Good Morning,
I am still ‘BASKING IN THE GLOW’ of my GOLDEN TROPHY! What a complete honor! LUCKY, LUCKY ME!
I did want to tell you how GREAT it was when my family came to visit last Sunday. Here are a few photos. I had lots of treats…which I shared with my friends…and hugs and kisses. Those I kept for myself!
Ann and Jerry spent a great deal of time with me both inside the barn and outside while I was in the paddock. They watched me play with my friends and do some very ‘spirited’ gallops around the field with my 3 buddies. We are really getting along beautifully. P.Q., Sea Gull, Alyse and I are great friends. This ‘bonding thing’ is very special and I think I’m getting the hang of it now.
Then John and Dottie each spent ONE-to-ONE time with me. John really wanted to just visit with me…he and I all by ourselves. Dottie did the same. Over the last 4 1/2 years, I have spent so much time with these 2 people…especially my dear John. All of the quiet time visits…1 to 1…really mean a great deal to me. During our time together, John shot several photos of ME…and I’ll share some of them with you tomorrow. (He is just so cute…carrying his cameras around. I’ve seen him do this for years now.)
As you can see in today’s photos, my ‘winter coat’ is growing. This is what keeps me nice and warm while I’m outside. It is all part of nature’s way of helping me to adjust to a colder climate…as it does all horses. I do feel like I am adapting beautifully to my new life at the farm. I also KNOW ALL OF YOU are still in touch…and that makes me feel so, so, so special!
Many of you are asking about my FIRST DATE! I know the options…my family did discuss them with me. Between you and I, I know MY FAMILY is going to LUNCH next week to finalize the details. They promised they’d tell me FIRST…and then all of YOU! This is really too cute! I’m getting so excited.
Breeding sheds open in MID-FEBRUARY around Kentucky! So, it is getting close.
As many of you know, I just LOVE SPORTS…guess it is because I am an athlete. It is a fun FOOTBALL WEEKEND. MY N.Y. Times Buddies, THE JETS, are playing. Gotta’ love Jason Taylor! Not only is he a terrific Jets football player…a few seasons ago, he was also one of the FINALISTS on DANCING WITH THE STARS. He and I have the DANCING THING IN COMMON!
This is also a big secret……a friend of mine tried out for that show! I’ll keep you posted. If it all works out, in my free time, I could offer some of my ‘unique dance steps’ for the program! THEY COULD ALL LEARN TO DO ‘THE ZENYATTA’ !!
Have a lovely Saturday!
With Love,
Hugs to all~
Z
Sue
Would love if your 1st date was with AP INDY.
Judy Gadwood Loves Zenny/California
Hi Sweet Zenny! I was looking at my pictures of you in my camera today… remembering how wonderful it was to be so close to YOU! You will always be special to me. I haven’t begun to print all of them… you don’t take a bad picture, do ya! JOHN HENRY likes to have you part of our lives & and collection :-)
I know John S adores you and that’s why he shared you with us. Thank you, John! I can’t wait to see more pictures of Zen!
XO hugs and kisses!
Boo
Oh my gosh Z!!!!! I do “The Zenyatta” so good now!!!!” So do some of my friends! Our mamma’s taught us with carrots!!!! Now I bow, and do “The Zenyatta at the SAME TIME!!!!! I get a little confused and melt them together. Some say why does Boo keep bowing and stretching his front leg? I sy, “It’s The Zenyatta Dance!!!!!!!” We should put up a video of all of us doing “THE ZENYATTA!!!!!” You would really love it. I love you!!!!!
Love
Boo!!!!!!!
P.s. You have such nice teachers!!! John ,Jerry, Anne, and Dottie are really nice . You must have loved your private time. It’s really special Z.
Deborah Carlino
Thanks for letting us be a part of your life. HOY was soooooo deserving! Can’t wait to see who will be your first. Enjoy!!!
Laurie
Congrats also on your latest award – The Secretariat Vox Populi – The Voice of the People!! What a perfect award for you. I have a feeling it will be another 10 years before some other horse deserves that award! You are truly the voice of the people – we all love you!!!
Gerrie P.
I still feel so thrilled and elated about your HOY victory. And to think you will be the first recipient of the Secretariat Award, well, its just the most fitting recognition you so richly deserve.
I must say I like many others can feel the care and love John and Dottie have bestowed upon you during your time together with them. Its wonderful to know there are such honest, loving people in the sport of racing.
Your owners Jerry and Ann Moss are classy people and its obvious how they feel about you, Z. Jerry’s acceptance speech is one I will always remember fondly, and, the true emotion both Ann and Jerry showed when your name was announced at the HOY awards.
Thanks for the photos, we always love looking at our Queen.
cheryl
So thrilled you are part of a FAIMLY and they do not forget about you. Many horses, after racing, do not have that. Yes you are one lucky girl!
sherry drish
WE ALWAYS ENJOY THE PICS AND UPDATES, WINTER COAT WILL SHED OUT IN THE SPRING, SO YOU WILL BE YOUR SLEEK SHINY SELF. NEXT YEAR WE ALL HOPE YOU WILL HAVE YOUR FOA BLY YOUR SIDE. IF WE THOUGHT WAITING FOR YOUR HOY WAS A LONG TIME, WAITING ELEVEN MONTHS YOU TO HAVE YOUR FIRST FOAL WILL BE A LONG WAIT, BUT WORTH IT. LOVE TO ALL. SHERRY D…..
Joy
Hello my love, I was thinking about your first “boyfriend” and I thought about Curlin or maybe Hard Spun. They are both some hunky studs, and Curlin even lives at your place. Smarty would just LUV you!! Whoever they decide on, they’ll be a lucky stallion, having a date w/you!! Hope you have a lovely Sunday, lots of hugs to you and your girlfriends…
Lisa in Colorado
Z: I read your posts and smile – and half the time I start to cry for the sheer wonderfulness of you being in this world, and the generosity of your connetions to share you with all of us.
You are one beautiful girl, inside and out, with an incredible family. Ann just can’t stop looking at you when you are nearby, and can’t stop smiling. You are so loved by so many.
Dawn Conrad
Meant to pass along a couple of notes:
Carolyn: Thank you so much for the web connection to Tranquility. Priscilla Clark must be a remarkable women. Reading her entire message from the night of the Breeder’s Cup was extremely moving. And the work of the organization is amazing. They have a great video about retired thoroughbreds and how talented they are as well as many photos, stories and special horses awaiting adoption.
Catherine Uher: I am really enjoying some of the great names you are coming up with. How fun! Hope you doing well.
Peggy and Cindy: Thinking about you also.
Carolyn Caswell – Brown: So glad you enjoyed a special song from the past. Singing around the house is also something I enjoy.
Peggy: Thanks for the words about Riva Ridge. He truly was remarkable and was the real savior of the Meadows. He held such a special place in Penny’s heart. If you have not already read “Secretariat’s Meadow” by Kate Chenery, it is a very beautiful book, I think you would enjoy.
Brooke Curry: It was so great to read that you did a research paper on Zenyatta for your class. It is always wonderful to see and hear from young people who are part of the Zenyatta legacy.
Roseann
You are a very lucky girl, Zenyatta! I look forward to every post and appreciate how your very special family lets us stay a part of your life! Much love to you and all! Have a great weekend!
Jenna
WooHoo! Photos! I still tear up every time I hear you’re visiting with John. Am I the only one? I wish you and John and Mario could see each other occasionally, fingers crossed. I’m a baby I know.
Whoever Mr & Mrs Moss select, I know will be the right choice, and one they took many things into consideration to reach. I just don’t like the term ‘breeding shed.’ It’s sounds tawdry to me, the baby.
Thank you so much, Dottie, for sharing these wonderful photos. The Mosses looks so happy. Such kind people :)
Joyce
Hi Queen,
Your Moss’ are having lunch next week to arrange for your first date. They live in sunny Cal of course. Also the owner of Stonestreet Stables lives in Cal and owns a winery there. Is Curlin his name???? You are both HOY and multimillionaires. Hmm, Curlin.
Love and nose kisses. Joyce.
Joan Walls
“Z” you are just too CUTE. I love you so much. And I love that your family is soo willing to share their experiences with us, your fans. I so look forward to your diary pages. And just think – we will be able to be thinking about a “baby Z” nest year! I do not have any grandchildren, so this is especially fun for me! I liked that you said that you kept the Hugs and Kisses for yourself! Love you so much Zenny! Joan
Gloria Jeanne
I would love to see you on Dancing with the Stars!! Thanks for photos! John is awesome, I’m sure you two miss each other a lot. Thanks Dottie for hanging with Z 1 to 1, I’m sure you shared memories and the awards nite. Congrats to you Zenyatta (make a movie). I am so excited to hear about your new boyfriend!! Love and Hugs!! Queen Z
Dawn Conrad
Robbie: Thanks for researching the tag. The ESPN story was great.
judith berube
Dear Z,
Please tell Dottie she is very witty and writes with so much emotion, it is a joy to read your posts. I look forward to them. As my Patriots are out of the superbowl playoffs, I am rooting for your NY friends, the Jets. (I’m not that upset as I have been a Yankees’ fan all my life and partial to New York). Look forward to knowing who your mate will be. Keep dancing and playing with your friends. Love to all of you. Judy
Barbara Wood
Precious Z–
This is one of the best posts ever.
We are the LUCKIEST people in the world to be part of YOUR world and YOUR team! Thanks to all of them for making us feel welcome. We love you so much that it’s a comfort to be on this marvelous site with like-minded people who don’t roll their eyes every time we mention you. Like so many others have said, your posts make my days. We’re off soon to watch our local #1 Baylor Lady Bears play tonight. YOU know all about #1, don’t you? Love you always.
Debbie
Great photo’s, loved reading all that you write.
Linda T
Wow Zenny first date, don’t be nervous and i’m sure your family will pick just the right mate for you although i still don’t think there’s one out there good enough for you my Queen…Thanks for all the lovely pics and stay warm…Oh and BTW i knew you were going to win the HOY ;)
Barbara Wood
Dawn Conrad–
I just found your post at the end of yesterday’s diary. You said exactly what’s in my heart. We are one huge Zenyatta nation stretched from coast to coast.
Pam Zacek,
wow, what great pictures , and the way you share with John , Dottie and every oneof the team, and MY God, I just say , Seattle Slewed first trainer, say something, just wanted them to know, i saw him race, once, told my Mom, he is going to win the triple crown, My Mom told me I was nuts, then i bet with her needless to say I won, and here I am another great Horse, theQueen Z, you dance, great, can’t wait, to watch your steps again, with your your new colt or filly, be so cool. enjoy your fun in the field, and looks, like the snow is gone there, for now. thank you again for keeping us, up to Date on the Queen./
Pam Zacek,
thank you again, for letting us see the new pictures, liked the comment about Seattle slew, and heck, can’t wait to see the Queen dancing, or the team.. Great to share the fun and folic with your new buddies, thanks, team Z,
Diane Bourgeois
OH ZENYATTA you brought so much love to all may GOD keep you healthy and happy you deserve that and more.I just love you! You are my hero. You are so talanted not only can you run you dance better than any Filly I ever knew.You are truly awesome.Iam waiting to hear who your new beau will be,hope you like him. Good Luck Z
Patricia
Miss Z, congratulations on receiving the Secretariat Vox Populi award!!!! Sweet girl, we love you and are so proud of you in every way!!!
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, I just love your post today! The photos are fabulous! You are so photogenic, I must say! I am so glad you had your special time one on one with your very,very special family. I am so thankful that The Mosses are your parents because I don’t think any other family would have shared you with your Fan Family like they do. The Sherriffs are amazing too. Dottie, thanks so much for making our contact with Zenyatta so special! I wish I could be a fly on the wall at the lunch next week. I can hardly wait to hear!
I know they will have your best interest at heart whoever they choose. I pray when that time comes you’ll be safe. I know they will do everything to make sure you are. I just worry about you Sweet Zenyatta! I start my day each morning with prayer and I ask God to continue to Bless You and that you stay healthy, safe and happy. This has already been an amazing year for you & your family and there is so much more to come. As bad as I want to see you, I am so thankful that they have waited to after your baby is here because after reading Steve Haskin’s article that explained about the necessity of limited exposure for health reasons to keep you & your foal safe. As long as we have Dottie to keep us updated so we can see photos and hear from you that will be wonderful. I love you, Zenyatta so much! Hugs & kisses from Alabama With Love, Amanda G.
Theosa Hoffeld
Queen Z you are too cute! Love all of your diary posts! Hugs to you and team Zenyatta!
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
I’m sure Lane’s End and Team Z knows more about this than I do. Is there any risk to having Wifi devices in the barn for a foal in utero or for those magnificent ovaries Zenyatta is rightly proud of? I have spoken before about developing an acceptance that we can’t live-stream Zenyatta’s life. First of all, parts of society would come to a standstill, watching! Zenyatta deserves to carry on without being in the public eye at all times. We should simply be grateful for the unprecedented access Team Z has given to Zenyatta’s fans.
To ZENYA (I love that nickname John gave you, as I remember): Thank you for the sweet photos today. I’m very glad that John and Dottie each had time alone with you. Speaking of your ovaries, how carefully John watched over you, Zenyatta, so that you completed your career able to go on to the next stage of your life in tact.
In Paleolithic times, archeological evidence shows that there was a Great Goddess, before the coming of a male God. The Great Goddess was a shape-shifter–she could assume the many forms—of herself and even of other creatures. Female mammals–equine and human to take two examples close to us right now–are shape-shifters; their bodies change when carrying their offspring and when suckling them.
You, lovely one, are a mortal divinity, a descendant of the Great Goddess and you have begun shape-shifting already. Your athlete’s body, all muscle as the three photos on this website show (apparently professional athlete’s need to have as little body fat as possible), is changing into the softer body of a broodmare. A rounder girth, a neck not quite as crested, as it was when you trained. You developed those muscles because every day except for one Steve Willard had you in check, your neck bent proudly, head to one side, clearly wanting to run faster.
Soon your body will begin to fill out b/c there will be another inside of you–think of it!–another being just like you, yet unique. One day, you will lie down and in the great miracle that is birth bring forth your foal, its wet head and neck pressed against its outstretched thin legs (if I remember the presentation of a foal correctly). Within minutes this being like you but still a mystery will struggle to its feet with some licking and encouragement from you, and will find your teat full of “gold.” That is what people call the thick yellow colostrum, which comes before the milk. Colostrum is rich with immune properties and nourishment. Then the milk will come in. Imagine, you Zenyatta the same horse who in 1/16 of a mile would fly past all remaining contenders and win Grade 1 race after race! Even a race against “the boys.” The same you, shape-shifted, will stand patiently while a spindly foal puts its head up under your belly, still full from giving birth, to suckle.
Many broodmares graze while their older foals try to entice them to play. I bet you’ll be a different mother. You are so frisky, Zenyatta, that I can see you dipping and tossing your head as you play with your little one.
Gold is a metal that remains undimmed over hundreds of years, millennia—hence its association with immortality. Your gold Eclipse Award represents your legacy, one that will not dim with time. How fortunate for those who love you closest, Team Z, and for your fans that what will be a fairy tale some day is for us real.
Leslie R.
Good afternoon Horse of the Year, thanks for sharing the pictures of your visit with your Cali family. I enjoyed looking at them and hearing about your time together. I’m glad you got to spend a lot of time with Jerry and Ann and that you got some 1 on 1 time with John and Dottie.
I can’t wait to hear who your family has chosen for your first date! It is very exciting.
Good luck to your friend who auditioned for Dancing With the Stars! I hope they are chosen. It would be fun so see everyone doing The Zenyatta!!
Have a good night, sweet Z!
Love to all,
Leslie