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
lizzy
@Ensign–thanks for the info. Your post are always informative.:)
Waiting patiently to hear more about Z’s breeding plans. I think we all know she will be a wonderful mother. Just so curious who her suitor will be..anxiously waiting.
Kathryn Cogswell
Michael Blowen has issued a memorial tribute to ‘Jade Hunter'[1984-2011], photo by Rick Capone, and recent Steve Haskin color portrait, on the OLD FRIENDS site & Val sent a note, earlier. Their words far better and more personal, and detailed, than imaginable. “I`d like to think that Jade Hunter would be very pleased to know that he didn`t die anonymously.” Michael Blowen, Old Friends Update 1/25/11.
Rosemarie Cola
Love the statue, where will the full scale sculpture be?
Also I just love the Standard Poodles, they are very much the dog to breed to. I’ve had many a standard poodle and they are as close to human as most any dog. Very much like you Z!
Can’t wait to see who your mate is!
Elaine
Lucky Nina to have been so close to you for so long! I love that she has you dancing, too! Can’t wait to hear about your date!
Beverly
Hi Zenyatta……All of your adoring fans are awiating the big announcement! Love to read your posts and I’m looking forward to the day your first foal arrives! You’re going to be a wonderful mom! Ms. Kaiser did an awesome job on the sculpture. Can’t wait to see the life sized version! Take care Zenny, you and your family are always in my prayers
Jennifer Adelman
Dear Zenyatta, What a perfect replica to you and the sisters look like they approve…Too Cute! Wish they could make copies to sell I would definately buy one.
Oh, the news is close and we are waitng to hear!
Hugs!
Debi Hamari
Beautiful Queen Zenyatta,
What an amazing sculpture of YOU!! How perfect that you are dancing!
I am so excited to hear who your date will be.
Love and hugs!
Kathryn Cogswell
*[Re: above note] As it is not yet on main ‘Old Friends’ website, sending note with Mr. Blowen`s Tribute to ‘Jade Hunter’ to GoToSeePenny@AOL.com, and hope OK w/ the hosts.
Sally (B)
Hi lovely Z!! Wow, this statue of you is perfect! It’s you;and dancing! Just the other week I said to my close friend who loves you too, that I was waiting for some day a beautiful statue of you and your special dance because this would be what I would want of you. Here it is!!!
Is Nina considering taking orders?? I’d order one in a heartbeat.
Someone said AP Indy is too old to be your date. I don’t believe so; and there are certainly ways to check that out medically. Please, why don’t all of us fans just enjoy your post, and understand whoever your Z team has chosen for you, they have given careful considerations to a number of good stallion producers, always with you Z in mind. My excitement will be to see a baby Zenyatta!! Love& a kiss on your nose!!
Joan
The prototype is beautiful, Zenyatta. I am sure the finished statue will be extraordinary. I can’t wait to find out who gets to be your first date, too. I hope you like him, whoever the lucky stallion is.
kurt l
SUSIE- it wont be dynaformer..hes to big!
hes 17 hands as well. gonna have to be a smaller stallion. AP is the logical choice but wouldnt be surprised if its his son mineshaft. if they go off the farm, bernardini seems logical, can you imagine those same beautifull white feet/blaze that an AP/ZEN foal would have
Janet Cutting
@ L –if you didnt see my comment from yesterdays post– I just want to thank-you for giving me an answer to my question– have a great evening. also, gotta say,” PACKERS TO THE SUPERBOWL!!!!” HOORAY!!!!! Janet C
ENSIGN
@ KURT 1,
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Dynaformer’s height has no relation to his not breeding maidens…
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An astute and well known breeder of old often said try and breed ‘like to like’. He figured the smaller horse was often good because he was small, same for the big horse. Breeding physical opposite extremes can produce more ‘duds’ than sticking with similar types.
Just food for thought.
Robyn Mullhausen
Zenny, your statue is beautiful just like you and I’m glad Stella and Violet approve. Your first date will be soon. I’m sure your team will make sure he acts like a gentleman….accept nothing but the best. ;) Thank you for all these wonderful Posts even tho’ I know you are busy right now. It keeps your devoted fans from feeling so cut off from your. The videos and photos help, too. Love to you and kiss, kiss, kiss on your soft nose.❤
Tracey - Ottawa, ON Canada
Yes that describes you to the letter!!! To me that is the first thing I think of when your name is mentioned!! Very well done!
Jenna
Ensign! I read somewhere, online, that the Mosses will likely not overbreed her. Does it sometimes depend on the owner?
If 20 years is the case, I’ll be in a wheelchair when I get to see her…:(
Delrene
Having visited Three Chimney’s Farm and witnessing Dynaformer/and a mare in the breeding barn, I’m aware of some of the precautions everyone takes. It was difficult to see the mare hobbled. I agree with Mike and can’t imagine a stallion worthy of her, but I’m positive the right choice will be made. May God and all the professionals at the breeding barn watch over you Zenyatta. You are most precious to all of us. Thank you for all the posts and we look forward to hearing about your baby-Daddy.
Lorrie
Z the statue is wonderful. Best wishes to you on meeting the mystery stallion.
Debbi M
Can’t wait to hear who he is!! PS– You make him take you out for a nice dinner first, you hear!!!
Mary McQuire
Who will it be!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????????
Helen & Guido
Z, the sculpture prototype looks beautiful! I hope there are images of it for sale, how beautiful you look. Yes the dating news will be very exciting. Whoever it is, they are very lucky indeed.
Jenna
Sculpture: http://www.equinesculpture.com/limited12_Zenyatta.htm
Jenna
Hobbled?? What is that?
Ellen Zachary
that is awesome!!!
Joan Walls
A beautiful sculpture of you! Where will this be located? I can see you dancing! Maybe you will be in the next Dancing with the Stars!! And what excitement – the BIG ???????? Who will be the lucky one? As all excited relatives (FANS) are, we are curious to know whom he will be. I know that the two of you will make all of us very proud. Hugs Z. Joan
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Ensign — If Zenyatta were your horse, to whom would you breed her. Very interesting, the adage “breed like to like.” We had not heard it before. We are certain there are other interesting ones as well like “breed the best to the best and hope for the best.”
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Ensign — I understand that A P Indy was born a cryptorchid — was surgery performed?
MD Reynolds
Love the statue & I’m delighted it shows you dancing!
Keep us posted on your future dates!
Linda / Maryland
Zenyatta, I love your statue. I wish I could afford one. Wow it’s beautiful.
I know your ream will pick the very best stud for you ~!!! They love you that much!! Like all of us do!!
Don’t let him bite you!
Love you Zenyatta~!!
ENSIGN
Greetings KENNEDYS,
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To be honest, I’m not sure if Indy had surgery, but I’ve never heard that he did. He is known to pass down that condition though. He wouldn’t have made it in the AKC ;-)
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As far as who’d I’d breed Zenyatta to? I’d be tempted to try Indy this season as it’s probably his last. Her half sister had a lovely colt by him, though of course it’s too soon to tell if he has any talent to go with his looks. Indy has sired many many million dollar yearlings who’ve ended up racing duds.
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If Indy couldn’t fulfill his duties, I’d send her to Giant’s Causeway this season. GC produced an excellent racehorse and now very promising sire in Shamardal who is out of Street Cry’s full sister, Helsinki. GC has led the sire’s list the past two years as well. He’ll produce a horse who can run on turf or dirt.
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@ JENNA,
Hobbles are used in the breeding shed to keep a mare from kicking at the stallion. Some farms employ a single front leg type which is just a leather strap used to keep her front leg off the ground until the stallion mounts her.
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Less commonly used with TBs are hobbles which encompass a mare’s two hind fetlocks (ankles) with straps running to a surgicle around her girth. It again keeps the mare from protesting, though that type are more risky as far as entanglement for the stallion & mare.