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
livey
@Maria/Kitel:
Thank you for NYTimes link very nice pictures…good to see new updated pics of Z….havent had one on here since the 4th. I guess LE’s is busy preparing for for mating season, however it would have been nice to have heads up that photo’s and article was one the way. Boy, would have loved to see video of run captured with other mares.
One more note on photos: Did any one else notice mark (looks like gash) on Z’s front right chest area?
Jenna
Nice story in the NY Times today!! She’s already put on 100 pounds (I guess that’s 5 for us):
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/14/sports/14horse.html?_r=1&hp
Suzanne Parent
Saw the story of Zenyatta on the front page of the NY times today 01-14-2011: “Champion Mare seeks Magic Mate!” The photo of her running in the snow is so beautiful. Good article as well. I was wondering what she looked like as a baby. Would John or Dottie have any they coudl add to the website photos section? I woluld love to see what Z looked like as a baby. Thanks so much!
Shari Voltz
Zenyatta Good Morning sweet girl. We ALL love you. Thank you for info on New York Times I must pick up a copy. Love, Shari from Ohio Hugs and Kissess
Mary
Dearest Zenyatta
Hello beautiful girl. With all this information, i only have one question…you playing with the bit in your mouth, is that why they always tied your tounge to one side? Or did you play with that too?
I was always curious about that.
“Zenyatta I Love You”
Elizabeth 'Betsy' Chisum
What most of us are hoping for, desiring is a “Noble Heart”. A Heart that doesn’t ever give up. A heart that serves others instead of thinking of ourselves. To be brave, valiant even, requires courage and gutsiness. Along the way, we hope for adventure…joy.
Thank you, Zenyatta, for your most “Noble Heart”. You have taken our breath away by your grace, your beauty, your stamina, your loving heart.
Thank you to Team Valor for bringing up this wonderful Heroin and sharing her with all of us.
Wishing God’s many blessings on Team Valor and Zenyatta.
Kindest regards,
Elizabeth Chisum
Dani
Zen – loved the NY Times article. Do you girls wolf whistle at Capone when he saunters through the barn past you? I bet you are all the real teasers. I read that Steve Haskin of BloodHorse.com also came to visit you yesterday and he was also high on how well you looked and how happy you were – just makes me so thrilled to continue to get these glowing reports. He is going to have photos for us next week along with a lengthy blog so I am really looking forward to hearing more about you. I just can’t get enough news about you. I’m a total Zenyatta addict. :)
Jenna
Dani: Love the wolf whistle comment!
Jean Moore
Beautiful Zenyatta, I hope you get to read daily newspapers just to see how special you have become. I want to thank two of your fans, Kitei and Maria who were kind enough to share the article in the New York Times/pics. You are more gorgeous than ever! Hope you have a delightful weekend with your CA family. Much Love From Me To You.
Dani
P.S. Also loved the photos in NY Times. Honestly, I’ve really never seen a horse more beautiful than you. Every time I see a headshot in particular, you just take my breath away with your pure beauty.
sg
Nice NYTimes article. Last sentence put a smile on my face….like on the track Z is a natural leader, does not surprise me that she leads the pack.
-I’m also happy to hear that she we’ll get a visit from the Mosses on Sunday. Sure hope video footage comes out of visit.
-Also pleased to hear that even the very experienced horseman Mr. Farish has fallen for our Z and recognizes her specialness.
-And lastly, it gives me comfort knowing that Z is smitten with Capone. I believe that this could only happen with our beautiful intelligent Z only if she were happy, which the case. I’m so incredibly happy to hear that Z is adjusting to her new life.
BTW, someone else posted on her an observation made on NYT photos, and it does appear she has a little gash on front right chest area. Maybe some rough play with the girls.
Sharon Call
@Dani. Where did you see Steve Haskin commenting on his visit to Zenyatta yesterday? I’ve just been all over Bloodhorse and can’t find it. Thanks!
PerkyGreen
Right-On QUARTERHOSSGAL Beautifully said It would be indeed an ultimuate injustice and a dispickable slap in the face to horseracing. For these few voters whom decide who will be HOY. Last year you felt that Zenyatta’s win in the Classic was not enough to give her HOY.Now you say winning the classic is everything. BULL. Zenyatta,and Team Z have done more for horseracing in the past few years than anyone else , they do it out of love for their sport their love and concern and care of their animals. Its too bad there aren’t more of them. GOOD LUCK,MONDAY MIZzzz Zzzzz
Dani
@Sharon Call – Sharon, check Steve Haskin’s Facebook page :)
Trisha Veazey
Gorgeous Lady Z, I have everything crossed, hoping as you so rightly deserve , that you will be honored as HOY on Monday.
Much love , hugs and kisses
Carole
@Dani — cannot find Steve Haskin on Facebook. What am I doing wrong? I went to facebook.com
Kathryn Cogswell
Nothing succeeds like an idea whose time has come . .. if Zenyatta had never existed, racing would have had to invent her, just to find its way. But, as John Shirreffs has said, “Here she is. What are they looking for?” Some just can`t see the forest for the trees, and here she is: the iconic pattern for how to rescue all that has come to us by horses — the regal Sequoia, pulling off her Trainer`s cap & resting her chin on her Handler`s head.
Jennifer Hendriks
Zenyatta, you’re the greatest, best of luck on Monday, you deserve Horse of the Year. I do have a question, how come you were never blanketed when coming to Kentucky? It would have been mighty cold those first few days outside with your California coat. Was this to encourage winter coat to grow quickly? Love and best wishes from British Columbia, Canada.
Dani
Carole – try http://www.facebook.com/ZenyattaOfficial#!/steve.haskin
karina besen
Awww i have a pic with your bridle :)
Dani
Sorry Carole – try http://www.facebook.com/steve.haskin
MK
I just need to keep thanking you for educating us and sharing the fascinating details of your life. I love learning about these specifics. THANK YOU for taking the time to write these diary posts. I cannot wait to visit you in KY when you’re ready. Wow!
H.j.H
I LOVE ZEn sooo so much, and would do anything to meet you!
You’ve taught me so much about racing! I have to say, Z, your my
favorite race horse and you mean alot to me. I hope they breed you to the BEST! (2nd best)
love ya’!
Hannah
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, I love the education you are tossing at me. Wow, it looks complicated, but you make everything look and seem easy. Love and Hugs, Lisa g
Penny
Just wanted to tell you that your bit is the same as my horse’s. I lost him today, and seeing your bit helps ease the pain. As do all your posts.
Joan
CONGRATULATIONS! Horse of the Year-SO good!
A little bit of a technical question but I’d really like to know. How is your bit different than a French link, is it just the roller in the link? Looks like a nice bit. Rollers must be fun I know other horses who like them. Thanks for keeping your fans up to date.
Joan
Penny,
I’m so sorry for you. Your heart must be broken. He must be running out with my horse. At least they are happy and free now.
Anna Wiley
Zenyatta!!! I love you!!!! I am SOOOO glad you won horse of the year! I would love to meet you, but I can’t so, whoever can, please give Zenny a hug and kiss for me!!!!! Aw, shucks. Doesn’t matter that Blame beat you. You are my FAVORITE HORSE EVER! I have 98 pictures of you….. :D Zen, I just wanted to say, from the bottom of my heart: I LOVE YOU! Love your BIGGEST FAN, Anna Wiley(the Zen obssesed 11-year old) I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, and good luck with your mating! I hope your baby can win the Triple Crown. There is so much I want to say to you, but a simple “THANK YOU for everything and I LOVE YOU!” Will suffice. Bye, Zen! Will comment again soon.
Anna
Anna Wiley
Zenyatta!!! I am SOOOO glad you won horse of the year! :D Zen, I just wanted to say, from the bottom of my heart: I LOVE YOU! Love your BIGGEST FAN, Anna Wiley(the Zen obssesed 11-year old)! Oh, and good luck with your mating! I hope your baby can win the Triple Crown. There is so much I want to say to you, but a simple “THANK YOU for everything and I LOVE YOU!” Will suffice. Bye, Zen! Will comment again soon.
Anna
Anna Wiley
P.S.-You could have won the Triple Crown, you know. :D Doesn’t matter that you didn’t, though. Your name is next to HORSE #1 in my heart! If anyone with direct contact to THE ZEN! reads this, please give her a hug and kiss for me. I LOVE YOU, ZEN!!!!!!
Luv,
Anna