Good Morning,
YES…I am very excited to have my CA visitors stop by and see me this weekend. Thank you for mentioning this in your responses. I am sure that JOHN will take many photos. I know he’ll be delighted to share them with you! As you may know, he loves photography!
Yesterday, when we talked about the REINS…(and yes…all of those terms you noted do fit Mike Smith’s basic concept)…John mentioned the REINS ARE THE PRIMARY WAY A RIDER COMMUNICATES WITH THE HORSE.
In conjunction with this, John wanted me to add that “HORSES HAVE A WAY TO COMMUNICATE BACK TO THE RIDER…AND THAT IS THROUGH THE BIT! It is ALL ABOUT A HORSE HAVING A HAPPY RESPONSIVE MOUTH.” In RACING, almost ALL of the communication by the rider is through the reins and the bit. The rider’s legs are not as important in giving the horse clues as it is when dealing with riding other breeds of horses. This is because the jockey spends so much time in a crouching position. The hands and touch on the reins holds great significance.
Thus, it is a very interesting dynamic…RIDERS/REINS and HORSES/BITS. The way a horse communicates back to rider through the BIT is how he/she holds the bit in the mouth: tightly, loosely, or on one side or the other. The rider must pay close attention to ‘how the horse is playing with the bit and responds to it”. This is very important.
There are many different types of bits. To name just a few, there are ring bits, snaffle (D-Bits) and leather prong bits. Perhaps if you have time, go to a tack shop one day and just look at the variety available. How a different BIT is selected for the horse depends on the horse, the horse’s response to the bit, and the type of message that needs to be developed through this communication. The trainer makes this decision while working with the horse.
Per John, the trick is for a trainer to find the bit that is most comfortable for the horse. It must be one the horse likes and responds to well when training and racing. The bottom-line is that the horse learns his/her lessons and responds to the equipment when asked by the rider…relax, change gears or pick-up speed.
A horse’s mouth is very sensitive and plays an important part in the ROLE of the BIT. Horses have dentists who check their teeth often…for general health reasons and also to be sure this equipment fits comfortably in their mouths. My dentist, Sonny Wilson, would check my teeth quite a bit. Horses’ teeth can develop sharp edges due to the fact that when they eat, they grind their teeth back and forth. Sonny would FLOAT (file) my teeth when needed. This was approximately every 3 months. He’d do this to be sure the sharp edges were taken care of properly and to be sure my mouth was comfortable.
As illustrated in the photo, I wore a K-K Snaffle Bit with a Roller. You can see the roller in the middle. It has 2 joints in it which added to my comfort. The K-K part simply notes that a special company made this bit and a metal alloy was used in the product that was really nice in my mouth.
It was also very important for ME to keep my tongue under the bit while racing for breathing purposes. (This is true for all horses.) Thus, per John, the roller in the middle of it also acted like a bit of a ‘pacifier’ for me. I would PLAY WITH IT while it was in my mouth and it would also kind of amuse me to do this. BUT, AT ALL TIMES, I also knew to respect the BIT and BE RESPONSIVE to it. I clearly understood all of the different messages Mike and Steve were giving me and what they were asking me to do…and I responded to them. They, in turn, did the same for me! We had GREAT COMMUNICATION!
Communication, as you know, is so important…on so many levels!
Off to play!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Debi Hamari
Beautiful Queen Zenyatta and Dottie,
Thanks for your dauly updates and education. I have always loved horses and it’s so fun to learn more about these intelegent animals.
You have to be one of the smartest horses ever, Queen Zenyatta and John and Mike and Steve knew how to bring out the best in you.
I hope that you have a really special time with your California friends and family. I know they must miss and love you so much!
Love and hugs!
Hugh Hurst
Zenyatta, After I read the article that was in Steve Haskin’s report about your past relatives, that was written by a retired Professor(Abagail Anderson, I believe) you are on a higher pedestal than I had you before. What a bloodline!!!! Team Zenyatta/More power to you. Thanks for all the info!!!
Diana
Keep these coming! Zenyatta and team, you are doing over and above for horse racing even in retirement. I have a million questions along with all of these others. Behind the scenes, prep, care, training and so many other things fans do not know. We love you all!
Gloria Jeanne
http://www.drf.com/news/two-camps-feel-worthy-horse-year-title
Terri
Thanks so much for teaching us about the horse racing industry, Zenyatta. Good luck on Monday!
Alex Bowdoin
My Dear Lady Zenyatta,
We survived the Blizzard, got a good 18″ here where I live! Went to work today, the
roads were in good shape. Typical New England…My co-workers are starting to talk about HOY…I have decided that if the East Coast idiots do not vote for you, so be it. You are so loved by your fans that come from all over the WORLD. That young lady who flew from Scotland to see you run…That is just amazing to me.
I have not met you yet, but I will someday and I am so looking forward to it!
I will watch either TVG or ESPN and we will see what happens on the 17th. You are the HOY AND HORSE OF THE DECADE. Team Z knows how many fans you have, just look at the Daily Diary! You have made many people very happy. We love you XOXOXOXOXOXO
Sally (B)
When I fell in love with you Z, and you became so famous I never imagined I would be able to hear from you through these posts!! This one has been another super informative one! Crossing my fingers & toes for you on Monday night!! I’ll be thinking of you and your team. Looking forward to more photos and videos. Love
Quarterhossgal
Zen…just read the comments from Jerry Moss and Al Stall regarding HOY. Jerry Moss,was passionate about his views, and correctly so. Queen Z should have won HOY the last 2 years and for the Moss family to give the racing public a chance to see her run again this year was a gift. We all have been priviledged to see one of the greatest horses of all time and to deny her HOY a third time is unthinkable.
The people who voted for HOY should remember racing is dead without its stars
and there is only one horse that brought fans to the track over and over again. It is ZENYATTA. They came because of her unbeaten streak and her connection with the fans. No one can say ZENYATTA didn’t run her heart out each time she stepped on the track. Her final race just showed everyone what a champion she is!
Shari Voltz
I also read the article about Zenyatta and Blame. Mr. Moss is so intelligent and refined. He came across as a really caring, loving man who just really really cares about Zenyatta. Blame’s owner gave me the feeling like Blame is an object. He sounded cold. I did not like his I don’t care attitude. I know I don’t know a lot about this industry but Ann and Jerry Moss are such fantastic owners who have allowed us the common people to be apart of something so great. I feel sorry Blame has to be owned by this kind of a person. I love you Zenyatta. You are to me the GREATEST RACE HORSE EVER no matter what. Many Hugs and Kisses from Shari in Ohio
Jenna
I enjoyed the interview with Mr. Moss, as well. I do hope she wins…in fact ,I just know she’ll win.
*** God was showing off the day he created Zenyatta.***
Dani
Hello Mz. Z. I hear that your ‘Mystery Date’ will be announced within the next two to three weeks. Very exciting. :)
Linda/Orange MA
I cannot argue with Quarterhossgal she said this right. If Zenyatta does not get HOY. She will be horse of the decade and horse of the century with her King, Man O’War. Took Man O’ War over 100 years to find his Queen. They both lost by upset and blame. They both ran their heart’s out as champions. Zenyatta is the Queen and always will be. Good night Zen and thank-you team.
NancyJS
@sg
I believe in being truthful and direct not sugar
coated and wishy washy. Blog manner? Where
are these written in stone.
@The Kennedys in San Diego
Thanks so much for that information. How wonderful
that Zen received the first and second best moments
in racing. The more she accomplished. The more
good ole boys changed the rules. Blame is truly
a very talented horse. It is a shame that his owners
are building his greatness on this one race. He deserves
to be remembered for his greatness rather than defeating
the greatest female race horse of all time. Zenyatta’s
greatness is just soooooo much more than the
2010 Breeders Cup Classic. I wish all race horse
owners we as kind, caring and generous as The
Mosses.
Zenny have a wonderful warm and cozy night
with PQ and the gang XXXXOOOO
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: Hope you had a wonderful day. Did KY get any snow? If so, I know you had a wonderful time rolling around in it. Well Zenny, I read the interview with your Mr. Moss. Zenny you gave the industry a very exciting 3 years. In comparison, the chance of becoming a fan of any racehorse is pretty slim. We don’t even get a chance to know their names and they’re retired after a few starts or at best a season. With you Zenyatta, we had the opportunity to not only follow your 3 year career, but were also given the chance to fall in love with you. Horseracing needs their stars. And WOW what a star you are! We are only going to think positive thoughts from now until Monday about you winning that the HOTY award. We love you!!! Love, Linda
Joan
For you who can’t get TVG on the television, check and see if they are streaming the awards on their website, tvg.com. They will stream races, maybe they will stream the awards.
I am pulling for you ZEN,just like the last 2 years. I am praying the third time is the charm. Zen, you don’t need an award to confirm your greatness, the voters are just people and ZEN we out number each voter 1000 to 1, so you already are HOY!!! Good luck to team Z,
you are a great group of people.
I went to the BC this year ,you are the only reason I went. Everyone I talked to was there to see you, no other reason.
We laughed, hurry up and get the Friday card over with, let’s get to what we all came for. Zen, you didn’t disappoint one of us. That Classic was your finest moment
and I am so glad I was there to witness it. Watching you in the strech, you were magnificent, the power, it was incredible. I have watched racing for years and the power was indescribable.
I can still hear the roar of the crowd when you headed down the home streach, I will never forget it and probably never witness your likes again. Your greatness
will never be forgotten. Good luck Team Z
Deneen
Z — just read the latest HOY articles on BH, TT and DRF. The HOY voting process needs to change! Given the importance of this award, it should not be solely determined by a select few, but rather it should be based on a majority vote of everyone who wants to be involved. This country is still a democracy, right???? I couldn’t agree more with the Moss’ in their views — they are dead on right about Zenyatta and what she has accomplished and brought to the sport of racing. Quarterhossgal — love your post. My thoughts exactly!
Lori Stein
I just finished reading the article on Bloodhorse.com about HOTY. I agree wholeheartedly with everything Jerry Moss said. I think the majority of the racing world will be upset and once again disappointed if Big Z doesn’t take home the big prize. It’s more than just a numbers game, not to mention the fact that anyone Blame beat (or didn’t beat) in his so called tougher races, Big Z ran right by in the Classic. Yes, Blame won the big race (just barely), but that didn’t seem to matter last year for Zen. Either way, Zen is and always will be one of the best and most popular racehorses, male or female, who ever existed. LONG LIVE OUR QUEEN!!! Lori
Darlene
I just read a wonderful piece at http://www.timesunion.com. There is a blog about HOY and KWheeler wrote a fantastic summary of your contributions to racing during the past 3 years. It presents the total picture of why you are The Horse of the Decade. Zenyatta, whatever happens on Monday night, we are with you, John/Dottie and the Mosses. You have done wonderful things for the racing world. You have given it heart….just like those who came before…Secretariat, Seabiscuit, Ruffian and Seattle Slew. Good luck sweet girl!!!
sg
@NancyJS
Good luck with that outlook. @_@
Nothing annoying about this post from shortskinnylady:
**Shortskinnylady said:
January 12, 2011
Great info for the non-horsey set! Thanks, Dottie-Zenny! Do wish someone might discuss lip/nose chains one day. Volatile subject, however, among many people, I know. Thanks so much to all who contribute to Zenny’s diary!!!***
@Shortskinnylady, please continue to post and please do not let
those who lack basic manners from preventing you from posting your love for Z or any other questions. We all love Z, “horse people” and “non-horsey” people alike ;)
HOY to you Z — Hope all is going well with you. Anxiously waiting for video/picture!
Bonnie MacRaith
HOY… win or lose has no bearing on your accomplishments Zenyatta, they stand alone.
NancyJS
@Joan
Thanks so much for the information on TVG.com
I found TVG on my satellite TV. I am so excited I
can watch Eclipse Awards.
Oh My !!!! Rock Hard Ten is gorgeous. I bet he lives
up his name. His pedigree is way too close
to Z. Not only Kris S but Roberto, too.
Just saw Mike Smith on TVG talking about his ride on Jakamo
2005 Derby winner. I guess there is more than
Zenyatta in his life. Sigh!!!!!
Saw
jim Kelly
Hello all Zenyatta fans!…I think they should breed the Queen to A P Indy..I think the Mosses should name Zenyattas newborn; A Pinyatta.
NancyJS
@sg
Many of us have been following this web site
a longtime and many of us have said please see
other diary entries for this information. Why get
stuck repeating the same info over and over. We
all need to move on like Zenyatta has. One greatness for
hopefully another. She has never been stuck so why
do you prefer those who read this site to be!!!!!
jim Kelly
Thanks for all of the wonderful memories girl..You without a doubt deserve to be Horse of the Year! (And on the 7th day:God created Zenyatta….)
Shirley Nolan Al-mlaiti
Love your Posts Zenyatta #56 was wonderful and very imformative..I learned what I did not know about some bits..Thank You Zenyatta..Keep the Posts coming I love them as I LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU
Vicki B.
These posts all about the bit have been great — very educational. Thanks.
Another HOY article pointed out that “In 2008, Curlin swamped Zenyatta 153-69 for the honor, although he finished fourth in the BC Classic. Zenyatta won the BC Ladies’ Classic that year.” And then “In 2009, Rachel Alexandra easily beat Zenyatta 130-99 for the big prize, even though Zenyatta defeated the boys in the BC Classic, which Rachel skipped.” And in 2010, although Zenyatta won 5 Grade 1 races, because she was barely nosed out by Blame at the wire in the BC Classic, Blame’s trainer says his 3 Grade 1 wins “were tougher races than Zenyatta had run in California”, and so he feels Blame “deserves the award”. Bereft of logic, in what kind of warped world does this make sense? I can’t hardly keep from being angry, at the craziness of those who apparently are unable to really see her for what she is and has done. It boggles the mind. And heart. Like Jerry Moss was quoted, “While we appreciate perhaps the other awards, we’re going there to win Horse of the Year and if we don’t, we’ll be disappointed.”
Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/It-s-Zenyatta-vs-Blame-again-for-horse-of-year-955307.php#ixzz1AzFJk4mj
Maria
Here’s a nice article about you that I found while searching the internet. I read that you were flirting with a teaser stallion named Capone. That is funny. Gee I wonder who will be your first date.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/14/sports/14horse.html
Queen Z. Have a nice visit with your family from California. I am sure they are excited to see you.
Kitei
Zenyatta ~
Some people experience you and, forgetting themselves, rejoicing that a marvelous creature like you can exist, are able to enjoy letting you lift them up to your level. Some people, though, experience you and, unable to forget themselves and their own pettiness, feel diminished by the comparison, and so seek in vain to hold or bring you down.
But you, sweet one (as you know), are really beyond being affected by such small-minded human madness! All your real friends of all species are only happy to know and love you. And, don’t we all know that, for you, just being who you are is so much more than enough! The truth is that the hearts you have opened to the love and the wonder that you embody far exceed the value of artificial titles or trophies.
“There is a saying attributed to the Prophet (Mohammed) (PBUH), that, ‘…if your neighbour owns a horse and you do not, open a window in the wall to allow the Blessings to reach you from next door.’ There is a legend that they were created beautiful to attract people’s attention-so that they could then perform their various missions of helping humans and filtering out negativity…but then people began to want to own and possess them for their own egos-’and greed spoils everything…’”
(– quote from Her Royal Highness Princess Alia Bint Al Hussein of Jordan)
You have been blessed to have good people around you who do really understand this – and, they have even helped with the “opening of the window” to spread the blessings around to all of us. So many lives touched, so many hearts uplifted – there is no trophy to equal this in real value!
(But, of course, even when you are already so much more, you SHOULD be Horse of the Year, TOO!)
Kitei
Oh!
Nice article in NY Times! Sounds like you are having great fun!
Ten PHOTOS, too:
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2011/01/13/sports/ZENYATTA.html
Tom Hunt
You truly are a lady and a champion! When you see AP Indy, tell him Thanks for me, as his off spring have helped me pay my daughters way through college! Now, does the shadow bar on your nose really make that much difference?
Best of luck in the motherhood thing!