Happy Tuesday,
This is too cute! Last night, Dottie, John, Ann and Jerry all met for dinner. They were discussing my ‘future exciting dating plans’ and the ZENYATTA SCULPTURE that was done by Nina Kaiser. The prototype of the piece is photographed above with Stella and Violet. It looks like Stella is commenting to Violet how much she loves it. I DO TOO!
Nina Kaiser is a very talented sculptor. She does beautiful work! Recently, she did the JOHN HENRY life-size statue that is at Santa Anita Park. While I was at BARN 55, Nina would set up appointments with John and Dottie to come out and STUDY ME! She spent hours upon hours at the barn just observing me while I was training and out grazing. Nina actually measured every single part of my body and then took detailed photos of ALL of me! She wanted to be sure she could reproduce MY IMAGE in PERFECT SCALE! We spent a great deal of time together. This way, Nina felt she really KNEW ME and had a feel for how my body parts all flowed together when I moved. I also found it very interesting to note the keen observations of ‘an artist at work’ while she was with me!
It looks like she GOT IT RIGHT! My TEAM absolutely loved her image of me…and I’M DANCING!! How fabulous is this! YEAH, NINA!
As for my dating plans, I think this news will be released very soon. My TEAM reviewed all of the details with me this morning…and I’M SO EXCITED! I will keep you posted!
With love,
HUGS to ALL~
Z
Donna
ZENYATTA XXXXX BERNADINI
george
ZenyattaxxxxxIndian Charlie
Sunny Boyd
@L of Jan 25
Why this target for perfection? Does it have athg to do with the actual racing ability?
Is this done to create the ‘Master Horse’ breed? Thanks.
Linda
Hi Zenny (Little Tige) – I wonder who your breeder, Don Robinson, thinks would be a good mate for you – there is a wonderful article about Zenyatta as a baby – just google The Saturday Post, Don Robinson, Winter Quarter Farm, Zenyatta and enjoy – he calls her “the horse of four life times” – a really great read.
JJV
From what I’ve read of all of your posts, A.P. Indy would have to be considered the favorite. Although I’m a little worried about his declining stats. As for me, I think I’ll box a trifecta of Giant’s Causeway, Distorted Humor, Smart Strike, (and a real long shot) Medaglia D’Oro. Wouldn’t it be a shocker if she were bred to Rachel’s sire!
Patricia
As someone stated, even Zenyatta probably has some imperfections & apparently they try to breed these out or as someone stated “soften” them. Just an idea, isn’t what makes us imperfect help us to overcome these flaws & this is how we achieve our optimum…by overcoming the things that hold us back…
Whatever Zenyatta’s flaws may be…look how amazing she is…I can see where striving for the “perfect” horse just might not be realistic….isn’t that what the trainer’s are for…to help the horse & the jockey work with these imperfections & focus on the strenghts of the horse. I will repsect whatever horse the Mosses have chosen-they have gotten right all along…I would like to see her bred to a younger stud…just because Zen has such a youthful spirit. Don’t get me wrong, A.P. Indy is a phenomenal horse, but I just think he has been doing this breeding thing long enough & maybe give one of his offspring a chance.
lizzy
@Linda- here is linky. Thanks you for sharing. :)
http://thesaturdaypost.org/blog/2010/11/15/don-robinson-talks-about-zenyatta-as-a-young-horse-at-winter-quarter-farm/
Stay safe out there in the snow today Z.
Linda / NJ
Hi Zenny: I think Midnight Luke is handsome! Have you considered him?
lizzy
The Don Robinson article is a must read. Again, it is demonstrates how special this horse is, when you read Don’s experience with Z AND you hear a lifelong horseman say he almost came to tears when visiting her as a 5 year old. Wow, just wow…
Maureen Feely
Just beautiful Zenyatta. So are the beautiful Standard Poodles.
Zen-Fan
I just read Don RObinson’s remarks…so gracious & fitting to the Great Z! It was wonderful to hear his perspective on her, since he spent a lot of time with her since her birth. A part of Zen’s life that we do not hear about that much.
Vertigneaux, I have read in multiple articles, was a nurturing mother & a great horse. I am sure she taught Zen well. As the old saying goes, “the apple does not fall far from the tree!” Nature AND nurturing have brought Zenyatta to this special place in her life. She is going to be a fantastic mother…years from now, we will be thanking her again & again for creating memories of times past, present & future!
Sarah T.
Dear Zenyatta, Can’t wait to hear who the lucky guy is either. Fingers crossed for a healthy, happy bouncing baby at the end of it all. The statue looks amazing. I’d love to see a bigger photo.
A side note – I sent a little package of mints to her c/o Lane’s End as a little gift for her Horse of the Year win, and yesterday I got a postcard in the mail with a photo and “message” from her on it. That was a nice lift to the end of the day and totally unexpected. That was so kind of her people to take the time to acknowledge the gift, especially after everything she must have received. Everything about her, connections included, is so special.
Karen
The statue does you justice!! It’s gorgeous.
What about Pleasantly Perfect? With his bloodlines and yours, you would have a big, beautiful, strong running baby!
Christine Coleman
Hi Zenny! Glad to read you’re happy with the prototype! Any likeness of you is dear to us! Hope you’re having a good time in the pasture with your friends! You all look so beautiful together! I’m so glad you are not racing anymore. When I miss seeing you gass those horses, I just watch your videos on Youtube, then I watch that beautiful video of you let loose. You are so happy! All I can think is no more stud chains, no more shadow rolls…you can hop over the shadows you see if you want! Just a halter and a lead rope! I love it!
Take care my beautiful girl!!!!
Jeanne Reed from Texas
This is a note to Jerry and Ann Moss: An old master horseman (who’s in the ApHC Hall of Fame) once told me that when you breed the best to the best, you’re liable to come up with a dink. So breed for the “blood” and maybe not so much the caliber to come out with another outstanding Zenyatta individual. Hope I said this right. I have to agree with Mike Smith, I don’t think there’s a stud out there that comes close to Zenyatta. He just doesn’t exist. “nuff said.
Carol C.
Well if not A.P. Indy, what about Giants Causeway??
Linda B
Morning Dear Lady,
Wow only a few months into retirement and looking forward to being a mom. I found this site and am reading and learning Zen. I have not been in an area to be involved with horses but being a medical person am interested in how you are cared for so well by your team. For those who are interested take a look at this site. Love you Zenyatta and above all Pray for your good health and well being.
http://www.thehorse.com/Video.aspx?vID=487
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta…Do you think that Congrats would be a good catch? The suspense. I love you, Big Girl…Lisa g
Valeria P. Cannon
Congrats Lady Z, Slew would be awfully proud and I’m sure AP Indy is also. Way to go Bernardini!!!!
Hugs and Kisses
Valeria
Valeria P. Cannon
By the way guys, it was announced by the NY times via Jeryy Moss, it’s Bernardini!!!!
Maria
Lucky Bernardini!!! He better be good to you!
Stacy V
It’s Bernardini, there’s an article on the new york times.
Ron
What a beautiful piece from Nina.
nancy
Got the news just now, I’m sure it will be made offical from Z however. Drum Roll it is Bernardini he is a son of AP Indy. He was number two on the list behind his father. At least we are getting some triple crown blood in there because of AP Indy. She will I guess now ship over to Darley soon to begin the process of becoming a mommy. Either way what a beautiful foal she will have.
jim
i think it is a great choice, bernardini has already sired G1 winner. he is the leading freshman sire with his first crop. goodluck baby.
Jenna
Oh my gosh, I know nothing about horses but I was just reading about Bernardini a few days ago…and thought, ‘wow, that’d be a good match!’
He’s gorgeous.
Congratulations!
Jenna
Zenadini
Teena
What a lucky guy that Bernardini is!!
Sue Fredrick
Zen, I just heard the news on TVG it’s ernardini!!!Well if not Indy I’m glad it’s his kid, this will kind of duplicate Eblouisante (Zen’s half sister out of Vertigineaux and Bernardini. She’s a big black beauty. We’ll still get that royal blood of Secretariat and Seattle Slew and he’s rated at true nicks a AA++ like his dad. So excited for you he is a handsome man. Now all we have to do is wait for the big day. Luv and kisses on your nose
Linda B
or zendinia