Good Morning,
I hope you had a very nice weekend. Our weather is still ‘nice’ here in Kentucky and I am able to enjoy my time outside with my paddock friends each day. Well, I wanted to tell you about some of my other friends…back in California. This morning, Dottie was going over the update on how the “ZENYATTA LOUNGE for Women” is doing at Santa Anita. We wanted to share the progress with you.
Firstly, A BIG THANK YOU to all of the people who brought products and items to donate to the Lounge on Secretariat Award Day! These items are greatly appreciated…and the women are very thankful for your thoughtfulness.
Secondly, we are getting several different types of classes organized to help the ladies with various academic skills. Thus, as you can see in the photo above, we all have so many different things to learn in life. For us to do our best, we need to have people around us who care…and want to help us learn. In this photo, I am ‘schooling at the starting gate’. Because I was a BIG GIRL…the starting gate took quite some time for me to feel comfortable in it. I needed to learn these lessons and fortunately “the people around me took the time and patience to teach me the skills I needed to succeed.”
With the Lounge, we are trying to do the same thing….HELP PEOPLE TO LEARN things which will help to make their lives easier. We are now offering educational classes for the ladies. Sister Soledad is teaching the English Classes. We have 2 different levels offered: beginning English and then an intermediate type class. We also have an availability for some 1-1 in this area. Additionally, the Rosetta Stone Program is offered on the Lounge computer for extra practice. We are also fortunate to have Al, who does the computer tech work for Santa Anita, volunteer his time to teach COMPUTER SKILLS to the ladies. He comes out every 2 weeks and teaches a lesson….and then gives ‘homework’ and ‘follow-up’ activities for them to work on until the next lesson.
It is so special when people CARE and WANT TO HELP OTHERS. As I was fortunate to have people around we who worked to help me achieve….it is so gratifying to see others extend this helping hand. We are so fortunate!
The ZENYATTA LOUNGE also offers fun activities like BINGO (where we have pizza and sodas in addition to playing the games). The Ladies had a Valentine Exchange Get-together, and then there is the Once-A-Month…GIRLS NIGHT OUT to a restaurant. Here we celebrate the birthdays for the ladies for that month. Each birthday ‘girl’ is given a FACIAL as her gift!
Things are really moving along beautifully with the LOUNGE. It is so special to hear that these LADIES are really getting involved in LEARNING and TAKING SUCH AN INTEREST in doing all of these wonderful activities. Also, it is great to note, that they are sharing these activities with their friends….and HAVING FUN!
I am so PROUD of everyone who is helping, volunteering their time….and participating! I’d personally like to THANK EVERYONE who is striving to make the ZENYATTA LOUNGE for WOMEN a SUCCESS!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Jessica Boyd
That is a really great thing your friends are doing, Zenyatta!
There used to be a program like that up here in Santa Rosa, CA, when the fairgrounds track was a year-round track. Unfortunately, it isn’t any more, which is a shame for a lot of reasons.
I’m glad you’re enjoying retirement so far!
Katie Clawson
Z, I can’t tell you how amazing it is that you are doing things like this! You and your team are so wonderful! Keep up the GREAT work!!
Love, Katie(future jockey)
Jena Hobert
Zenyatta, if all the people in the world cared just half as much as you, John and Dottie, not only would people be better off but horses as well. I think that it is wonderful that you helped bring about such good changes. On other FB pages there was much dissusion on how racehorses are treated. Several people seem to think that the people on the backside don’t care about the horses. That is just not true. What brought it about was an older OTTB was pulled from the killer pen at an auction. He had raced over 80 times and had won a fair amount but was “discarded”, when he was no longer of use. He was saved by a rescue. Zen could you and Dottie explain that the vast majority of the backside Love the horses they take care of. And explain about all the rescues that try to help. Dottie is one of the best people when it comes to explaining things. Love you Z. Secsea Dance,Salawgi,Simon and Picasso.
Chris H
The lounge is such a wonderful idea for all of the backside people. They are the “Behind the Scenes” people that don’t get a lot of recognition for what they do. This is such a great tribute to all that they do. Zenyatta and team shine!
sue w
Zenny…love the picture of you in the stating gate. Just think, this first step of racing put you on a track to success. God Bless your fabulous connections for doing SO much to help others. It’s a privilege being a fan.
Like someone said previously…how about running for President. I’d vote for you without a second thought. {{{ }}} for YOU and wonderful Dottie!
Helen
So glad the Zenyatta lounge is such a success! These types of things are needed so much on the backstretch. I know most of these people hardly have enough on most days to get by.
Love your picture in the gate…you make the monster look small!
I hear Rachel was over. Did you two whinny hello?
Pamela Zacek
That is the best thing, that Lounge for the ladies, you,the team and all the friend,s think of everything, and what a perfect, experiece for those that can be there, oh I wish something, was coming to the east coast like that, be so great. and Im so glad your having, nice weather, now, you get that beautiful blue grass, coming in, and to romp on it and roll in it, have s great day in with your friends, Z,. and we all Love you
christine
Good Day Zen,
I notice as you are learning in the picture you are aware of your fellow horse and seem to be exchanging some encouraging words with each other. Even at two years old you were showing all of us how important it is to communicate with each other.
I am sure the woman at the Lounge do this a lot and understand how support can make a difference in life no matter what we are going through. Have a great day Zen.
Diana.A
love watching you learn and so happy for the z lounge that is so great what you are doing. I love you girl! ♥
Cheryl
Awesome as usual! You are such a generous lady! These posts give others an insight into why YOU ARE SO LOVED!
Gloria
Sounds like the Zenyatta Lounge is proving to be quite a success, Big Mama Z! That is fantastic news! I love the picture of you in the starting gate. Gosh, FIVE years have gone by since that picture was taken and most of us didn’t have a clue who you were! But we all know now. Hope you’re enjoying your time in KY. Love you, Zenny!
Jo
I love you Zenny
Kathy Kimber
Dear Z.
I can only imagine how important the Lounge has become to these ladies. To help with education, english, computers is wonderful. I think what if I were in the middle of a country where english was not the first language and I was trying to get a job or keep one, I know I would be stuggling. This is wonderful. Team Z came up with this idea and the Mosses, and Dottie and John followed thru and you encouraged us all. People need people, the volunteering is awesome. If there is some way the rest of us who are spread out over the country can help let us know Z. I’d love to see this spread to other tracks. Bless you all.
Charlotte
Very cute picture Zenny. So glad to hear the Z Lounge is such a success. What a wonderful difference you and your team are making for these women. Thanks as always for the updates.
Mary Stanford
Z…It is wonderful what all you have accomplished on and off the track. Here you are helping all the ladies at the Zenyatta Lounge. All some people need in life is someone to care and to encourage them…and through you and Team Z…and now the other volunteers…it sounds like you are definitely making a difference in many peoples lives. As I have said …you are a gift from Heaven to many people….definitely to your fans, friends, and family. Love you to Z…
Susan A.
Hi Zenyatta,
You were certainly a studious two-year old!
I want you to know that I help people update their academic skills. Perhaps, one day, I can help some of the students at the Zenyatta Lounge at Santa Anita!!
I am very proud of you, Zenyatta!!
Susan, M.A.
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, I love the photo of you, of course I love all photos of you! I think it is absolutely wonderful what The Zenyatta Lounge has become and what it is offering the the ladies there. Zenyatta, you are so correct we are alwats learning throughout our lives and you are giving so many a chance to do that. I know your day is coming as Rachael’s day did today. I pray for safety for you as you meet Bernadini. I know that they will take extra special care of you. I just love you so much, Zenyatta, and you mean so much to me for helping me with my health problems and learing from you to never give up just like your last race and with determination we can overcome anything! Zenyatta, you are so special for just being yourself! I sent Mike a quote for his painting that I thought summed you & he up. “The Measure of Love is to Love without Measure” That’s what I thought when I saw you & he race. You & Mike trusted each other with no questions asked. Just loved uncondiotnally. That’s how I feel about you. I may never get to meet you but I will always love you for what you’ve given to me! Sending Hugs & Kisses From Alabama With love, Amanda G.
Dottie, Thanks again for all you do in posting these wonderful quotes!
max
This as usual is a very uplifting post. And as usual your photo is wonderful because it shows your emerging beauty and brilliance at 2. Not only do I like your diary, but my friends now ask how Zenyatta is doing today. Stay healthy, Queen Z. You are loved by everyone who knows you.
Allen
Z, I bet your teachers were proud of you. And I am sure you finished top of your class. Hope you enjoy this warm weather, I think there is some rain on the way tonight.
Jan
Zenyatta,
Sounds like the Lounge is the place to be..
Love the pic of you schooling. Big and beautiful at two. I wonder if you and RA will be mommies at the same time next year.Hope the weather in KY stays nice for you and your gal pals. Love from Houston. xoxo.
Kathryn Cogswell
‘For the first time in a long time, somebody cared. For the first time in a long time, you were no longer alone.’ `Seabiscuit Quotes|Dick Staub Test Site http://ds.orcasonline.com/?p=907
Suzanne G
Dear Zenyatta,
The Z-Lounge sounds like a wonderful place to relax, have fun, learn and CELEBRATE! Seems like some people were inspired to help out with computers and lessons too. Great News for everyone!
What a smart girl you are to do so well in the starting gate! The gate always seemed kind of narrow and scary to me. So happy that everyone around you took their time in getting you acclimated. Look how well you did in the BCC 2009 when everyone had to be re-loaded! Says a lot about patience in training saving time in learning! Love and hugs to you, your families and ‘the girls’. (Incredible picture of all of you sunbathing!) SuzanneG
Sandra Gomez
Way to go Zenyatta and Team Z!! Thanks for all the wonderful memories and God bless you all; I will never forget you!!!!
horseluver
Sooo cute with you and your friend in the starting gate. I guess her/she is giving
you encouragement. So glad the Zenyatta Lounge is a success. How could it not be
as it is you and your teams idea!!!!
Have a wonderful day and Happy ovulating to all !!!!
Quarterhossgal
Just read the news that you met Bernardini this morning, I hope everything went well and you settle with just one cover. Wonderful news about the Zenyatta Lounge, you inspire people to do good things for each other. I received my poster of You and Secretariat this morning, it is just beautiful! I was so happy that I called Chris C. at Santa Anita to thank her for the careful packaging of my prized possession and she said Zenyatta fans are the greatest and nicest people. I told her we had to try to live up to the Queen’s example.
Judy Gadwood Loves Zenny/California
Hi Zenny!
My first thought when I looked at the picture of you in the starting gate was how “small” you look! You grew into a beautiful Girly Girl before I our eyes!
I miss you but think of you every day… I look at my pictures of you and those keep me happy :-)
Did you hear the news about your friend, Rachel Alexandra ~ she met Curlin today ;-)
We can’t wait to hear the news about you and Bernie!!
XOXO HUGS & KISSES
Shari Voltz
Queen Zenyatta what a neat picture of you in the starting gate. I often wondered how all of you are schooled. I know your Team took their time with you. I am so glad about the Zenyatta Lounge. I think that is so great that you and your family always seem to help and care for other people. We had the day off for President’s Day. I will show the children this picture tomorrow. I picked up a gift for Mrs. Moss from the children and I. I will ship it out next week. I hope she likes it. I love you sweet girl stay warm and dry. It is snowing here in Ohio. Hugs and Kisses XXXOOO
PS I hope Dawn is feeling better. Please let me know. God Bless You:)
Lori
ZENNY AND TEAM ZENYATTA, IT IS SO NICE TO KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD WHO CARE AND ARE WILLING TO HELP OTHERS. I HAVE ALWAY’S SAID THAT KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. I WAS RECENTLY TOLD THAT MY JOB WAS CHANGING AND I WOULD BE WORKING IN ANOTHER AREA. I HAVE TO START OVER AGAIN AND LEARN NEW THINGS. I MUST SAY THAT I AM VERY NERVOUS. I LOOK TO YOU ZENNY AND YOU GIVE ME HOPE AND COURGE TO GO ON AND NOT BE SCARED. I LOVE YOU Z LOVE LORI XOXO… P.S. I THINK OPRAH SHOULD DO A STORY ON YOU Z & TEAM Z OF WHAT AMAZING PEOPLE YOU ARE AND HOW YOU GIVE BACK TO PEOPLE AND HORSES IN NEED.
Bobbi
I am so proud of Team Zenyatta for creating the Zenyatta Ladies’ Lounge. You are all such great role models for the rest of the racing world and all of us. Love to all of you!
Victoria
You abd your Team Z have already moved mountains in so many ways. Your good works footprints/hoofprints shall remain forever indelible as representing the best of what’s possible. Thank you.