HAPPY SATURDAY!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend. There is some great racing going on around the country today and March Madness continues to be very exciting. So many last minute shots and 3 pointers really change the outcome of a game so quickly. Look at the local Kentucky teams. Louisville lost in the last few moments the other evening and the University of Kentucky secured their win in the final seconds. That is like MY SPORT. A PHOTO FINISH going one way or another or the BOB of a head can be the difference between winning and losing. I guess that is why SPORTING ACTIVITIES are so THRILLING. Every move counts!
Last week when my jockey, MIKE, was going to ride in Arkansas at Oaklawn Park, he called Dottie to mention the huge BILLBOARD he saw with US on it. John contacted his friends at that race track and was able to get a photo of it for ALL OF US to see! Mike’s right…it does LOOK IMPRESSIVE! WIN CITY! I like that thought!
Additionally, I wanted to THANK ALL OF YOU who have been asking about how I am doing in your DIARY responses. I am doing extremely well…and am having SO MUCH FUN! I have been out ‘romping in the paddock’ with my friends every day. We are truly having a great time. We absolutely love it when the wind blows just enough to make it FUN. Sometimes, it feels like the breezes are tickling my coat. When this happens, my friends and I put up our tails and gallop around the field together truly appreciating the outdoors, the wind, and each other. Such special moments!
I’m also enjoying my normal daily routine and all of favorite foods. This week, in addition to bananas and pears, I have been having a special craving for peppermints. I’ve figured out something very special about them. Not only do peppermints TASTE GREAT…but, the other fabulous thing is that my guys here can carry lots and lots of them around in their pockets at all times. That makes them very HANDY and ACCESSIBLE. Thus, every time I nod to one of them, cuddle up, or come to the front of my stall for a pat or a photo …all they have to do is reach in their pockets and VOILA…A TREAT FOR ME! Now, this is TOO CUTE!
Have a fabulous Saturday and Sunday!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Jeanette
Hi Z, that poster of you and Mike looks fabulous!! What a joy it is to read that you are doing well and are happy! I can’t wait to meet your little one. Thank you to team Z for keeping us posted. Until next time, keep enjoying your treats!
Stella Bagwell
To Barbara Wood–The Apple Blossom was absolutely wonderful! I was overcome with emotion that day at seeing Zenyatta and I still get that way when I think of it. She was like a beautiful star among all those lovely blossoms. And 45,000 people cheering for her—it was incredible.
We felt sure there had to be other Texans there that day, too! :) Thanks for letting me know.
Stella
Patricia Emery
Awesome! Glad to hear that you are enjoying your days with your friends and the beauty of spring! I am sure it is becoming a very exciting time at Lane’s End with all of the new foals! Love you Lots!
Patricia & Ella Emery
lizzy
@Signofthetimes said:
“Mares actually don’t have menopause like humans.”
….
I wish I were a horse…. :/
lizzy
*was
MaryAnn Donahue
Dear Zenyatta,
The billboard of you and Mike looks great and “bigger than life.” Kind of like you. Everytime you mention that pears are one of your favorite treats, I smile because my very own special OTT also loved pears. She also shares a common ancestor with you, Hyperion, which I found out when I read a great blog post about you on the Bloodhorse. You probably know that you are very popular at the BH. I’m so glad that you are happy running free in your paddock with your mare friends. You are the best and deserve the best life has to offer.
sending love and lots of peppermints,
MaryAnn
Marilu V
Wow Zeny! What a fantastic billboard. He must miss you very much. You were a team. You were part of a bigger plan! Both of you and the Zenyatta family have done wonders to the lives of so many including myself. More blessings to you and your family so they can continue the good work in the horse racing industry. Hugs, MV
DJ
Dearest Sweet “Z”,
A great name for your little filly or colt…”WIN CITY!”
Cathy P
Zenny you are so darn CUTE. We all love hearing about your days and how you are feeling, THANK YOU for keeping us up to date with you. And a little cat has told me that SOMEONE’S BIRTHDAY IS COMING UP SOON, I wonder who that could be (ha, ha)? Could you tell me is there a cretin type of peppermints you like? Please let me know if See’s peppermints are one of your favorites? As all ways, With Lots of Love and Big, Big hugs.
Cathy P
One more thing, we love the billboard of you and Mike. Have a great day!!
Molly
Hey, Lizzy, you had it right the first time. I wish I were a horse.
Kathy Kimber
Are they ever going to work it out so if we can come to Kentucky we can see Zenyatta? I’d be happy even if it was from a distance. Its at the top of my bucket list. (ha Ha)
Marilu V
Hi again Zeny and Dottie! Please congratulate John on his wins last week – Star Billing and Jordanelle. Thanks! MV
Arlene
Hi Zenyatta, How about the name CareofZenBern for your foal?
I am so glad to have heard about you in time to be part of your fan community, read your heart warming stories and see your beautiful life-loving pictures. I had never heard of you until the 60 minute program last fall. From then on I kept watch on the internet of Zenyatta news! And your Diary Posts! Unfortunately I was unable to see any of your races until after the fact, as we don’t have the tv channels that carried them (of course, the first 19 I didn’t know about). Glad to see them on YouTube. I got The way you ran the races made them exciting to watch, including your last race – You made the races exciting. I got your and Secretariat’s poster – a piece of history ! And Blood-Horse’s Commemorative issue of you. Real nice! You and your team reflect the love of God!
Tamyatta
Look up the definition of Zenyatta and it says “Win City”! That’s you sweetheart…what a great pic of you and Mikey…love it! Every nite after I watch your races I think about how much fun it must be to feed you those wonderful mints you love so much. I hope to come see you someday..just like everyone else. Some dreams do come true so I’ll keep the faith. You are my darlin’! Always loving you, Tammi
Bobbie from WI
What a great visual of you and your friends enjoying the spring weather! Good exercise for pregnant you also. Just a note to highlight that WI has TWO teams in the Sweet 16—Marquette and UW-Madison. Yeah!
Sally (B)
Mary N Meek – loved your oicture; I am jealous
Mars said, Thanks for the memories to your sites
suew said; where did
you read there was a meet and greet for charity that was to happen?
Thanks to all
mary bobolis
What a beautiful picture of the most captivating team in racing. Thanks to the man who sent it to John. I’m so happy that you are enjoying your life as a real horse and can run free at last. You certainly have more than earned it many times over. As John has said, there is nothing that is not exceptional about you. We love you Zenny.
Fuffley
Peppermints Mmmm thats my horses favorite! :D
Signofthetimes
@Lizzy
Very cute !!! I agree it would be nice to not have to
Deal with menopause (human male or female).
@ Sunny Boyd
I really love your posts. They are so poetic and
Expressive. Bet you are one of the last four in line
For the Zenyatta statue. To answer your question,
Horses are very individual like people. Zenyatta is
A very lovely mare. Probably not to marish and does
Not get too upset about a lot of things. However, Steve
Says she is a female and does need a firm hand at times.
I would imagine she is one of the best mares we could have
Exposure to. Mares I think in general are more independent
And less loving as they are the leader of the herd and
They have their hormonal moment. Stallions are in general
Hard to handle on th ground and when ridden. A very experienced
Rider need to ride them. If there is a mare in season they can attempt
To mount at any time in Any situation. Everything with them
Has to be a dominant move because a human does not want
A stallion to dominate them. Could be dangerous. I have not
Had much exposure to stallions as it is difficult to
Have them around a barn with a variety as there has to be special
Fencing and other things. However, the cold breeds (draft horses
And such have less driven and more congenial breeds. Thoroughbreds
Are considered hot and probably more or equally
Hot would be Arabians. Geldings are probably in general
More general. Of course their are the exception. And they
Can also get mates reved up as well. I am a little partial
To geldings because I really loved my 17 hand TB. He was
Very quirky and would only love for a few minutes unless you
Had carrots. And then you were his best friend. He absolutely
Loved his job and did it will until retired at 28. When you ride
A horse that loves their job it is very special. That is why
Z and Mike have a special relationship.
Anyone with other ideas or experiences? Horses are truly
Gods special creatures and should be treated as such. Just
Like Zenny. She is so lucky to have Team Z and Team
LE.
Janis Comerford
Love reading your post! Thanks for keeping Zenyatta’s fan’s informed as to how she is doing after raacing. Visiting Kentucky in May after the derby, hope to stop by and see you!
Trina Nagele
Dearest Zenyatta, It rained really hard here all day yesterday, but the sun is always shining for me when I can read your inspiring diary and the many wonderful responses from your fans.
@Barbara Wood– I hope all goes smoothly for you with your hip replacement. I’m glad you are in good hands.
@Shizuka in Japan– I’m hoping you and yours are OK in the midst of the ongoing tragedy there.
Shema
Hi Zenny! Just spent some time after I came home from work, watching videos of you on YouTube. Grazing at the tracks, flying to Churchill. Zenny, you have the best eyes. I’m trying to find words to share in the postcard, of this love affair we are having with you, and especially what it is for me. It’s like to capture the fullness of everything I love about horses and racing. Now to find words for that! Hope you had a great day.
Shema
Z, one more thing about your eyes. You are so distinctly female. I love how feminine you come across. It’s so interesting to me. The boys and the girls really have a different light and energy coming out of the eyes. How magical!
Janet Cutting
@Lizzy….ME TOO!!!! How funny. I am thinking Pink again 2day and seeing frozen whisker pictures. Being silly–
Linda in NJ
@Barbara Wood: Just read that you are having a hip replacement. I had a hip replacement too. I had no problem following the surgery. It has been 16 years since my surgery. Good luck to you!!!
Darlene
Hi Z….your birthday will be here in 11 days….I wonder what Dottie and Mrs Moss have planned for you??? Hmmm. My horse’s birthday is the day after yours. Have a wonderful birthday and be sure to send us lots of pictures of your party…if you have one (I’m sure you will).
Lori Stein
Hey Big Z
Your 7th Birthday is comong up next week. Maybe you’ll get a big peppermint ice cream cake. You already get so many goodies, I don’t know exactly what’s next. I hope your feeling well and I know your enjoying your romping in the paddock with your girls. I would love to see some more pictures of you now. The Derby and Oaks are right around the corner. Who do you like for the Derby? I know who you like for the Oaks, hopefully the Z tradition will carry on in many different ways for years to come. Well have a few peppermints for me. When your tiny dancer comes he /she will be born with a peppermint addiction- Ha-ha. Love Ya
Trina Nagele
@Barbara Wood — I’m sorry, I got mixed up. I meant to wish you well on your KNEE replacement.
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, I just wanted to tell you goodnight and I hope you & Baby ZB sleep well. What did you think of the Supermoon? It was a sight to behold. Be safe beautiful lady.
@signofthetimes,I like your post especially were you say they are God’s creatures and should be treated as such.
Zenyatta is so special & so loved. Thanks to her Team Z at Calf & Ky for taking such great care of her. Sending Hugs & Kisses From Alabama With Love & Kisses. Amanda G.