Dear Friends,
Wow! I am so deeply, deeply touched with all of your kind comments in relation to my racing retirement. You are so kind! I can’t THANK YOU enough!
I have loved racing and being at the barn. It has been a very special 4 1/2 years now that I have been with John, Mario, Steve, Carmen and the crew at the Shirreffs’ barn every single day. As all of you know…this along with Ann and Jerry Moss…is my family.
The beauty of my going back to Kentucky and Lane’s End…is DAVID lives in Lexington. I’ve also known him since I was a yearling at the September Sale. From that moment when he signed the ticket to purchase me on behalf of the Moss’, I’ve had a blessed life. David is part of Team Zenyatta and is also family. I will be leaving John’s barn…but going to Lane’s End where I will also have family around me. Lane’s End is a beautiful farm where I will be able to graze, stand under gorgeous trees, and enjoy life every single day! And one day, I hope to be a loving and wonderful MOM! What more could one ask!
My dear friend, Life is Sweet is also at Lane’s End! I have not seen her since February. We have so much to catch up on when I get there. This is too much fun!
David’s assistant, Sarah, will be able to take lots of pictures of me to send to CA and to put on the web-site. We will try to keep you posted on everything.
Yeah, here’s some good news! I will be able to visit with fans on Sunday, December 5th, at Hollywood Park. The track is doing a ‘fun farewell get-together’ for me! I am so excited. When I find out other details about this, I will update you. Hope you can attend!
Again…thank you all so much for the loving, tender notes. I am such a fortunate horse to have so many people who truly care so much about me.
Hugs to you all~
With Love,
Z
Ales
There is a great picture on Barbara Livingston’s website of Queen Z and Life is Sweet with John. The two mares are nose to nose…very cute! Amazon.com has shipped my 60 Minutes DVD of Zenyatta. I can’t wait to see it again! I miss you Z!!
Lori Koellner
ZENYATTA, I am so happy for you. Enjoy your new life. I would like to know if your family Ann and Jerry Moss will allow Fans to visit you in Kentucky? I live in Maryland (east coast). Please let us east coast fans know. I would Love to see you. Thanks HUGS AND KISSES XOXO Love Lori.
Snoprinz
Hi Zenyatta,
I HOPE and PRAY that in retirement you will get the same level of love and care that you have received as a racehorse. I also HOPE that your next career will be managed really well. Let them know that if you cannot connect with your fans you will be one sad Mama. Continue to drink Guinness because when motherhood comes a-knockin’ you might not be allowed to have your favorite drink. Hugs and Kisses to you my HOTY. I will TRY to make it to your Retirement Party at HP.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, I think of you throughout the day, wondering what you are doing, and if you have decided who you would like to mate with. I wish you would not go, I guess Life is Sweet will be soo happy to see you. Hopefully, David and Sarah will be as wonderful as John and Dottie. We all know that you are Queen and need extra TLC. Later, Zen…Hugs and love, Lisa g
Quarterhossgal
Dottie…thank you for the updates from special Z. I am glad to hear you will have a face from your past(David) when you come to Lane’s End. However, you have been away from him for many adventures and it would be wonderful if Mario could travel with you to help you make the transition to life as a brood mare. He has been your daily companion for such a long time and no one knows you better than he does. Nothing is too good for our special Z. Keep the pictures and stories coming Z.
Patricia
Zen-I do not want to take any time away from hearing everything we can about how life is going for you. I was sitting here thinking, we have not heard much from John, Dottie, Mike & the Mosses, on how they are all doing. I cannot even imagine how exciting Dec. 5th is going to be for you, with all of your fans to see you. But, I think it is going to be a bittersweet day for them, & they are your family. I did not want them to think they were forgotten. So, if Dottie could give us a quick update or maybe John or the Mosses could do a post, I think there are many of us that are as concerned for them as well! XOXO
TBPartner43
In 2008, my mom and I visited Lane’s End and found such gracious people there. I’m hoping they will be able to accommodate your fans, Zen. Like Snoprinz I worry that you will miss the attention provided by Mario and John. It’s taken my OTTB some time to learn to enjoy the sunlight and a good roll in the mud. You will sure be something to groom when you are dirty. I pray that the experience of being bred isn’t scary and one that requires lots of restraints. I will miss you on the track, but might now have a reason to return to Lexington. May you be healthy and happy and live a long, fruitful life.
Carolyn
Say Hi to Life is Sweet for me! I got to see her at River Edge while she was laid up. Take a big blanket with you – it will be cold! We’ll miss you Zenyatta!
Padme A'Tea
Dear Zenyatta:
Thank you for all the joy you brought to so many people when you raced. You have strength, charm, grace – and the kindest eyes. If Equus wills, I will visit you and look into your eyes – just for a second will be enough for me.
All Love
Padme A’Tea
Sharon Call
So, here’s the thing. The Moss’s don’t have to send her to KY, they have chosen to send her there. I’m not very impressed with how sad they profess to be since it was their choice to send her away. She’s not going to understand the change. She’s a horse and doesn’t have the ability to reason about things like this. She won’t have the fans, the Guiness, the peppermints or any of the things she had at Hollywood Park. At the proper time, she will be “teased” to go into heat so that she can be bred. She’ll carry that foal almost a year and if they take the baby away from her, she can be bred right back when she’s in “foal” heat and so goes the cycle. I view this as a money-making proposition, not what’s best for Zenyatta. I think this horse deserves much better than this. It was the owners, trainer and crew that got her used to the treatment she’s had for 4-1/2 years and definitely won’t have once she’s at Lane’s End. She’ll be sequested along with the other mares to keep her “quiet and peaceful”. No fair, Moss’s and Shirrells. At least tell the truth to this outstanding mare’s faithful and dedicated fans. Don’t just paint a pretty picture on paper to keep people happy when it’s probably not true. There’s nothing her fans can do except hope that she’s going to be OK, not bred to death, doesn’t founder or colic on the KY grass and doesn’t get “man handled” when she’s asked to do something she doesn’t understand. Lord Have Mercy, Zenyatta, I just don’t have a good feeling about this, but my heart goes with you and hope it turns out better than my gut says it will.
Debbie
How about that Z – cam? Wouldn’t that be great?!! Love ya Zenyatta.
Jane Moody
Zen, I’m echo what Patricia said above. A whole new life awaits you with many changes. I know people will be so good to you but it’s a huge change for everyone and my heart is with you all. Zen, you have been absolutely extraordinary – so inspirational and created such healing for my daughter as she got to know you over the past couple of months. You have no idea what you have done for so many – me included. You’ve made up for all the horse stories I cried over as a kid. You will always be in our hearts – you and all your team. I was even hoping Mario could go with you! xxoo
Ella Emery
Zenny! This is Ella! I hope you are enjoying the apples I sent. YUM-YUM…Guess what incredible event happened after school today. My mom took me over to the barn where I am going to start my therapeutic riding lessons I told you about. I am so excited!!! I met the horse I am going to start with & we explored through to the end of the barn & there was this horse that stood 17 hands-I am not really sure what that means, since I am only 5, but my mom told me that he was just about the same size as you. WOW! It gave me such a new perspective on your greatness. Now I know why Mike says you are an incredible ride!
Anyway, my mom says I have to share the space with everyone else that loves you the way I do. Have a great weekend! XOXO
jahlgren
I was hoping that you could end up being a fantastic ambassador for the sport of horse-racing with public appearances. I hope that your life at Lane’s End won’t be as bad as it seems. I saw the video on Smarty Jones being moved back to Pennsylvania, and he just looked “beaten down” and lifeless by his current life as a stud where his duties required him to be working his “magic” at least 3 times a day. I hope your life isn’t going to be a breeding machine only – if it goes that way I hope the Mosses will bring you back home.
Kitei
You are so far beyond words, truly one of a kind, divinely beautiful, incredibly talented, and such a smart and sweet person with it all. Your example inspires everyone who knows you to be the best they can be.
Kentucky is nice, but why not lobby to stay where it’s warm for the winter and have fun in the sun with your friends there? Then, in the spring, you could make a “royal progress” by train across the country with Mario, and thrill us all as you make your way slowly to Kentucky. Kincsem enjoyed doing this a lot – I’m sure she would also commend to you the joys of feline companionship! You will now have so much more time for hobbies, so give it a try, and also keep up with your painting!
Patricia
Team Z-After reading Sharon’s post, it brought tears to my eyes. I have heard stories about the breeding process & it so scares me to think that this could happen to you. We live in such a “money-matters” society, it would be absolutely heartbreaking to find out that this is what is happening to you at Lane’s End. Maybe we can get a group of dedicated fans & somehow wisk you away in the dark of night & bring you to a place of sweet treats, Guinness & just let you be a happy horse! I am sure someone can come up with a plan & we will all be on board.
But for now, I will give the Mosses the benefit of the doubt that they will bring you back to CA intermittently & only breed you when it is good for you. With deepest affection.
Julia B
Congratulations on your new journey in retirement! I am just a hop skip and a jump from KY and sure do hope I can come visit you then! I know you will still dance!!! You should check out Tiznow he is down the road..or maybe Dynaformer?? You are beautiful girl.. Best wishes to you and Team Z!! Luv from Julia
Marilu Villanueva
Dear Zenyatta: I pray for your health and happiness in your new home. I am consoled that David and Sarah are family and will take great care of you. If you are not happy there I hope the Mosses will bring you back. I am thankful to the Moss family, John and the rest of your team for sharing you with us. I was so happy and excited to see you at Barn 55 last Wednesday. It was an honor to hold you. It will be a experince I will never forget for the rest of my life. You are the greatest! Hugs, Marilu
Rose
I can’t come on 12-5-10, I live in Oklahoma will there ever be a chance of seeing you in Kentucky? thats a hope anyway!!! I will never forget the fist time I saw you in person, what a thrill…
Say Hi, to Brother Curlin…I love him too….
If, I felt you were in danger going to Lane’s end, I would be devestated…yes, sharons post brings tears of fear, from me your fan for life “sweet Zenyatta.”
Andrea
Dear Lady Z,
You will be the best mom and have very fast and strong babies! Love, Light and Peace at you old Kentucky home.
D Skladany
My two sisters just got off the phone with me this Friday, Nov. 19. They had been to see you, Zen, wow, am I thrilled and also a wee bit jealous. Anne said you are soft to touch. I had told her your muzzle was probably like velvet. They were so awestruck by your majesty and gentleness as well as the just how nice the people are.
Thank you for you.
Dottie, thank you for keeping this posting us. It is beyond wonderful. In today’s world, we need something good, and boy does this ever fulfill that. Thank you to the Mosses, to John, Carmen, Mario, Steve, and the rest of the staff. A special thank you to Mike Smith. I dream that you ride Zen’s progeny to win the triple crown. Well, one can dream :) Thank you all for sharing her. Horses are amazing.
Jane D
Horse of the year….horse of our hearts..we love you Zenyatta.
Hope to see you one day.
Jean Moore
Sharon’s post is right on target regarding our beautiful girl being sent to a breeding farm. If Zenyatta belonged to me, she would be on her own farm with the people she knows Horses do go through separation anxiety. Brood mares are sequestered so there goes any public visits. She will never be running through pastures playing with her babies. A nurse mare will be given that privilege and Zenyatta will immediately be bred again. YES, SHE DESERVES BETTER THAN THIS.
Linda Henderson
I love Zenyatta and I love this diary.
Robin
I hope Lane’s End is READY FOR ALL OF THE VISITORS WHO WILL BE THERE SOON!! Many will come to see Queen Z! All of this love and interest is so good for Zenyatta and for all of racing. Don’t keep her locked away – she will need lots of attention as she transitions to farm life. Our Love to all of Team Zenyatta for taking such good care of her. Please keep this diary going – it spreads so much hope is a tough world.
sharon gima
What a wonderful boost you have been to the racing world Z. Honest as you can be, wonderful to look at and a better dancer than any of the DWTS people. I feel sorry for Mr Espinoza and all the others that have been with you throughout your racing life who now have to say so long but enjoy the green grass of Lane’s End, and have a long and wonderful life.
Sue
To me, the name “Lanes End” sounds like a horse cemetery, not a delicious horse retreat. Just when I was finally getting thru a day, ‘tear-free,’ I’m reading & learning more & more about what does & does not go on behind the closed gates at the ‘breeding farms.’
My latest idea to keep her here is to see if we can get Oprah to buy her. She has a beautiful estate in Monticeto, where THE Z can live , with love all around her. And her potential ‘studs’ can fly in to court her.
Anyone know Oprah???
sue
For those who worry about Zennie at Lane’s End, please don’t. The Mosses are wonderful people when it comes to taking care of their horses. I read a great story about their generosity with the horse rescue program and in keeping their horses well cared for regardless of where they are kept. These people are a class act, period. I believe Zenyatta will have the very best of care…always. This farm is professionally run and has an outstanding reputation in it’s care of the animals. Zenyatta deserves this retirement. I also believe the Mosses will keep her babies …they have shown time and time again that the care of their animals are first…not the $$.
I can’t wait for further updates. Team Zenyatta has been totally unselfish when it comes to sharing her with us. IMO…This will not change.
jahlgren
I’ve been reading more about what happens in the life of a broodmare, and by all accounts, well, their whole life is breeding. 11 months carrying until birth, then the foal is turned over to a nursing mare so that the broodmare can be bred again. I wish Zenyatta could’ve stayed in Hollywood with the Mosses, Mario and John, done commercials, toured the racing circuit as an ambassador and just wowed the crowds. And horses do suffer from separation anxiety. With her personality, it might be quite a come-down to not be seeing those who have been part of her life for almost 5 years and to not be in front of crowds of people. Kind of sad.
Vivian
I too wish Queen Z could have remained in California and just toured the county, their are so many millions of fans who have yet to see her in person. We’ll miss you and the excitement you bought to horse racing.