Good Morning, Everyone!
The BIG DAY has arrived!
Yesterday, I had my ‘mane pulled’ (groomed and thinned out) and hooves polished so I would look perfect for this ‘moment’! I rather suspected that it was getting close due to all of the attention I was getting. The vets were here during the morning checking me…to be sure my system was ready. Charles, Mike and Matt were at the barn helping me to learn some proper MAIDEN MARE Etiquette…so I would be totally prepared for this experience. MAIDEN MARE is the term used for a MARE who has never been bred before. That’s ME! All day…I had so much ATTENTION!
Then this morning at about 7:30, MY LIMO ARRIVED. A lovely SALLEE VAN was waiting outside the barn ready to take me to Darley. It is approximately a 10 minute ride to that farm from Lane’s End. Matt went with me on the van…and Charles and Michael Cline also went along. I guess it was decided that Bernie and I would be the last couple in the Darley breeding shed for this morning’s session.
Well, WE GOT RAVE REVIEWS! It all went very well. In horse terms, it was ‘one jump…and a very good cover’…meaning that everything went perfectly in our first meeting. Per the guys from my crew…”it was TEXTBOOK. ZENYATTA was unbelievably professional…especially for a maiden mare. It was all nice and easy and went PERFECTLY.” Oh, my guys…Mike, Charles, and Matt are TOO CUTE! They really love me! Blush-Blush!
I must say…Bernie was also extremely professional and very focused on his job! WE MAKE A GREAT COUPLE!
By 8:30…I was back in my LIMO with Matt going home to LANE’S END!
What a morning! Life has so many different kinds of experiences for one to explore and appreciate when the time is right for them to happen! Hooves crossed…..that this day, February 23rd, becomes VERY SPECIAL for me and my new role as a MOM!
I’ll keep you posted as we go along! I am so excited!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~(including Bernie!)
Z
Diana.A
so happy to hear it went well hoff crossing. Hope to hear that you are in foal, congrats to all. So nice to hear they are taking such a good care of you.
Love you Z.
oxoxoxoxoxo
Susan
I can’t wait for the ulta sound picture!
I expect that Bernie had to look UP to you as I don’t think he’s as tall as you are.
Can’t help but look forward-can you imagine Santa Anita or Hollywood Park the day your baby runs-we will ALL be there for sure.
In the meantime, we’re all by your side and will walk with you every step of the way.
Love Ya Z
Kathleen
As someone with a lot of experience dealing with maiden mares in the breeding shed, I must say I wish all of them would have been as wonderful as you. Once again, you show just how perfect you are.
Sandra Frey
What a great mom you will be, sweet girl! I had a feeling your date with Bernie would be this week because you seem to be adjusting so well. The next 11 months are going to be a long wait for all of your friends. ;-)
L
Excellent news on a very professional job by equines and humans alike!
Hopefully she’ll take on just one cover and carry a healthy and happy pregnancy to foaling!!
Julie June Stewart
Racing Royalty on it’s way – this will be the most anticipated and beloved baby of 2012….. Can’t wait. I know you are going to be a fabulous Mom…. Thanks and Congrats!!
Debbie Bassett
What a great day! I’m so glad that it went so well. Our horses at the barn will keep their hooves crossed that a baby is on the way soon! What a day that will be. You’re going to be a great mom! Keep the posts coming.
Stephanie
I am so glad it is done sweetheart, now we wait….:) The whole world waits… :) x0x0x0x0
Allen
Picture of Z on THROUGHBREED TIMES web site. Shows her arrival a Darley this morning.
susan carothers
yay!!
Emilyy
OMG Zee!! You are going to have a BABY!!! That’s so exciting!! Hope it all works out!!! :DDD
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Oh my God, I just heard it on HRTV and I started screaming and crying!!! I came right to your website. Love you so – I know Bernardini was awed by your presence and beauty. I am so happy for the two of you. My hubbie is at our daughter’s taking care of their baby (doggie, named Pearl) and I called him and read your diary. He was so emotional. You will have so much to tell your BBFs this afternoon. Love you so, you Angel in Disguise.
Emilyy
Check out eventing nation guys, she’s on there too!!!!
Joani
Congrats Zen, I hope it takes first time and can’t wait for next year now!! How about a carbon copy? Best wishes for a safe and healthy pregnancy!
Roberta Smith
Oh…our sweet girl, I am glad to know all went “text book”. Now, take it easy, rest and relax. We love you Zenyatta and now we love Bernie too!
Laura B
Congrats Zen! I hope everything goes as planned for you. Will you stay with your friends in the paddock or get moved after you foal? Are your paddock pals being bred soon too? Again, congrats!! And may the next 11 months be wonderful
Patty
That’s nice I day I can remember, she was bred on my late grandmoms birthday..Hopefully it works out for the Queen and she is in foal soon:)
BNijinsky
Thank you Dottie for sharing and speaking for our girl. Not too early to think of names, I recommend Zendaya. It means gift in Bantu, the language of Zimbobwi and Zambia. Zenyatta will indeed be delivering a “gift” to the Moss’, her fans, and all her connections!
Judy Idriss
So thrilled your special day with Bernie finally arrived. Relieved everything went so well. Can’t wait to hear if you are in foal. Bless you Zenny & your wonderful Team.
Carolyn
I’d sure love to have a piece of that pulled mane!!
Jocelyne
Prayin all will go well to the end when we get to see the little one. xx oo
Tricia Clemmensen
You are a true PRO, Zenny. So glad to hear that everything went so smoothly. You are truly something “So Special” in so many different ways. Here’s to you and Bernie! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for the the “Royal Couple”.
Susan from VA
And on my son’s 21st birthday, to boot. I’ll remember this date for sure and will be looking for a late-January baby!
Carole Cole
What fabulous news!! What a special day in the life of Zenyatta and Bernardini! Too cute :-). So happy that your “first” was a perfect experience I’m sure you’re all smiles. So happy for you and your entire family!
Barbara Wood
Dearest Z–
I am so proud of you. You handled it well because you have been taught by all who love you not to be fearful. It’ll be a long wait until we know for sure, then a really long time to anticipate. Are they going to find out if it’s a filly or a colt?
Love you always, especially when there’ll be even MORE to love.
Stephanie Quilichini
Great news! Quick question, how soon before you are scanned to see if it was a successful mating!! Super excited!!
Marilyn
Congrats Queen Z…….You will make the best Mommy…..
Fay
i am embarrassed to say that this actually brought tears to my eyes.
anita
Just curious– since zenyatta is quite valuable, wondering why they chose to go live cover instead of surrogacy?? anyone know?
Pattie
Congratulations Beautiful :) Now go enjoy yourself with your girl friends!! Thank You, Dottie & Team Zenyatta for the updates.