Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #10

Q:

I have a question about the colts and fillies that are newly weaned. I understand that 12Z is in with a group of buddies right now and that one of them is a filly. Yet I thought colts got put with colts and fillies were kept separate, so there are no rivalries. My guess is that much like kids, at very young ages they don’t really “recognize” the difference. Am I right, and when does that start to change? Or does it completely depend on the personalities of the individual horses? And for that matter, when do the colts have to be in separate paddocks? At what ages do those separations need to start happening?

Julie Malida

Arlington Heights, IL

12Z is turned out with a group of colts and fillies. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End

A:At this stage, the weanlings are mixed and not separated by gender. We will not separate them until later in the year. They don’t have a real understanding of their sex yet and mix well together at this point. Although you will see stronger tendencies of gender in some of them, to be honest some of the girls can be tougher than the boys at this stage!

Once we separate them they will stay in large groups until next spring when we start prepping for the yearling sales. The yearling fillies are always able to stay in a group, as they tend to be less boisterous with each other. The colts that are to be sale prepped are separated into individual paddocks at the start of the preparation period. Their paddocks are all adjacent to one another so this doesn’t really bother them too much. The “keeper” yearling colts will stay together, albeit in smaller groups, until they are shipped to the training farms where they will be broken in prior to joining their prospective trainers. This tends to be in the fall of their yearling year.

Our Expert

Alys Emson

Client Management, Lane’s End

Alys has been at Lane’s End for fourteen years. She has worked in every division of the farm and is now in charge of client management, keeping owners up to speed about the lives of their horses.

Reader Interactions

770 Comments

  2. / Reply

    CALLING ALL Z’ISTERS: FUND-RAISING STILL NEEDED TO RESCUE QUARTERS FROM SLAUGHTER
    Thank you all for your interest in what is going on in this rescue. We have helped Marlene Dodge raise nearly $1,200 toward the goal of $5,200 to rescue 9 dear Quarter Horses from a feedlot in Fallon, NV. They will be sent to a Canadian slaughterhouse Sunday, Sept. 9, if all the funds are not raised by then. These horses range from the very young just starting out in life and training to experienced ranch horses in their prime. The economy is leading ranchers to cull their herds and instead of doing the right thing by finding them other homes or reaching out to rescues, they sell them to slaughter and a hideous experience of being locked in a trailer with dozens of other horses packed like sardines with no stops for anything until reaching their destination, which is a house of horrors and being butchered alive. Please go to http://www.valleyviewranchequinerescue.webs.com to donate today or visit the site Marlene set up especially for this rescue to see photos of these dear horses that need our help: http://www.wrercalltoaction.webs.com. You can also donate at this new site. I will keep you all updated as Marlene sends me updates. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your caring and generosity for our dear equine friends. If we think of every dollar we send as a prayer for Paynter, that might help with that pain as well. Thank you all,
    Your humble J

  3. / Reply

    Thank you, Alys, and Lane’s End. So much appreciate your updates and the information. Pictures are nice, too.

  4. / Reply

    Good explanation–this is a question I’ve often wondered about myself. (Not surprised to hear the girls are often tougher than the boys!) And we’re certainly all getting more interested in the weanlings and yearlings now that we’re following Baby Z’s future. Thanks for the continually keeping all of us posted on Z and Baby Z!

    • / Reply

      Agree with your Wendy – I’m the same. And thanks so much to Lane’s End, Alys and all the folk for the great job they do.

  5. / Reply

    Good question from Julie. Thank you Alys for your detailed answer. The youngsters seem to be very content with each other. I’d love to see a video of them in “action” sometime if possible.

  6. / Reply

    Very interesting answer and a nice photo. That is one fine looking group of weanlings. It must be fun trying to control them when it is time for grooming or food. Several look like they are quite mischievous.

    • / Reply

      Oh wow, Max. The stories that could come out of that field of mischief!

      Thanks ,Alys, for the update on these youngsters.

      • / Reply

        Ann. The combination of the light bay colt with that quarter moon blaze on top and 12Z could cause some “issues”. They look like trouble if you were in their paddock without a quick escape route. LOL.

        • LOL, Max.
          I adore that fellow w/ the quarter moon blaze! He has trouble written all over him! Always plan a quick escape route when field hopping!!!
          Thanks for the chuckle.

  8. / Reply

    What a great question… I wasn’t aware that colts and fillies were ever mixed but it makes sense until the hormones kick in. That’s a really handsome group in the photo. They’re all starting to look like young adults now and have completely lost their little baby faces. A lot of changes certainly happen in the first five or six months.

    I love the idea of “tomboy” fillies… go girls!

  10. / Reply

    Wonderful pictures of “our new girl and boys”, I believe Prince Z is looking straight at the camera! (Wouldn’t expect anything different) Thank you Lane’s End for your wonderful pic’s and great informational stories, we so appreciate ALL the updates. What a wonderful place to come when you need an up lift or a friend to talk to. You have managed to bring together a bunch of strangers, who otherwise would have never met, and who are forever bonded over “Our beloved Zenyatta” and her “Prince”. You are an amazing organization with amazing staff, I hope you ALL know how much you are loved and appreciated.
    Take good care of our new batch of babies, and their beautiful mommies.

    With Love and Appreciation Always,
    GirlSaratoga

  11. / Reply

    My Dearest Friends:

    I was so very afraid to click on this site today, in fear that I would find the worst, the fear of hearing news about Paynter is so crippling that it took me about 3 hrs to be able to get to this page. And then there it was a pic of the Prince and his royal subjects! I’m going with “no news is good news”

    @Darlene Daniels:

    I hope you get the chance to go to Saratoga, it is a beautiful track and very kid friendly (if you have any). There is so much history there, and even if you weren’t alive when it was happening, somehow you can feel it. If you do go park in the back (free parking) and walk through the barn areas, meet the grooms, and the other wonderful people that left their homes to work at the track to earn money to send home to their families in their respective countries. (If you speak Spanish, they will really LOVE you!)

    My Sweet Paynter I am sending you ALL my love, kisses, and a BIG bag of peppermints to you, stay strong big guy.

    Can’t Stop crying GirlSaratoga

      • / Reply

        El Vino gave an update on Paynter. He’s having a good morning so far and is walking around comfortably with his new casts and his attitude is better. Still has a fever and the runs but, he’s still with us. Mr. Zayat says that he seems comfortable and that is #1 priority.

    • / Reply

      Brenda our wonderful Keta gave us an earlier update on the last page of Ask the Experts. Her post was from a little while ago. It’s 7.48 here now. It was posted a little earlier.

      Keta Thank You with all my heart for your posts.
      I am so happy the Dirrehea is better. Will be so thankful for one blessing at a time.

  13. / Reply

    I spent a little time at a standardbred farm where they were starting sales prep for their yearlings.. One of the things I was told was that the colts might try to nip you but they’ll pretty much always warn you when they will – the fillies might try to nip you too, but you won’t be expecting it when they do.

    Interesting.

  14. / Reply

    You know what they say; boys will be boys, and girls go wild!! Thanks Alys. Very informative info. Love the pic. How is big mama Zenny doing.. xoxo

  15. / Reply

    Just saw on Daily Racing Form website that Paynter seems to be brighter & his appetite is better today, still has some fever and the casts on his legs seem to be helping – Come on Paynter keep fighting ….

  16. / Reply

    Paynter Update Wed. Sept 5 11:30 am Pacific A. Zayat tweets combined
    Paynter morning update: We still have Paynter in our lives for that we are blessed. Paynter continues to go through a rollercoaster sickness with significant complications. Ironically today he is having a decent day, he is one tough horse!

    It is admirable but heartbreaking. On the positive side, he stays comfortable in his new cast fitting, unbelievably so that according to Dr. Laura says he is actually walking around comfortably in them. What a star!! On the negative side he continues to fight his colitis hard.His fever is higher today than we would want it.The protein levels continue to be low. He still has diarrhea, but amazingly enough his attitude is better and his appetite continues to improve.

    He is fighting and we will keep praying for him to fight as long as we are secsitive to his needs. Again, our primary concern is his comfort

  18. / Reply

    Alys & Lane’s End Farm team
    You are doing such a great job of teaching us & guiding us through this growth process.
    It is a learning experience like not other–and such fun.
    Sounds like a group of pre-schoolers blended together.
    Thank you for the effort that goes into doing this for us.
    Know that it is appreciated.
    Keta

  19. / Reply

    Dear Keta and Z Fans:

    Thanks for the update on our sweetie Paynter. Glad to know he is not in pain. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Judy,
      The illness is a roller coaster ride & so are my/our emotions.
      Can not imagine what the Zayats & Bob Baffert are going through.
      Sending a hug,
      Keta

      • / Reply

        Dear Keta:

        I know. Must be really difficult for Mr. Z. and BB. Mr. Z really seems to love Paynter. Hope they can keep him comfortable. Will keep praying. Hugs, JB

  20. / Reply

    Louisiana Downs: Blueskiesnrainbows early favorite for Super Derby field of nine
    By Mary Rampellini DRF 09/05/2012 1:51PM
    Blueskiesnrainbows drew post 3 in a field of nine for Saturday’s Grade 2, $500,000 Super Derby at Louisiana Downs. Entries for the mile and an eighth race were drawn Wednesday. On the undercard, Smile Sprint winner Gantry, a candidate for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, will run in the $50,000 Temperence Hill.
    The complete field from the rail with riders and odds is: Mr. Bluegrass Music, Chris Landeros, 20-1; Key Donation, Richard Eramia, 12-1; Blueskiesnrainbows, Talamo, 3-2; Hero of Order, Don Simington, 15-1; Fly Lexis Fly, Martin Garcia, 6-1; Master Rick, Gerard Melancon, 15-1; Tensas Cold Front, Mark Guidry, 12-1; Rousing Sermon, Mike Smith, 5-1; and Bourbon Courage, Leandro Goncalves, 3-1.
    http://www.drf.com/news/louisiana-downs-blueskiesnrainbows-early-favorite-super-derby-field-nine
    Keta Note: Mike Smith is riding Rousing Sermon in Super Derby

  21. / Reply

    Alys,

    You must have an absolutely wonderful job. How fun to chronicle the lives of these wonderful animals. I’m sure you have some tough days too. Horses always seem to find the most random ways to hurt themselves…………I know, I owned show horses for years.

    Best of luck and thanks for the education.

  22. / Reply

    To all at LE and Alys,
    You guys have got your hands full with this bunch of teenagers……..yikes! I would just love to sit by one of your big old trees and watch them for hours. How do you ever catch one if you have to? We brought our Saddlebred, “Chance”home at 3 mos. as the breeder didn’t want to take a chance of him getting hurt and mama was starting to kick at him to leave her alone. We didn’t have our pony yet so he was pretty lonesome and I’d go out to the paddock and play tag with him. He’d hide behind the tree and I’d chase him this way then that way. Couldn’t catch the “stinker” and you could see by the look on his face he was enjoying me making a fool of myself, ha, ha. Then I went and got a grain bucket and that was the way I caught him until he got older. He still liked to play hide behind the tree, though.

    Such a roller coaster ride with Paynter, after all this he just has to make it, his fan base is all over the world! What a wonderful, caring owner Mr Zayat is to give this horse every fighting chance! I send kisses on his nose and prayers for him!

    Thank you again LE and crew for all you do for us!
    Long Live The Queen and nose kisses to you and EARnie

  23. / Reply

    Thanks for another interesting answer to a great question. I am thinking since 12Z is a “keeper” he will be shipped to a training farm (Mayberry’s) shortly after his first birthday. They will be so lucky to get him!

    I would love to see another current picture of Zenny…she is always food for the soul.

  24. / Reply

    LE, you really are amazing. With everything going on at the farm you continue to keep us updated on 12Z and Zenny. Thank you! This question was an interesting one and I enjoyed the response as well.

  25. / Reply

    What cute kids!! I can sure see why they all need halters and foal tags….they all glisten the same.

    Thank you Alys for explaining about the lives of the yearlings. I would imagine sorting them into the proper groups takes a great co-ordinated effort. It would be interesting to know what goes into prepping for the sales, even though we know 12Z is a keeper until he goes to the training farm.

    Thank you again Lane’s End Farm for all you do for the horses and for us, the eager to learn fans.

    • / Reply

      Marty,
      I agree with the need for foal tags & halters.
      SInce many of these are unnamed, it must be fun identifying them.
      Yes, I know that when you are around them they are easier to know–coloring & personality.
      Just saying…
      Keta

      • / Reply

        Keta. 12Z stands out among other things because of his duct tape. He is also wearing duct tape in one of the Moss racing colors.

  26. / Reply

    Does anyone know if John and Dottie ever got to KY to see Zenny and 12Z? I’ve missed some comments and don’t think I remember seeing anything about it. Thanks!

    • / Reply

      Sharon, I don’t think there has been anything said to indicate that John and Dottie have been to Ky. since 12Z has been born. I was actually wondering about this past weekend since neither John nor Mr. and Mrs. Moss had horses running at Del Mar until today. The Keeneland sales are coming up soon and we know that’s where everyone was introduced to Zenyatta so maybe at that time??? If the diary were still going, Zenny would tell us.

  27. / Reply

    Keta Note: Eswan Flores to be interviewed on TVG today (Wed. 9/5) sometime between 3 to 6.
    HORSE RACING: Embattled jockey had help posting Twitter comments
    3 hours ago • By JEFF NAHILL North County Times Wed Sept 5
    DEL MAR —- Doug Christensen, who said he’s a “dad, mentor and coach” for apprentice jockey Eswan Flores, said he typed in Flores’ comments on the suspended jockey’s Twitter account on Tuesday.
    “We did this together,” Christensen said Wednesday morning. “We put it together. I typed in what he was telling me to say.
    “Eswan is bilingual and I was helping him with spelling, grammar and punctuation.
    “His story had to be told. All he ever wanted to do was be a jockey, and he’s a good jockey, but he wasn’t able to say anything (about this).”
    Flores has been suspended from riding by the California Horse Racing Board since Aug. 25 following a random drug test on Aug. 23 that showed a positive for cocaine.
    Christensen said Flores will be interviewed sometime between 3 and 6 p.m. on Wednesday on Television Games (TVG) in its Los Angeles studio. Christensen said TVG is one of Flores’ sponsors and it was “only fair” that TVG be the first ones to interview Flores.
    http://www.nctimes.com/sports/​equestrian/racing/​horse-racing-embattled-jockey-h​ad-help-posting-twitter-commen​ts/​article_130e7a28-0f85-52f3-91cd​-ddf8c968fa47.html

    • / Reply

      Keta, Thank you for this info. I think these are owners to admire just like Mr. and Mrs. Moss. They seem to know many people are far more interested in race horses than just the possibility of gaining some money on them.

  30. / Reply

    Paynter Update Wed. Sept 5 4:20 pm Pacific A.ZAYAT‏ tweets combined
    Paynter update: Paynter continues to amaze his vets by his resilience, class, charm, determination, what a horse. Indeed he is so special. .
    Paynter has been walking comfortably all day. This afternoon his diarrhea resolved and he passed formed manure. He was mildly uncomfortable when defecating, which is not uncommon in horses with colitis as the diarrhea resolves He has had an intermittent low grade fever but his blood work continues to be normal. He continues to be treated aggressively.
    Please keep your good prayers and energy coming our champ is fighting and fighting hard

    • / Reply

      Thank you Dear Lord! And thank you Keta for sharing.

      For those of us in the medical field, formed stool is a very good thing!

      • / Reply

        Darlene you took the words right out of my mouth. Yes, Thank You lord.
        Thank you again keta this means so much to us.
        The other article said he was out a little bit eating grass. I was so glad to here that. I know he was happy to be out too. So Thankful for one blessing at a time.

      • / Reply

        Keta, thanks for all the updates on Paynter. I am truly inspired by his courage and incredible will to live and will continue to send prayers for his recovery.

    • / Reply

      Thank you Keta, for this update. It is a reassuring report; though, he has a ways to go.
      Desperately hope he has turned the corner and will continue to improve. Prayers are still offered for his recovery, for the Zayats and their veterinary staff.
      Sincere best wishes and healing prayers for Paynter. We are all pulling for your good health, dear boy.

Leave a Reply to signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.