Happy Saturday!
Wow! David just returned from a one day business trip to CA (also saw Dottie and John for a fun visit) and said it was 80 degrees there. This weather thing never ceases to amaze me! It is a bit chilly here still in Lexington…but I feel I’ve acclimated beautifully!
I wanted to show the Secretariat image that they gave Dottie as a gift as well. Here John has me ‘jogging playfully’ right beside BIG RED! What a thrill!
John also took a photo of us…side by side. He put HIM a bit in front…just so you could see both of us. Both Dottie and John felt that they did a wonderful job with our images…and this is truly a special gift they were given. A great way to remember the EVENT!
All else is going very well for me! I have put on a few pounds, I’m getting so many sweet notes and cards from all of you, and I am enjoying my time with my friends. Yesterday, Don Robinson (the man who foaled me and raised me at his farm until I went to the Yearling Sale) and his family came to visit me again. He called Dottie and told her HOW FABULOUS I LOOK! Don’s comment to her was…”ZENYATTA IS JUST SO HAPPY. SHE LOOKS AMAZING….AND YOU CAN SEE SHE IS ONE VERY HAPPY HORSE ENJOYING HER NEW LIFESTYLE!”
In truth, I REALLY AM! David was telling Dottie that there are times when he and Michael Cline (from our farm) watch me when I’m playing in my paddock…and they literally see me “JUMP FOR JOY”. I REALLY DO! I literally JUMP UP IN THE AIR WITH ALL 4 OF MY FEET and PLAYFULLY LOOK AROUND!
I have so much fun when I do this! Dottie thought hearing this was so adorable. She told David…she could truly capture this image in her mind. Ironically, my dear friend, SOPHIE SHIRREFFS does this same type of thing. Dottie and John tease about it all of the time!
So cute! I guess Sophie and I really do have LOTS in common! We are 2 very blessed and fortunate ’4 Legged Friends’!
Smile…have a wonderful Saturday…and TAKE CARE! I hope you can encounter something fun today which encourages you to JUMP FOR JOY!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Kathryn Cogswell
Here is my question: Dear “E” — ‘ more covers = more live foals = more stud fees = more money .. .’ — A present, oft-stated premise. Therefore, figuring percentages, where does the responsibility lie for those live foals who miss the mark for their breeders, owners, trainers, the public? Can there become a design to invest from the beginnings of the ‘more money’ mind-set, a pension program and safe harbor for even these? Seems most horse lovers would favor such a basket, making all equine events sunnier over the long haul. ~ AND, DEAR MARGARET: As for the BLM, how are the charters written, giving license to the heli-cowboys? Who contracts these? Surely, our public lands and their natural inhabitants, share precedence these acts violate? We can secure these places and programs as legacies to return pride of stewardship to the creatures great and small by whose safe-keeping we reflect our character. ‘No one in the history of the world ever washed a rented car?’ [Thos. L. Friedman, NYTimes on the Cairo street-sweepers] . .. Some find that it is only by tending well that which is lent us that we secure ownership later of a higher order.
Kbuckeye
Oh, Zennie, how cute that you jump straight in the air like that! My older kitty, Cinnamon, does the very same thing. You two are so precious. Wishing you a happy Valentine’s Day……Bernardini had better send over some mints and carrots for you…..
Kimberly
Hi Z, I love to hear that you are JUMPING FOR JOY. You deserve to relax and enjoy life now because soon you will gain “ALOT OF WEIGHT” and won’t be able to jump but will end up with a “BUNDLE OF JOY”
Celeste
Thank you for sharing those photos of the beautiful models of Secretariat and Zenyatta! I love them! What a wonderful gift for Dottie to receive. I love that Zenyatta is jumping for joy in Kentucky in spite of the cold weather. Here in Texas when it has been cold, I’m afraid I’ve been quite grouchy about it – lol! Zenyatta’s diary always cheers me up, though, so once more I say – thank you!
Bridget
Hi Zenny!!!! Love the dolls!!!!!! Last night I went to see Cavalia in Burbank! I bought you up to some people who were sitting next to me, and our whole section ended up talking about YOU! I told everyone how HAPPY you are in Kentucky, and that you were having a blast just being the most amazing horse ever! It made everyone happy! We all love you so!!!!
Katie M.
So cute! Literaly my two favorite horses side by side. But seriously there is no way these are Breyer statues are they? Because Breyer seems to have the habit of recycling models and i can’t imagine any other horse being modeled like that Zenyatta model :o)
So seriously…. where can we get these?!
See you tomorrow pretty girl!
Lanie Johnson
Always encountering this Diary makes me jump for joy!!! What a great picture…two so similar horses in beauty and grace! So cute that John takes pics and poses the two of you!! He’s so PROUD!! I’ve been keeping up with Mike too and he’s racing well as usual. All of us on FB contribute to his charities.
So glad you had that visit…no one forgets you Sweet Girl…my grandkids love all your pictures and especially the ones with kids. They wanted to know just how to approach you when they come to visit so as not to scare you or spoof you..and how to give you a kiss! Isn’t that sweet? They just love you and one of them is taking riding lessons this summer..Evie..she’s a little sweetheart herself and so gentle and kind. She LOVES horses and esp you!!! They want to know what to bring and any details you can give them…they are sooo excited! I can’t wait to have their pictures taken with you to cherish always and pass down to their children! Won’t it be fun in a few years to root and holler for your babies? I can’t wait!! My youngest grandchild is 6 mos and she loves watching the races on tv…I say Giddyup and she just laughs and laughs and gets excited! I want the next generation to know and love you too and to be sure and save all horses…unfortunately there are still horses being slaughtered in America. Bravo factory is starving them for lean meat and placing terrible abuse on them..it breaks my heart. On FB we are trying to gather people to write their reps and apparently the small town politics there sweep it all under the rug. It’s horrible. A suit was filed but did no good. I can’t sleep at night thinking about these beautiful creatures being abused and killed. The police showed up but the man was alerted and he cleaned up before they got there. His son was horrible too. Sometimes I don’t understand how the good people can sit back while this continues to happen. Most of us out here don’t know what in the world to do. Footage inside this place is needed and New Jersey officials just ignore the whole situation…same as those awful round-ups of wild horses. One the other day collapsed as she was in foal I think after a helicopter chased her. So many horror stories in an age such as this…I just can’t believe it..somehow it all must stop.Thank God many people are taking interest and trying to do good things.
You take care Sweet Girl and send up prayers for those who struggle daily..hopefully God will intervene soon.
I love you and miss you so on the track but am so pleased that you are happy and you are in KY!!! God bless everyone there who is involved in your care and in keeping the diary and pictures up to date.
Santa Anita misses you terribly too…I sure hope lots of CA fans can come and visit!
Peace to you and I love you..still..under the moon over Ky.
The Kennedys in San Diego
@ENSIGN — Thank you for sharing your knowledge of breeding timing — the science in the industry has come a long way. There are more scheduling complications to deal with than one first imagines.
Jean Moore
You dear sweet Zenyatta, Well, you made me jump for joy today by finding a new diary post,and how dear it is. Dottie does such a great job of capturing your personality so tell her she is one great lady herself. And John’s photo is, as always, perfect, just like you. To receive the images of Big Red and You as a gift must make John and Dottie feel very special, which they are. Love To All
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi Zenyatta. How magnificent you look prancing next to Secretariat. What beautiful statues. I enjoyed reading what Ensign had to say about breeding. Can’t wait to hear what date you have planned for your first date with handsome Bernardini. It is going to be amazin to be at the same farm as your father. He is so majestic looking. It always brings a smile to my lips and tears to my eyes to see you so happy in your paddock with your BBFs. You do everything with such gusto. And especially to be kicking up your heels and squealing with delight. Just wonderful. Love you, stay toasty and have fun with your friends; love you Angel in Disguise.
The Kennedys in San Diego
For all Secretariat fans, and who is not, google “Secretariat Running From Within.” It is a YouTube-posted video of 12 year old Secretariat running and whinnying in his Claiborne Farms paddock, very reminiscent of Zenyatta’s December 20, 2010,running the first time off the lead. Pure joy.
Jean Moore
Wow, Zenyatta, Just checked your facebook and got to see your visit with Mr. Robinson. What a happy time for all and I can sense that you remember him, but there again, carrots seem to take first place or was it the camera? You are such a cute ham.
Kim S
@Lanie Johnson..I’ve signed several petitions that I get from a few sources via email about the terrible things being done to the wild Mustangs. Not sure if they are being swept under the rug. Sounds like a BIG name needs to get the word to Congress and the powers that be, with the rest of us behind them. I know the Mosses and Shirreffs are busy but maybe they are BIG name(s)that need to gain some attention. Maybe Penny Chenery and family could be involved too. Don’t mean to add more responsibility to anyone but Zenyatta’s fans are here to help as well.
Thanks for the wonderful pictures and post today Zenyatta and Dottie. As you can tell, it makes everyone’s day a lot brighter. Lotsa love to all
Mary
Zenyatta, I wish they would record you playing, jumping and rolling on the ground. I wish they would record your neighs, snorts, etc, so we could her you. Hugs and Prayers
Mary
Zenyatta, Ask your team if they could make some new, better, Zenyatta shirts available for us to purchase. Something maybe where proceeds go to retired race horses? And where shipping costs would not be so expensive. Thank you. Hugs and Prayers
The Kennedys in San Diego
The video of Don Robinson visiting Zenyatta and telling the story of his seeing Z at the 2008 BC Ladies Classic (and his and her reaction) is wonderful. Thanks for posting it.
Richard
I second Mary’s request for video of Zenyatta running, rolling and jumping with her paddock buddies — several hours of video should suffice.
Sunny Boyd
Why good evening, Zenyatta,
what a sweet post you wrote, and such beautiful horse images, pictures of you and BigRed. Yes, those are really very nice. And they have you wear your wraps w the blue stripe.
I bet you’re enjoying that paddock, the space is breathtaking, you’ll really enjoy it in the spring, with that good Kentucky Blue Grass under your feet and between your teeth, :) :), hope P.Q.,Seagull, and Alys, are right there joining you in the fun. Those pictures where all of your four hooves are off the ground, are just too comical. I wonder how your horse friends from the old barn did today, they had races today!
Well, you have a real good night, and sweet dreams of carrots & mints.
Jane in Seattle
@The Kennedys in San Diego,
Thanks for sharing that – just gorgeous. I am old enough to have seen Secretariat race live, but had never seen anything like this. He was an incredibly beautiful horse, but as I recall (I haven’t seen the movie yet to see how they show him) had nothing like Zenny’s sweetness of disposition – strangers couldn’t get near him. But even seeing him on the track, not as close as you would like – you’d never forget how magnificent he was.
Margaret
For tons of info those of you that are interested–you can visit TheCloudfoundation.org. check out the links and RT Fitch’s site–Force of the Horse.
You can also check out grassrootshorse.com. Laura Leigh has video that will bring you to your knees in tears at what our government is doing to the wild horses.
We need every single Zennie friend to write Congress and demand an independent investigation into the actions of the Bureau of Land Management.
Now I happily return you to the Queen. Sorry to derail this blog–you are the best Z. Hugs dear lady.
Kathy
Please let us know who the sculptor/customizer is of those pieces. I am dying to know because they look so fabulous!!
Thanks!
jan
We all wish we could see our girl playing in the mud and kicking up her hooves in the snow on you tube. My cell is limited on the videos I can download on Facebook and Flash. We need to see her most recent day-to-day activities she shares with us, please.
Borntobreed
@Flora and Janie
Don’t forget about Seattle Slew another Triple
Crown winner. AP Indy, Bernardini’s sire, dam was
a Seattle Slew daughter. Hopefully they will have one
Very precocious Thoroubred race horse. Remember
David Ingordo thought Zenny was going to be
A Breeders Cup two year old filly winner, but she
Grew and became unbalanced.
Love the beautiful statue and the close association
Penny Chenery has recognized. Sweet dreams. Thanks for
The great uplifting post Zenny and Dottie!!!!
Paula McCaleb
Sweet Zenyatta….I have to tell you, you make me smile and jump for joy when I read your diary posts. I don’t always get to write something but I do read them. In the last 3 months I’ve been dealing with 2 major medical issues, first with my husband then my mom. So, at the end of the day I enjoy watching your video’s and really seeing how happy you are with your new life. I have to be honest, I have gone through Zenyatta withdrawls not seeing you race anymore. I always looked forward to your races and seeing you come out dancing I reallllly miss that. But, I know you are very happy with your new friends at Lane’s End and you are going to be a great mama. I would love to see more video’s of you Jumping For Joy, that would make my day. :) Btw, love the statues of you and Secretariat!
OraJean Stevenson
Dear Queen-Z & Team-Z,
“Jump-For-Joy”…what a GREAT concept!!!
Have a wonderful week and Happy Valentines’ Day! Keep having fun and stay warm, beautiful Zennie. Hugs to all, especially Dottie. I’m thinking of Catherine Uher, also, and hoping she finds a match and gets a transplant ASAP. Stay strong and positive. Wishing you all the best!! Fondly, OraJean
Sunny Boyd
P.S.
Your barn friend Zardana came in a close second today. They say it was a great race, your nemesis St. Trinians came in 3rd. Hah :)
Donna Carlson
Dear Zenyatta
So glad to hear that you are well. I’m not much of a computer person(still on dial up) but must say that reading your daily news puts a smile on my face. So glad that we are missing you more than you are missing us. That was one of all of our worries I think, and we are so pleased with your Valentine match mating date. I was set up with the
love of my life and it was the best thing that ever happen to me. So baby momma to be, I don’t think that this fairy tale is over.
Barbara Wood
@Lanie and Margaret–thank you for bringing up this terrible situation. I have sent signed petitions, but we need huge numbers involved. What one can’t do alone, many can do when we work together. Our love for dear Zenny should prompt us to help her fellow horses. I try to remember to make all my donations in her honor.
Love you always, sweet Z.
Julia B
Zenny, you really are enjoying yourself at Lane’s End and just having fun kicking up your heels!
I found a Polly Singer hat called “Zenyatta” you should check it out for the Derby, (just around the corner)
http://www.hatsandveils.net/store/catalog.php?page=10&category=Kentucky%20Derby%20Hats
Goodnight Z
Borntobreed
@L and The Kennedys
In a previous post, Zennie/Dottie asked John who
Knows Zenny the best whether she has alpha characteristics
And he said he never saw signs of alpha/dominant
Behavior in all the years he worked with her. I believe that
he is the expert on Zenyatta’s behavior. The flick of her
Ears back at Sea Gull in the video with Mike was her
Talking to Sea Gull and telling her to get out of the way.
Please respect John’s expertise on Zenyatta!!!!