate people! She loved what you did for the women on the backside and yesterday I was telling her about how you posted how long it takes for colts to be born, etc. Thank you – I was a skeptic at first about what would happen to another wonderful retired race horse and you have all restored my faith in the industry. I feel as if you should each be thanked individually – she is a lucky, lucky mare. What a difference she is going to make in the world. Way more than being a racing champion, that is for sure.
Linda B
Dear Zen Mistress,
I know this will sound weird coming from a person who just adores you , but, I have never touched a horse.What does you coat feel like? Is it soft, thick, long? I remember when I was small being around a horse but was spirited away by a scared over protective mom & dad. I see now how much I have missed. Being near 70 years old now I am not sure I will ever be able to touch a magnificent creation like you. I look at all the pictures I can find and imagine what it must be like to ride a powerful creation such as yourself.
I want to thank Dottie for writing about you so it can be in my dreams to be with you. Thanks Zen
Kathryn Cogswell
Dear Chris Balmes: What wonderful stories your Aunt Joan Battles must have to tell. Hearing veteran horse people talk about their lives and the horses they loved — there is nothing better, and ‘Z’ & Dottie do that here, too. All the best of recoveries for Ms. Battles, while you two soak up Zen-Aire; it MUST be therapeutic . .. did she see the beautiful sky that Barb & Ron France photographed on ‘Diary Post’ #52? Miracles to you both. Khc.
Cynthia Ann H.
I am so very happy that you will be receiving special company from California this weekend! I wish we might all be included. If I wrote a million words, it still would not describe the void which you have left behind. Blessings, dear one.
Lanie
Ahhh..that Mike and you were made for each other!! What careers you have had and memories! I always dreamed of being a jockey..secretly..no one knew..I can’t even imagine what it would be like to soar on a horse such as yourself…course there AREN’T any like yourself!!! You know there was a 2008 interview on Inside Information today about Mike. There was a run down of a bio of his life up to that point. At the end you see him and John…course, at the time, Mike had said he’d had a great career but always wanted to win the Triple Crown…I was sitting there thinking..wow…little did he know at that time that he would ride the greatest horse of all time! Notice, I didn’t say the greatest filly of all time but that goes without saying! Little did he know the pinnacle you and he would reach! Hey,Zen, I’ll bet if you asked him today if not having won a Triple Crown mattered to him now…he’d never even flinch when he answered..not in a million years!! He was so cute..talking about how horses had given him everything in his life..he owed everything to them. Here he’d been inducted in to the Hall of Fame, ridden some of the best, come back from a terrible injury, only to have his finest hour yet to be! WOW….it was in the stars is all I can say!! No horse and rider have done what the two of you did and you know, he gives you all the credit! He knows that the power beneath him was in you..it’s just a story for the ages is all there is to it!
God bless you and I love you..here under the moon over Ky.
Sally (B)
Z!! You make me smile each time I read and know you are happy. Thanks for all the explanations from John nd Mike. Some of those like myself have always loved horses, but it was not in our cards to own or care for one. I love each and every post!! I have been around horses with friends. It has not just been your greatness n the track it is the “whole you”, Z is who I fell in love with. I know I will always remember your regel presence; your dance that was so wonderfully adorable. I hope some artist makes a wonderful sculpture of you some day, capturing the special you in your dance. (I am saving my money) So, once again Congratulations to Team Z, and I pray that you Z will not be turned away again for such a deserving HOY!! I almost forgot, how lucky I am to be healthy, to have such a passion “because there was you”
I still want a kiss on your soft nose! love
Theresa Buck
Z I knew you and mike had something special he would ask and you would go into high gear what a team you two made
Doc
Thanks for the racing lingo Queen Z, and all bets are on ya for horse of the year!!!
Carole Cole
Wishing you all the luck in the world to win Horse of the Year…..which you were!!! No doubt in my mind. Love the photo of you resting your head….you’re a special girl.
Hope you’re still enjoying the snow! I think of you and your friends at Lane’s End as well as Funny Cide, Cigar and others at the Kentucky Horsepark. The next time I visit Lane’s End you’ll be there…AWESOME!!
Sally (B)
I absolutely love these posts Z!! Mike Smith is great as all your Z team is. I am glad your staying warm and seeing friends as well as your horse buddies. Wish I could be there with you; I love you Z!!
Whatawonderfulworld
Monica H. [and everyone else], Hotstuf has got a home! This is from Bloodhorse.com: [[“We are happy to announce that Hotstufanthensome will be going to Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue in Pawling, New York where he will have a forever home. We are thrilled that Akindale stepped up and offered their services to him. In return they will send one of their adoptable horses to New Vocations, which will enter the retraining program and eventually find a new home. This is a perfect example of two programs working together and utilizing their strengths. Hotstuff is scheduled to be shipped next week, weather permitting. Another positive side to this story is that Evening Attire who actually raced against Hotstuff is also a resident at Akindale. It is great that the two will meet up once again.
The support for Hotstuff has been amazing. We have received close to $2500 in donations. The donations are greatly appreciated and will cover his board, farrier, and vet bills during the ten months he has been with us. Any further donations will go towards his shipping and care at Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue. Akindale does have a sponsorship program and will be looking for ongoing sponsors for Hotstuff. Anyone interested should contact Erin at eclibertybell@aol.com. For more information on their program you can visit their website at http://www.akindalehorserescue.org
We apologize for any confusion concerning the rumors of Hotstuff going to Old Friends. New Vocations had contacted Old Friends numerous times over the past five months but never received any conformation on them accepting him. We are not sure who posted the information about him going there. If anyone has made a donation for Hotstuff’s care to Old Friends you will need to contact them directly with any questions.
In anyone needs to contact New Vocations they may e-mail us at anna@horseadoption.com or call 937-642-3171. http://www.horseadoption.com –
New Vocations”]] http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/archive/2011/01/06/graded-stakes-winner-needs-a-home.aspx
Shirley Nolan Al-mlaiti
Zenyatta Mike Smith Loves you and rode you with that Love , he only made one mistake with you in your whole racing life ..your last race he did not let you run full force down the home streach soon enough if he had you would have beaten Blame easily..That is what I beleive…LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU
Mary
Dearedt Zenyatta
I have seen you race many times, you brought magic to the track and tears of joy to my eyes many times…and you are “BIG and POWERFUL” and we are all so glad we have had the oppertunity to enjoy all of you, even now with your diary. You have many fans and we are all glad you know it.
“Zenyatta I Love You”
Jeannie Trumbower
Dear Z, I am writing to tell you what I told Mike after your last race…”It was obvious you didn’t like the dirt in your face but, the fact that you did what he asked, when he asked it was a testiment to your superb training and the trust & faith you had in eachother as horse and rider. And, there are no losers in that.” What a big, beautiful and smart young lady you are. I guess that’s why everyone loves you so much.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, it will go down in history: Zenyatta and Mike soaring to the finish line perfectly everytime. Hug and Love, Lisa g