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
Edie Dickenson
Ann and Jerry, Dottie and John so deserve that one on one precious time with you, Zenyatta, the precious one!
Vicki B.
@Kathryn Cogswell, I am on FB, so I found Ann Maree Matthews page with “BCC10 – Zenyatta’s times” — but I don’t want to pre-empt her response to you (yet). She does mention that her times are not official, but “believed to be correct.” She also posted this link to one of her blogs, which doesn’t require membership, and has a lot of links & photos she collected, but I didn’t see Zenny’s times there: http://thezenyattaeffect.blogspot.com/
Diane
Queen Z, I am still basking in your glow of HOTY! It is so wonderful and deserved that you Finally got that award officially But you are really the horse of a lifetime! Ok as far as the Zenyatta Dance, I have been doing that for the past couple of years! I think we really need to make it an official dance now! Let’s collaborate and make it official on You tube and more! Any one interested to work with me on choriography contact me at dianeradu@hotmail.com! I’ve got a band and dancers to make it happen! Let’s go Team Zenyatta Fans to celebrate our Queen of this Century! I’m ready if you are. I know Zenyetta is always ready for a new challenge! Let’s go Team and Fans to celebrate our Most wonderful inspirational horse there ever was! The time is now so ww can show the world how powerful ww can
be on Dancing with The Stars coming up, also my # I 619-708-7238.
Call me y’all! Luv ya Z and Team, Diane
M2 + Little Bit & Ready Lady (team from the Little Bit Ranch)
Great post Ms. Z and Dottie. Loved it and I was touched by the one on one time you were able to spend with your family. Two things: First, I am so looking forward to the announcement of your stud. I love learning about pedigrees and this will be one more way to learn more! Second, I will bet it is Mike Smith who tried out for the Dancing With Stars show. How great that would be for this wonderful industry. More exposure is what we need. Lots of admiration for Mike – he is very good and special.
Little Bit and Ready Lady also send their best and want you to know they are glad you are making friends and are having fun just being a horse. Enjoy!
Our best to you from The Little Bit Ranch.
Denise
I bought a photo of Zenyatta taken the day she was out running and bucking with the “team Z” visiting. I cried! Zenyatta is so beautiful and she looks so happy. I wish all horses had all the love she gets! She is beautiful and smart too! Think about all the people who are touched by her. Amazing! Including me.
Sara
Oh Z, please don’t ever stop posting these diary updates!! I just love them!! And YOU!!! Hugs & kisses!!!
Jess
Zenyatta you are a very, very special horse. If I were Mr. and Mrs. Moss I’d hold onto you too. And if that choice. For all eternity. Stay warm, well loved and well fed, drink a big G. for me. Love,
Jess
Joan Dobbie
Thanks for the updates! Oh, I hope Zenyatta is forever famous, forever happy, forever loved…
Deana Dameron
This is a guestiment: Chantal Sutherland (jockey) tried out for Dancing w/Stars-used to date Mike Smith. I am thinking this is Z’s friend she is talking about. Also, if Z’s family has to meet with her potential mate’s family over lunch does this mean that the colt is maybe not at Lane’s End? Your thoughts please???
Karey
Robbie P K, and all dancing doggie lovers:
This is really a happy dance to watch.
Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqbVbPvlDoM (If this link doesn’t go live, just go to Youtube.com, type in
‘Carolyn Scott and Rookie’, then watch the first video on the left.)
Meredith A Hughes
I thank you, thank you, bow to the Queen Z..I know you love your family visit…I have been so worried about you adjusting in December to KY weather from CA..also that you are getting out in the pasture for exercise…I know you can’t wait for the bluegrass in the spring…I think you are getting a spark to run because it is so cold..to warm up…We miss you so much and we thank your family for keeping us close to you..you and your family are so much in our hearts and minds everyday…I want to come and just see you even from a distance when weather breaks…Can I do that? even see you over the fence? I know you are going to be a great Mommy…I do not know if you will have time with your colt to teach them any steps…I thank you for keeping in touch…and Dance the best you can…Zenyatta…we love you….forever..you special special baby..
Meredith an extended family member
Karey
P.S. About that last post of mine…Just want to reassure everyone that I posted the link to a dancing dog in honor of our dancing Queen Z. If you watch the video, please be sure to turn the sound up. The crowd sounds a lot like they might be Zenyatta fans!
Kathryn Cogswell
Hi, Vickie B. — Thank you for the Link. On one of the more professional sites, I was touched by the little courtesies and protocols one of the visitors made with farm personnel, before heading off to a meeting & viewing the horses — it was for a professional appointment, and she knew several people along the way, but still made these gestures. There was something old-fashioned and correct about the process, so I agree that waiting for the timeliness of the thing with Ann Maree is very nice. And appropriate. Khc.
Georgette
Zenyatta, you should try out for Dancing With the Stars. Oh, sorry but the Steelers are going to win.
MD Reynolds
I just knew you’d get HOY this year! Thank you so much for the past few years. It’s been such a joy to watch you race.
Have fun w/your new girlfriends & I look forward to reading more posts!
deb
thank you for sharing Zenyatta with us!!
monica
big CONGRATS to our dear ZENYATTA on your horse of the year – you SO deserve it – you have for years – we were so happy for YOU and your team – thank you big Z for all the smiles and happiness you give – i love you a ton!! GOD BLESS you and your team always!!
Kathryn Cogswell
Up late, up early, and a bit owl-y. An old series on tv last week stuck in my craw: in an episode about a professional horse situation, there was much rushing, flailing, and falseness, while the horses filmed for that segment were so quiet, serene and patient, among all the human glitz and clatter. With no intention to be a wet blanket, and for sure enjoying her playfulness, please consider that how the public [meaning those not ‘us’] sees us ‘using’ Zenyatta, will have effects; a perhaps negative one may be to make a jumpy generation expect that for things relative to the Horse to be exciting, they also have to be ever more ‘produced’ and zany. Within the serenity of a good barn — often with all kinds of music — there is a lot of calm, ordered routine and animals thriving happily, where cats and horses vibrate on mutual harmonics, soothing one another, and the frequently mentioned aura. Paul Newman made clear near the end, that he disparaged the concept of ‘branding,’ guiding by his will the careful use of his image and any attributes uniquely his. He knew something about business. As there is clearly a welcome mat to her public by Zenyatta and her clan, if we take care to consider our part in her story with the simplicity and decorum she brings, we will remember she stands elegantly for the Horse, which belongs to solid, timeless, intrinsic calm in a frequently glib, but noisy, rushing culture, hollow by comparison, but demanding. All the excitement she reflects still required a deep keel to assure equilibrium. During her early training, John Shirreffs said, after a blow-up, “I never want to see that again,” because it wasn`t good for her. ~ Without the sailor`s gifts, but as a bit of a designer, it is the durable simplicity of the sailboat, its sea-worthiness for the long haul, and gaining safe harbor for craft and crew, that is impressive and ageless. There are outstanding facets to ‘Z`s’ narrative, and the contributions of her public have been appreciated over and over. Keeping that in mind for our next steps, we can mirror her iconic grace to contribute in what has ceased to be a ride and now is a dance, sailing with hope for the long haul.
Rose
My dear Zenyatta,
What day and time didya state that luncheon was scheduled to discuss your date? Hmmm, maybe, we could be glued to the tube awaiting the news….I’am an AP Indy kinda girl…but they are all so cute and handsome…
Zenny the way you walk, there must be music in your head…love you!!!
Kathy Kimber
Dear Lazy Z, I hope your friend makes it to Dancing With The Stars I really like that show. I know you could come up with some really great steps and let your friend in on it all. Thanks for sharing photos of your “family” visit I know these visits mean a great deal to them too.
And to Paula Turner if you read this what you did for Seattle Slew was unbelievable and we all owe you a tremendous debt of gratitude.
To all of Team Z thanks again. Hey just thought of something Ann Moss’s “Z” pin you should do a replica we’d all like one.
Darla
Your God given natural coat is beautiful!! So glad to see you with Ann and Jerry!! Thanks so much for the posts and Congrats again for your HOY award!!
Bobbie Graser
Wonderful pictures, Z. So much news to look forward to! I think they should change the name from “Breeding Shed” to “Honeymoon Suite”, ha! I’m sure all you girls would appreciate a little more romance in the process. I was thinking about what a transition it must be from race mare to retirement and how much patience everyone has shown in acclimating you to your new life style. You are blessed to have such dedicated caregivers—but then you deserve it.
Alene
Hi Zenny, You are the MOST PRECIOUS thing EVER!!! Your heart is as big as you are. Love you Zenny!! You sure can teach “Dancing With the Stars” a thing or two. I remember Len Goodman talking about you. You look stunning by the way. Your new coat becomes such a gorgeous girl!! Your Ca. family ADORES you and vice versa.. You`re all so lucky to have each one of them in both of your lives. God saw to that,Zenny…He also gave you to us…A.P.Indy will be your first date. Good Luck. He has alot of experience. You have the LOOKS!!! Lots of Big Hugs and Kisses, Alene
Robbie Hamilton
Ahhhhhh!!!! You are just SOOOO cute, Z!!!!! I am so excited for you and ALL your achievements. You have changed the face of horse-racing for so many of us and made it PERSONAL again. THANK YOU for letting us get so close to you. You are a dream…gorgeous, FAST and with the heart of a champion. God Bless you, Zenyatta and your wonderful family. They are showing us all, through you, what a champion you truly are. Keep the posts coming, they truly make my day. :o))
Jena Hobert
And how is our reigning Horse of the Year? Oh Z I am glad you got to spend some time with your family. Quaility time is important. It would be neat if you could go to Breyerfest in July. Its after breeding season and only about an hour from Lane’s End. Breyer is the company that made a portrait model of you Zenyatta. Model horses are a big deal! They even have model horse shows. Breyerfest happens in Kentucky every year. Its all about model and real horses. Did you know Breyer has done several fameous racehorses?? I hope to see you when I go to Kentucky in July my Queen Z. Love from us all. Secsea Dance, Salawgi, Simon and Picasso
Astrid
Zenyatta, so lovely to see you with your family!! I am so glad that you kept all the hugs and kisses and got to spend one-to one time with with your dear friens! They all must miss you so! Your winter coat is beautiful but you always are!
@ Boo – you are too cute!
@ Gary Moulton – you said “A movie about Zen is the next step. I don’t think any horse has stared in their own movie, it’s possible Zen could have another first.”
…. Mine That Bird (KY Derby winner 2009) will be staring many scenes in his movie – filming starts Feb. I believe – so he may beat Zenyatta in this:) I am happy for the little gelding. His 1,2,3 at the TC was awesome! I too hope there will be a Zenyatta-movie one day!!
@ Kathryn Cogswell – beautiful post
.
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
To KATHRYN COGSWELL: Thank you for the wise post that all who love Zenyatta should take heed of.
I loved this line in particular: “As there is clearly a welcome mat to her public by Zenyatta and her clan, if we take care to consider our part in her story with the simplicity and decorum she brings, we will remember she stands elegantly for the Horse, which belongs to solid, timeless, intrinsic calm in a frequently glib, but noisy, rushing culture, hollow by comparison, but demanding.”
Demanding–yes. Zenyatta’s fans would do well to shed that trait, in my view, and cultivate a certain decorum, a grateful acceptance of what the Moss family shares of Zenyatta with us, which is quite a lot.
To KAREY: Thank you for the link that we may all enjoy and think of it together with Zenyatta, the equine dancer who dances to her own flute.
To JANE IN SEATTLE: Chandi isn’t skipping. She’s actually changing leads every stride. I’ve read dressage riders’ comments who saw the video. Some said they wished their horses could do as well.
To CONNIE WINNER: Thank you for your generous words. I will be sure to look up Pat Parelli’s videos.
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
There is a beautiful photo by Mathea Kelley on Facebook, part of Zenyatta’s official pictures.
Zenyatta looks as if she has just emerged from the mists of creation. She trots toward us, ears pitched forward. Our luck that this mortal divine horse arises in our historical time.
Theresa Buck
awww the first date… A.P Indy is great but maybe but (secretariat) still foal great runner may have john run over and talk with seth hancock or penny chennery great things comes from modern science just think a foal fron the late great secretariat and the queen zenyatta wow what a combination great stamina from both side nothing can beat on the track
NancyJS
@AJ from CA
I am also sad for those who lost first
foal. I am sure they are devastated. Curlin
is such a talented horse. Wish he was already
a proven sure.