Good Afternoon, It is rather nice here in Lexington today….in the 40′s. It’s good to hear that we are supposed to have ‘nice’ weather in KY for the next several days. My CA FRIENDS mentioned that it is a bit ‘chilly’ there today…somewhat gray and overcast. It has been very warm weather in CA lately so it is probably nice to have it ‘cool off a bit’. In reality, it is winter time!
I wanted to share with you a photo of my friends from LAS PROFESIONALES AUXILIARY MEMBERS…ASSISTANCE LEAGUE..SAN PEDRO-SOUTH BAY! This is the organization which invited me to become an HONORARY MEMBER last December…the day I was honored at Hollywood Park. These women wanted to honor me for all of my PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS as well as my CHARITABLE WORK! (Please note: MY PHOTO is hanging on their Chapter House wall…right behind them in this picture.) As a gift, they had a fabulous ‘warm and toasty’ blanket made for me to use while in KY. It is very nice!
Well, The Assistance League is celebrating its 75th ANNIVERSARY on May 1, 2011…and I am going to be IN their Anniversary Program. This is truly an honor. I know I am a THOROUGHBRED RACE HORSE….but it is so encouraging to note that HUMANS have recognized MY ACHIEVEMENTS AS AN ATHLETE as well as MY CHARITABLE EFFORTS.
Helping others by supporting various charities has been a big part of my life during the last few years. In reality, I have tried to focus on helping in whatever way I possibly could. I have worked to help my FELLOW HORSES…who need to be retrained for a 2nd career or simply have a safe and happy place to retire as they get older. I have also strived to help provide for student scholarships…by working with RACE FOR EDUCATION. Additionally, I have been very active with my efforts to support the V FOUNDATION for Cancer Research.
My contributions have been significant…and I really feel good about all of them.
Next Saturday, MY TEAM and I will be honored with the FIRST SECRETARIAT VOX POPULI AWARD at Santa Anita. Mrs. Chenery, Secretariat’s owner, is the individual who personally selected US to be the first recipient of THIS AWARD! What an honor that we are her FIRST CHOICE…and that she is traveling so many miles to personally be at Santa Anita for the ceremony!
In relation to this celebration, Santa Anita is doing some wonderful artistic posters to commemorate the DAY! I have heard the posters will be sold that day at the track! For my part of the sale proceeds, I have requested my funds be equally shared between OLD FRIENDS and CANTER of CALIFORNIA. Both of these charities work with such devotion to help so many of my dear, horse friends!
Recently, Dottie saw samples of the posters and said they are lovely and quite beautifully done. (She did add…I look wonderful in them. BLUSH, BLUSH!)
All of this is such an HONOR…and QUITE EXTRAORDINARY!
I feel SO FORTUNATE to be able to HELP!
Enjoy your Sunday!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Paula Higgins
See how many lives you have touched Zenny!!! You are truly the gift that keeps on giving. I have watched the movie SECRETARIAT 3 times now (have it in DVD) and he reminds me so much of you with his come from behind style. Penny Chenery has done some amazing things for this sport and naming you her first recipient of the Secretariat Award is just one of them. You are most deserving. I saw John’s interview where he is asked questions and one of them is (paraphrasing here) “What was the best decision you ever made?” He said “Asking Dottie Ingordo to marry me.” That made me smile ear to ear. Simply loved that. Besides the way you all relate to Zenny, it is very heartwarming to see the way Jerry and Ann relate to each other, and John and Dottie as well. Happy people, happy horse:).
Sarah Powell
Please,please,please make the posters of this event available for purchase for all of us on the east coast. Thanks to Queen Z and all of the team for continuing to keep her fans involved and informed and for all the wonderful things that are done in her name. I hope someone posts a video of the event next Saturday so that we can see the award ceremony – what an honor! We’re all so proud of you!
Sharon
70 diary posts and going strong!! May the generosity of Team Zenyatta continue to be an inspiration and model for all TB horse owners, trainers etc etc. Would that we could all be at Santa Anita next weekend – I think it will be many, many more years of thrills thanks to Team Z.
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
It is so wonderful Zenyatta that you and your team have given and continue to give to charities and organizations. I find it the most touching that you give to horses to better their lives in a second career or for their comfortable retirement. It is so heartwarming!
Everything you do brings magic and happiness to others!
Love & Blessings to you and your team Zenyatta!!
Barbara Wood
Dearest Z–
My dear girl, all these awards are so deserved. You are simply reaping the rewards form what you have sown in talent, in love, and in compassion. Love is one thing that’s easier to multiply than divide.
@luvscritters–love those appendix quarter horses! Ours is (for want of a better term) the great nephew of Alysheba, who died just 2 months before we could get to KHP to meet him. RIP.
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
Dear Zenyatta: This is one of the many things that is remarkable about you, lovely one. You said: “I know I am a THOROUGHBRED RACE HORSE….but it is so encouraging to note that HUMANS have recognized MY ACHIEVEMENTS AS AN ATHLETE as well as MY CHARITABLE EFFORTS.”
Humans have recognized these achievements and efforts because you have crossed the human/animal boundary on your long beautiful legs. Your Team Z built the bridge that made the crossing possible. Truly a historic moment, your life, in the relation between human and nonhuman animals.
Much love and respect–Robbie
Jean Moore
Beautiful Zenyatta, You truly are an extraordinary girl in everything you do! As I said to you in an earlier post, fame carries a measure of responsibility and you carry yours with such grace and humility, but then, you were taught by the best. Mrs. Chenery’s presentation of the First Secretariat Vox Populi Award to you and Team Z really kicked it up a notch, and she’s that right! Much Love From Me To You.
Lois Gillespie
More well-deserved honors for you,Zenny and for your team. So many have been helped by your charities already, we are all running out of superlatives to describe you.
Z, Can you ask Dottie a favor? I try to read every diary entry and all the comments, for the lyrical and eloquent writing and the knowledgeable contributions of so many. Is there any way the posts can be self-numbering so that these old eyes can leave off reading and find the spot easily when I come back to your site? If it can’t be done, I of course will continue to read everything anyway! You are such a gift to us!
Maria
Its great that the Zenyatta’s team will be honored with the first Secretariat Vox Populi Award. Wow! Mrs. Chenery will be there to present the award. You’re so special. I love you.
Stella Bagwell
Dear Queen Z,
Your heart is as huge off the race track as it was on it. What a generous, loving girl you are!
Congratulations for all your work, Z, you truly are fabulous.
Enjoy the nice weather as you play with your friends.
Love and hugs to you,
Stel
Mary Washer
Zenyatta,
You should have Dottie publish your diary. It would be great to have one of your wonderful photos on the left side of the page and your diary entry on the left. She wouldn’t have to have an entry every day but at the top of each entry, put the day and date. It could chronicle you leaving Barn 55 all the way to the birth and experience of motherhood. I know I would buy it in a heartbeat!
My husband and I are so proud of you-as if you were one of our grandchildren!
Mary Washer
Entry on the right; Sorry Zenny.
Snoprinz
Zenny, you inspire me to be more passionate about giving to charitable organizations, both human and animal. Your kind and gentle nature is a reflection of the character of your human connections.
Congratulations on being the First recipient of the Secretariat Vox Populi Award. Penny Chenery couldn’t have made a better choice. I heard that Secretariat posters will also be available at the event. You and Secretariat are two of my favorite horses. You both have the same racing style and you represented your sport in the most positive way. Thanks to both of you. Luv you Zenny and take care.
Catherine Uher
Hi Zendotti! It would be so great if you could post a picture of the posters that will be sold to raise money for your two charities! I’m so proud of the work you have done and continue to do for retired TB racehorses that need a new home! It’s just like you, Z, to be so giving of yourself to help others and I think that is one of the things we all love about you! Hope you’ve had a fun Sunday and go to go outside and play with your friends! Hugs and carrots and kisses to you sweet girl! :)
JoAnna Liming
I do sincerely believe that you truly deserve the honor of the SECRETARIAT VOX POPULI AWARD! I can’t think of a more fitting candidate for it. For many of us we never got to see Secretariat perform on the track. You are the closest to that very experience. His story and yours fills my heart with pride.
On a side note – as a hobby I enjoy looking at the pedigrees of race horses…. I was thrilled to see that Bernardini is a Great-grandson to Secretariat! Oh your babies will be grand!
Much love Lady Z
Cathy Polansly
Hi Zenny, can you ask Dottie a question for me (please) if it’s not to much trouble? If it is I will under stand. Here is the question; if we are unable to be there on the 5th of Feb. to receive a poster, is there a place on line where we can order the posters. I would love to be there but I live in the bay area and can’t afford the flight or gas to drive there (unemployed wish I wasn’t). On another note, I glad you are having fun at Lands End and I bet you can’t wait for your first date with Bernardini, he looks very handsome and you both make a great power couple. Have a great rest of your Sunday. With lots of love and Big Hugs :)
Robin
Hi Team Z!!! You guys just amaze me on how caring and generous you
ALL are. Just one of the many reasons you are so loved. Yes Zenny it is raining in Cali today but I for one like it!! Stay safe &
Warm pretty girl!!! MUAH!!! XOXO
Dawn Conrad
Dearest, Zenyatta. Thank you and Dottie for another great diary post, they mean so much. I am so glad the weather was a bit warmer for you today. I am sure you and your paddock pals enjoyed some time in the sun. Speaking of gal pals, what a great group of women are in your post picture this week. How special that you are an honory member of such a great organization and that they have recognized you for all that you have accomplised both on and off the track. You are loved the world over for everything that you have done for countless individuals, human and horse alike. Mother Teresa once said, “Speard love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” You are the equine embodiment of those words. You lift our spirits, touch our hearts and always bring a smile or tear of joy to our face. How fitting that you will soon be receiving another very special honor from Ms. Chenery in memory of the great Secretariat. It will be so wonderful seeing Team Z and Ms. Chenery together again in celebration of you, Zenny. Congratulations to you all. Would love to be their in person, but not sure I can make it. I will certainly watch for the posters, hopefully they will be on sale. Old Friends and Canter are both such great organizations. Love you so much, Zenny. Sweet dreams at LE. Hugs and kisses.
Waiting for Zendini or Bernyatta
How proud WE all are of YOU!
Lynn ....from California
Hi Z,
I’m looking forward to new DVD’s of You, and your own book! Not to hurry on the book, because I’d love for the book to include a few of your foal’s information too.
… … …
.. I appreciate you Z, Love ya …
…any clue if a new racing DVD is in the works yet! I have the one of your 14 races ending in 2009.
Dani
I love how you continue to be honored for all you have achieved both on the track and off. For your excellence as an athlete and for your heart of gold. I especially love the charitable work done, for that is a living gift that gives other horses the chance to live out their lives being loved and knowing the contentment that you have always known. That you also work with the Race for Education and the V Foundation, also living gifts, show even more that some hearts know no bounds. All these gifts bring back blessings and you and the Mosses and the Shirreffs deserve every blessing received. Many thanks to your friends at the Assistance League and to Mrs. Chenery for honoring you – honors which you and your team so richly deserve.
Elena Erdman
Dear Zeni. I lived this post. I was in the Pasadena Assistance League for 18 years and am now sustaining. I then joined the Tournament of Roses. I have done volunteer work all my life. I love helping people and have been in many charities working. I will be at Santa Anita on the 5th to see Penny Chenery give out the first Secretariat Vox Populi Award and am so excited to see the art work. I said hello to Mike Smith at the Sunshine Millions, he looked fabulous, he has such a great smile. Wow you are honored so much, what a thrill you are so deserving as well as your team. It is raining pretty hard now. I am glad you are having so much fun, we are too with you. Stay warm. Love you.
Jan in WV
Zen,,,
I love you and your team so much for all the charitable work you are doing in the name of Horses !~! Please look into another very worthy cause right there in Lexington, New Vocations TB Rescue. It is a great cause and when I need another horse (might be a few yrs ) I will Adopt one from there.
Thanks again ”Z” for these wonderful posts, I look forward to them !~!
with Huggzzzz,
Jan in WV
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, You are truly an angel! You really are changing the world, not just the racing world….all of it. I am going to ask my friend to get me a poster of you, he does not live far from Arcadia. Sweet, Special Zenyatta, I thank God for you…Sweet Dreams of Carrots and Peppermints…Lisa g
sue
Zenyatta and team. So proud of everything you do for others. Not only regarding the racing industry ….. I am so lucky that you have allowed us to be a part of your life
Sunny Boyd
Good evening Zenyatta,
another great ‘Hi’ from you/and your ghostwriter Dottie
In giving we shall receive
You’re plenty great on your own, but the extra kudos don’t hurt!
So will you be going back to CA for the May 1rst, Zenyatta celebration?
I visited Old Friends website, and checked out Little Silver Charm, what a cutie! He could stand & hide right underneath you and you’d never find him, wheehee:)They have a lot of nice horses there, some look as stately as you. Your team has directed you so well, in all matters of horse and other! You have a better family than some humans, you are indeed fortunate. In giving we shall receive/or what goes around comes around, dear Zenyatta.
You sleep tight, and sweet carrot dreams for you:)
Jeanne from Texas
I look so forward to logging on to your website my dear Zenyatta because it always not only gives me a big emotional lift but those tears of joy never stop either. I can never thank the Mosses’ and the Shireffs’ enough for sharing all of your achievements with us. How special you are Zenyatta and they are too. I know God Himself is proud~!
Julie DuVall
I was already planning to buy a print next Saturday but now that I know the proceeds will go to TWO good causes I feel even better about it!
Did you know that on the “Secretariat” Blu-ray one of the extras is a simulation of his Preakness race with comments from different people — including your jockey, Mike and he mentions YOU several times!
Maryann
Dear Z it was only natural you would be chosen for the first Vox Populi award.You have done so much for the sport of horseracing, for other horses in helping them in their retirement and for other charities. You have brought to light the sad fate of too many racehorses after their racing days are done. Their owners treat them like disposable merchandise. They deserve better. I truly hope your posters will be for sale after the ceremony perhaps on your website so those of us not at Santa Anita can get them too.
Thank you Dottie for always keeping us in the loop and helping Zenny with her blog.
Lauren
Z, Today I am celebrating my 2nd anniversary with my horse who I adopted through CANTER. Thank you so much for supporting their amazing efforts!