Hello,
It is another beautiful day in California….about 78 degrees, sunny and wonderful. I had a fabulous time this morning going out and jogging a bit on the training track. It is great to get some exercise, graze, and visit with friends.
Wow…here comes my blacksmith, Tom Halpenny! Tom is such a great guy. He is from Ireland and has worked with horses most of his life. He has worked on my feet since I came to California at 2. Tom has also been the blacksmith for some other amazing horses you might know: Flawlessly and 2 Kentucky Derby Winners, Giacomo and Sunday Silence. I’m in great company!
When the blacksmith trims your feet, it is like a person getting a manicure. They file them like filing your fingernails. Then they trim them, make them nice and healthy and put on the new shoes. Today, Tom is taking off my aluminum racing plates and putting on my new steel shoes. These are great for everyday type activities. Usually a racehorse gets shod about once a month.
I wear a size 7 shoe. From what they tell me, size 5 is average. My, My!!!!! What does this say about me?
I guess…that I am one lucky girl!
Hugs to all. I’ve got to prepare for my photo shoot this afternoon. I get to show off my new shoes! Such fun!
With love,
Z
Julie DuVall
I wear a size 7 shoe as well, although I don’t think human shoes and horse shoes compare all that well! I am planning to come see you next week … be prepared to have LOTS of photos taken!
Debbie
oh, you big, beautiful girl! It is sooo fun hearing from you daily, my heart just swells reading your diary, stay happy and healthy! xoxoxo
Cheryl
Zenyatta they need to get your shoes from Rodeo Drive as you are a shining example of what a star should be. I know the feeling, I stand at 5’9″ and wear size 11 to 11 1/2 4 inch heels!!! Big feet, you and me your NJ fan!!!! Thank you website for keeping us informed about our beloved Zenyatta. If I had owned you I would have named you “La Rue Verte”, La Rue meaning Street in French, and the Verte meaning green from Vertigineux. Go get some French shoes too!!!!!!
Sara Rhudy
Oh Z, you make my day so special when you talk to us!! And every girl should have new shoes as often as possible! Love you beautiful girl!!
Selene McCarthy
My Irish sport horse wears a sz. 3 shoe, and his feet are HUGE! How can you be a sz.7? You need diamonds on the soles of your shoes….that would be most regal Queen Z and quite flirtatious!
I love your daily posts..keep ’em coming!
Robin Porcelain
What a lucky blacksmith Tom Halpenny is. You, Zenny, and Sunday Silence are two of my all time favorites!!!
Alex Bowdoin
Dear Zenyatta, it is so good to read these
diary postings and know that you are doing
well and you are happy with all of this
attention! You are so loved by your Team and all of your Fans.
Ann Maree
What that says about you dear Lady Z is you are very special indeed! But, of course, we have known that all along! I got a treat today and went to Mr. Shirreffs YouTube channel and watched two of his newest videos….got a look at some of your stablemates who are really great looking! Also, one video featured you, doing some light jogging and walking, and lots of your fans were there taking pictures! I’m so glad you are keeping busy, and that you seem happy. Thanks for letting us take a peek inside your world. Stay cool and keep posting your diary! Hugs!
Debbie
Z..I wear a size 7 too! I think you’re the greatest.
dianne robertson
Hi “Z”, love reading your dailys, keep them coming. So you got new shoes, big shoes, for a big girl. Many people I know would love to see you race again, before you become a Mother, do you think that’s possible???
Michelle
I tried to come to California to see you last year but it didn’t work out for me. Fortunately, you came back to race some more this year. My sister-in-law and I love love love you, we watch all of your races together. We drove 8 hours to Arkansas just to see you race. Then we drove 5 hours to Kentucky just to see you. I feel so lucky that we got to see you in person – definitely a Bucket List item. Stay safe and sound.
Ingrid in MA
Size 7, eh? Just means you’re ABOVE AVERAGE!! And with Lucky #7, too!
You’re the BEST, Zenny! And remember to tell John,Jerry,Ann,and Dottie that you aren’t finished with the racing scene just yet!! One more year!! Love ya’ big girl!
Vivian
Queen Z is happy, Healthy and living large at beautiful Hollywood Park… Love Ya !!
Pat Mannion
I love you Big Baby. I get tears when I think about you Zenyatta and Mike of course. Whatever happens I hope with all my heart you will be happy.
William
I was wondering what size you wore! We are soo lucky to have someone tell us about your days! We all hope it keeps happening! Thank you so much!! Lots of love!
William
Sandra
Would love to see you strut your new shoes in the Dubai Cup, girlfriend.
You are awesome!
Sandra Ryan
Would love to see you strut your stuff in your new shoes in Dubai, girlfriend.
You are awesome!
Linda Robb
Lady Z – I can’t believe you have the same farrier that Sunday Silence had…he was one of my favs, as well as Seattle Slew…and of course you!!!
I hope if you get sent to Kentucky to breed,that Mario goes with you.
I agree tho’ – you are the Queen, so the stallion should pay court to you :)
Amanda Gilliland
Lady Z a big Hello from Alabama! I love reading your daily post! I am so happy for you that you are enjoying life. I’m glad you got your new shoes for your pictures. Zenyatta, you are truly one of the most amazing horses I have ever read about. I hope and pray one day I get to meet you in person. I read the wonderful article they wrote about you where the man said he could feel the positive energy coming off you.The same energy as he said he felt off of Seatle Slew. The only 2 horses he said he ever felt that just by standing beside you. I know this may sound silly but the first time I ever saw your picture I felt that energy too! Lady Z you are so special and I hope they tell you that everyday. There is something very, very special about you. Lady Z, you are truly a gift from God and I thank Jerry Moss and his wife for sharing you with all your fans. I love you, Zenyatta!
Amanda
Mary Alice Kier
Dear Zenyatta,
It’s so wonderful to have this incredible forum where all your fans, from all walks of life, who love and adore you can pour out their feelings of pride and love for you!! It’s really amazing what you have accomplished for the soulness of thousand of people. I truly believe your wonderful owners and team have achieved what many would only dream to with a gift like you. It’s great that you are posting all that is now going on with your life…no doubt the new shoes mean a change, but with change great things happen! You are the best thing to happen in a long time for racing and bringing out the spirit of believing in people and, Zenyatta, I thank you for that joy! You are the best and we all love you!!
Eileen
Zenyatta, even though odds are that you will be retired and if you do, I really wish you a wonderful retirement, but I can’t help but hope to see you again on the track. Something tells me that you would be even more BOSS on turf than you are on dirt and synthetics. ;)
Winnie24
Lady Z, I am an American Sport pony and at 14.2 hands I am not quite cpmparable with you! But gymkanna is my style, what I don’t have in speed and size, I make up for with attitude. We ladies have to have attitute to win. My people love you so I have to say you must be something special. Enjoy your shoes. I am a barefoot gal myself.
Vickie
I am going to try to see you…hope I can get in – Thursday if not I will try Friday – I cannot tell you the thrills and awe you have given me – Ann and Jerry – Steve and Mike and Mario -John and Dottie what a team!
Snoprinz
Hi Zenny! I check your daily posts without fail. The manicure and steel shoes -is that a subtle way of telling us that you are retiring? If you are, please stay in CA because that is where you belong and you’ve had your happiest days there. Mario has done an excellent job of taking care of you and he can’t be with you if you retire in KY. Please stay and have your babies in CA.
Kari Bussell
Nothing like a great manicure to make you feel beautiful….and you know you are…
I love you diary post. I love reading about your days and smiling with the knowledge you are happy. Live with all the joy you gave us…You are a Great Champion…I am so proud of you.I love you.
ewa
Hello Zenny! Been following your career and now your diary. Always remember, the world loves you.
Kisses and hugs from Sweden!
Namcy
Well, steel shoes means you are definitely retired. You deserve it- you earned it. All of your connections also earned it. They love you but what stress it has been having the Queen with the whole world watching. I know they all wanted you to win the last one but none of you owe anybody anything. Everyone involved has earned time out of the spot light.
Virginia Wood
Dottie, Ann or whoever does this – Thanks. Thanks for making her available to us. Thanks for keeping us informed. She is one amazing mare and I pray for her everyday to be safe.
Lisa g
Ms. Zenyatta, Good Morning to you. How was your photo shoot? The camera loves you so much, you are so beautiful. I will check in this afternoon to hear all about it. Stay in California, race one more year in California where you are safer. Love ya bunches, hugs and kisses, Lisa g.
Meghan Coleman
Lady Zenny,
Cheers to what Stephanie Quilichini wrote, about the prospect of your being SI’s Sportsman of the Year. To my mind, a greater honor than one restricted to a single species, and a more encompassing tribute to all that you have done for your sport, the world of sport, and the legacy of horse and human connection.
Perhaps the award might be for all of Team Zenyatta, you and your own humane, human connections. The Nirvana Nine (in alpha order): Ann, Carmen, David, Dottie, Jerry, John, Mario, Mike and you. Who recognized your gift of spirit as well as speed, and allowed you to become all that you now mean to so many of us.