Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #13

Zenyatta in her paddock. Photo by Alys Emson

Q:

When a racing thorougbred is retired from the track with the intention of being bred, do they generally settle down quickly from all the excitement of the track or does it take a while depending on the horse’s personality? Also, shortly after Silver Charm was retired to stand at stud, I watched a brief special on TV that said that he continued to be ridden and that he enjoyed being ridden. How common is it that thoroughbreds are still ridden after they are retired and are on a breeding farm? Just curious! Thanks for all you guys do!!

Megan Tallent

Indianapolis, IN

A:

Racehorses typically settle into retirement quite quickly. You have to remember we are actually putting them back in to a more natural environment to the one they have been living in at the track. However we don’t just bring them to the farm and put them out in the herd in a big field. The process is gradual and each horse dictates how long it takes depending on their behavior and also the time of year and weather conditions. We will turn them out in a small paddock daily and bring them in every evening. Typically with the fillies we then introduce them to a friend or two before they are eventually put in a larger field with a bigger group.

We do not ride any of our horses here at Lane’s End but it is not entirely uncommon to hear of Stallions being ridden after they are retired. At Three Chimneys Farm they do ride the stallions hence the piece on Silver Charm that you saw. We use a horse walker for the stallions that need additional exercise to help keep them trim.

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

898 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Hope everybody has a nice week! It is quite cool here in NC. I like the chill, but would love to see the sun. We humans are tough characters to satisfy, huh?
    All the best to Z’sters everywhere, to our magnificent Z, 12Z, and all the Z family in California and at Lane’s End, too!

    • / Reply

      Dear Marshall:

      We finally got some nice cool weather here too. Hope you have a wonderful week. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Marshall, Ann and NC residents,
      Love that NC chill !!!
      We are chilly to in Texas !!!

      • / Reply

        Since you are from Texas, would like to ask if there is anyone from Texas interested in going to Zenyatta’s party during the Breeder’s Cup? I really don’t want to go alone; and would enjoy another fellow Zenyatta lover’s company. Thanks!

      • / Reply

        Thanks for the comments, Sign, Ann, Judy B., Sue and Tony. Yes, October is a very lovely time of year — I love it! A refreshing time after the brutal humid heat.
        Take care all and hugs all around!

  2. / Reply

    Orfevre Update
    I tweeted KeibaKate
    Any comments from trainer Yasutoshi on Orfevre’s bumping the rail in the final strides of the Arc? How is Orfevre post-race?

    Kate’s answer tweets
    @KetaHagen Only comments I’ve seen are about him drifting towards the rail cause of the whip. Nothing specifically commenting on bumping yet 01:46 AM – 09 Oct 12

    @KetaHagen ill need to look again to see but I didn’t see any comments about the rail yesterday. He came out of the race just fine. 12:24 AM – 09 Oct 12

  3. / Reply

    A.P. Indy‏ tweet
    I won’t be the first or last to point out how fitting it was for Amerigo Vespucci
    to break his maiden on Columbus Day.

  4. / Reply

    Another interesting A. P. Indy tweet
    Less than 48 hours until A.P. Indian debuts.
    Here is a superstar! @DerbyContenders

    • / Reply

      AP Indian has been working out at Delaware Park. Don’t have race info yet.
      Here is more info on Indian
      A. P. Indian (KY) B , C, foaled May 6, 2010
      ( Indian Charlie – Ender’s Sister, by A.P. Indy)
      Connections as of last Start:
      Jockey: Alex Cintron
      Trainer: Anthony W. Dutrow
      Owner: Green Lantern Stables LLC
      Breeder: Green Lantern Stables, LLC

  5. / Reply

    To those who may be confused by the moniker JAG, those are the initials of our dear Judy Ann Gadwood, aka Auntie Judy, Dumpling extraordinaire and today’s birthday girl.
    Many, many thanks to all who commented on my reposted birthday poem for Judy, and HIGH HOOF to fellow poetess Diana Stuart (aka Diastu in Tempe). Hope you had a great day, Judy!

    • / Reply

      Wow, Ann — that’s unbelievable!

      By the way, on that page, I saw where Grade II stakes winner, Degenerate Gal, was euthanized due to complications of old age. She was 27. Apparently, she had a nice long life with the owners she raced for and was broodmare for, as well. That’s good to see.

      Thanks for the link.

      • / Reply

        Marshall,
        Thanks for pointing that out,about Degenerate Girl. Glad she stayed with her original owners and had a good life.

  7. / Reply

    Dear Ingrid,
    Soo glad you are having more time to post.
    All the folks on the site with similar names and
    Different anacronyms confuses me, too.
    Hope you are coming to the BC would love to
    Meet one of our great handicappers.

    Have a wonderful day, Ingrid !!!!

  8. / Reply

    Dear Ann,
    Still looking for reports of any injuries from the
    ARC. None posted. Sooo much talk about the
    ARC winner coming to the BC, not sure of firm
    Cali turf will deter her. I understand she likes all
    Turf footing more so the soft, but she does well
    On all turf surfaces.

    • / Reply

      Thanks for checking, Sign!
      I guess, no news is good news.
      That would be exciting for her to come to the BC, You are going to have the time of your life!!! So happy you are attending.
      She ate up that turf,that is for sure.

      • / Reply

        Dear Ann,

        So agree no news is good news, I thought you and your daughter were coming to the BC ???
        Love the ARC winner, such a competent mare and she sure did eat up that
        heavy ground, wonder what goes through her mind when she runs on it
        sooo deep and difficult to get through !!!

        • Sign,
          Wish we could go, not this year. Weddings and the university sucking me dry! But…I know YOU will rep us good!!!! I will be there in spirit for sure.

          Great question,wonder what she was thinking,being a competitive filly…..out of my way BOYS!!!! Hope she got special treats for that win.

  9. / Reply

    dear kathy it seems it’ s only in europe that jumps are popular such a pity about the aussie horses not caring whether they live or die!! the black caviar book is on my christmas list hope someone listening!!hugs sheenaX

    • / Reply

      Greetings Sheena: I think jumps are amazing (had a friend who was very big on the cross country stuff, which I thought was fantastic though). What I dislike about the jumps here is the use of “left-over” horses, which are old, or in some cases injured, just being used up in the sport. The fields here are also really lousy – often only 4-6 in a race, and it looks really poor when you watch these poor older horses being flogged mercilessly (think I’ve misspelled) and trailing in the field. Good luck with your Christmas wish! And speaking about needing to be positive regarding racing, you may like this little bit from Skysportsradio:
      http://www.skyracing.com.au/index.php?component=news&task=rnewsdetails&Itemid=108&id=23&rid=14879.
      Like I said, you have to be optimistic. Hugs!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena and Kathy R,

      So very much agree with what you are saying about horse sports in general. They are
      dangerous no matter what they are and as a rider we face this danger and the though of severe injury daily. Horses are flight animals and you never know when or what they will flee from on or off there back. Sooo love the jumps wish they were more popular here, but unfortunately the US live in a world of its own. None of our horses are competetive on Euro tracks or in Dubai. We only win over international company when they come here. And usually there best horses don’t come her as their is no need for them to run on the dirt or a mostly flat turf course.

      Have soo enjoyed your international contributions and your love of horses just as we do. It is sad Kathy R that the infirm horses are jumped in the land down under, but we
      have very sad claiming races where horses run and run and run and run and never win and are injured and go from barn to barn to barn with no home. Saw a horse run over the weekend that had been in six different barns for his last 6 races. No one seems to care about them and it is sad.

      HORSES ARE CREATURES OF GOD AND SOOO VERY SPECIAL TO TRUST HUMANS
      SO COMPLETELY.

  10. / Reply

    Orfevre Next Race-Japan Cup
    Tweet to: KeibaKate Thank you for your reply. Orfevre fans concerned & wondered how he was post-race. Ran a tough race. On to next one.

    Reply to : KetaHagen Japan Cup, likely against Solemia as long as she comes out of the @BreedersCup Turf in good shape.

    Keta Note:
    The Japan Cup, JPN G-1) is the one of prestigious horse races in Japan.
    It is contested at the end of November at Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, Tokyo at a distance of 2400 meters (about 1 ½ miles) over the grass. With a purse of ¥476 million (about US $5.8 million), the Japan Cup is one of the richest races in the world

    Nov. 25 2012 is the date. Here is a link to JRA Graded Races 2012
    http://japanracing.jp/en/information/jra-graded-races/list/2012.html

    • / Reply

      Keta,

      Thank You so much for the update You know I am looking so forward to this race.
      Love Ya Orfevre.

  12. / Reply

    dear ann thanks for your lovely post am sure you are enjoying the cooler weather we’ve heard a lot about the heat and the drought over in the US this year the autumn is a beautiful time of year in your part of the world it’s pretty dismal and cool here todayhugs sheenaX

    • / Reply

      Sheena,
      It is very cold and dismal here today,my kitchen is finally having a makeover!
      Fall is my favorite time of year. The leaves turn beautiful colors,pumpkins are on every doorstep, the horses are getting fuzzy,our State Fair is starting this week and my daughter will be showing her cow, Moose. She was showing horses but decided variety is the spice of life!
      Our dream is come to your country for touring and racing. Daughter was close to packing her bags and moving over. She would fit right in!
      Take care and have a great week! Hugs to you!

        • Dear Judy,Max,Kathy R.,Sheena,Sign,

          Thanks for all of the nice thoughts and cheers for Moose.
          Moose is a young Holstein and very sweet.
          Moose will have her friend, Goose ,there as well,shown by daughter’s friend.
          This is going to be a real treat for us!!!!

      • / Reply

        Dear Ann, Sheena, Kathy R,

        North Carolina is one of the most beautiful states in the US and I soo very much
        loved living there. One thing chilly, rainy and snowy are not so nice, but
        90 to 100 degree weather with the humidity the same is treacherous.

        Hope is does not rain too hard in wales, Sheena and it must be summer in Australia right Kathy R, warm now as we go into winter??

        Hope your kitchen turns out beautiful Ann.

  13. / Reply

    Paynter Update Tues. Oct. 9 2012 7:15 AM Pacific A.ZAYAT‏ tweet
    Paynter is doing well this A.M.
    Had another great day yesterday and overnight .
    Wating on blood work at around 11am #champ

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,
      Love Wikipedia will definately check it out,
      It has lots of information.

  15. / Reply

    A BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY to both JAG and SIGN!!!! Sorry I didn’t get to post yesterday—Mondays are crazy at work and last night I didn’t get a chance to post either. I definitely agree with those who said that Trina’s poem for JAG was one of the best ever!!! Somehow I missed reading it last year–I don’t know how. It had me in tears!!! Just beautiful!!!!

    @ Diana-Loved YOUR poem too!!! You are certainly a talented lady!! I got our Dumpling tags in the mail–Thank You SO much!!! It will be so fun to wear them to the BC!! My daughter can hardly wait to meet all the “crazy horse people”,as she calls us–she loves all animals and rode a bit as a child,but she’s not obsessed like I have been all of my life!! She will learn a lot !!

    @ Trina–Sign’s poem was great too!!You really ARE a wonder!!! Barnaby sends love—I always give him his Auntie’s messages. He wants to come to the BC,but,I can’t afford Tex and his mighty planes!! Will show him all the photos I take,though,especially the ones of you!!

    Am so VERY happy about Paynter!! It would be SO great if he could get the Vox Populi award! He really made history with his miraculous recovery–may all continue to go well for this wonderful boy,and all of his caring connections!!

    Will post more later about Miss Traveller–she seems to be doing better for now–though there were many troubling factors that came up in her exam. More on that later today. Hugs and love to all!!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue Noel:

      Sorry to hear Traveller’s exam turned up some problems. Hope they can be corrected. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue,

      Thanks soo much for the special birthday wishes, Diana and Trina have gone out
      of their way with their poetry and organizing things for everyone for the BC.

      JAG’s poem was soo very speical, too for a very special lady. Was supposed to come to JAG’s B-day party at the track last year but unable to make it. SOO looking forward
      to meeting her, Trina, Diana and everyone else at the BC 2012.

  18. / Reply

    dear ann thanks for your post hope the kitchen makeover goes well and that moose will enjoy the state fair!! we tend to celebrate halloween more over here now with pumpkins and trick or treat I hope you get to come over here one day you’ll enjoy the racing for sure hope the sun will shine for us tomorrow hugs sheena

  19. / Reply

    dear sign and Z fans frankel is out and about tomorrow for a racecourse gallop at HQ (thats newmarket)in preparation for his final race on oct 20th we have a big 2yr old colts race on saturday the dewhurst stakes it gives us a clue for the classics next year frankel won it 2 yrs ago the favourite this yr is the son of derby winner new approach am not sure if he still runs in princess haya’s colours hugs sheena

  21. / Reply

    Dear Z fans,
    On French and US versions of the ARC,
    “O” lugged out to the rail before whip, whip was used
    To straighten him out and speed him up.

    An appropriate action by the jockey dealing with
    Quirky unpredictable behavior, crops in English
    Riding are used for the same reason after a
    Quirky movement.

    Great work by his jockey to try and win the race.

  22. / Reply

    dear kathy fthanks very much for the piece you posted as you said you have to be very optimistic !! we had a change in the whip rulesover here last year but the jockeys were up in arms the BHA struck a deal with them after talks but I feel they still use the whip too much it’ hard to see horses hit when they are tired and doing their best we have a wonderful cross country race at the cheltenham festival the irish always send over some cross country specialists thanks about the good luck with my christmas wish!!hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      Your whip rule changes were very controversial over her as well and there was
      lots of discussion about changing ours. Of course they have not changed,
      but each track has their own rules like type of whip, what it can be made of, how
      long it can be etc….

      • / Reply

        Sign and Sheena: Whip rules were changed over here as well – one of the changes involved going to a so-called “soft” whip – the claim is that it makes a noise that encourages the horse to go faster – funny thing though, I’ve yet to see a trainer or jockey or race called volunteer to see just how “soft” the thing is if applied liberally to the hindquarters!

  23. / Reply

    Someone sent me a story about “The Elephant Whisperer”, by conservationist Lawrence Anthony, who died in March 2012. “Following Anthony’s death, the herds of elephants embarked on a 12 hour journey to visit his wife and children at their home. According to Anthony’s son, in the year and a half they had lived there, the elephants had never visited their home. He was quoted: ”in coming up there on that day of all days, we certainly believe that they had sensed it.”

    Of the book, one reviewer wrote on Wikipedia, “Anthony has made a difference in the lives of many magnificent animals who would otherwise have been lost to the world. When you are feeling down and out and ready to give up, read this inspiring book and share it widely with others.”

    • / Reply

      Vicki B: Oh that is just an incredible story – and makes me want to cry and cheer at the same time! Thank you so much for the comment. Cheers.

    • / Reply

      Dear Vicki B,

      Soo love this elephant mourning, they grieve for a long time when one of their
      herd members died, sounds like this man and his family were part of the herd.
      Many elephants will have been somewhere for water or food, 10 years ago and
      they will be able to find the same place again to feed/water their herds.

      Such a wonderful group of animals. Thanks for sharing this heart warming story.

      • / Reply

        Sign and Vicki B. Doesn’t it make you feel humble when you think of the trust that animals place in us? Humble and so so sad at the contemptuous way we treat them in return.

        • Dear Kathy R,

          Sooo very true, they really love us unconditionally.

    • / Reply

      Dear Vicki B., Sign, Kathy R and Z Fans:

      Truly amazing the emotional bond humans can have with animals. Elephants really do have phenomenal memories and grieve when they lose a member of the herd. Hugs, JB

  25. / Reply

    KY Tbred Assoc Retweet of Janet Patton of Lex Herald
    RT : Lentenor, Barbaro’s brother, retired from racing due to tendon injury,
    Nicoma Bloodstock says.
    Stallion plans in works.

    • / Reply

      I will miss Lentenor and Nicanor. Obviously, they couldn’t measure up to their big brother, Barbaro, but they are beautiful boys and I’m so happy they will have wonderful lives and never had life-threatening injuries. Excited to see how the two younger brothers do! Their mom, La Ville Rouge, is officially in foal to Bernardini now! He gets around!

      • / Reply

        She’s a great mom, very much like Zenny. And this baby will be a crown jewel for sure. I used to hope for a filly from Big D and La Ville and we almost got one. Now – I’ll be happy with either a colt or a filly so long as healthy and full of racing hope!
        diastu in tempe

      • / Reply

        Dear Louise and Diana:

        I followed Nicanor and Lentenor too. Hope they will have long happy lives. Our Bernie is a very popular Boy! Another wonderful baby to follow. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      So Nicanor was retired a few months ago, and now Lentenor. That leaves only Margano and the youngest one just starting training. Sigh. Lightning hasn’t struck twice in this family, but I am happy the two older boys are retired without catastrophic injury. The genes flowing in those two are worth pursuing!
      diastu in tempe

  26. / Reply

    To All Praying for Traveller– The vet was there for about four hours on Friday morning. He checked her over thoroughly and then tested her trotting in the ring. He could tell she had bad hocks. He x-rayed both and found both were bad–particularly the off-side. He gave her two shots and waited awhile,then tried her again and there was improvement. He explained that sometimes when they are bad they may fuse on their own-and,sometimes,they can be fused. Sue’s sister has been a vet at Santa Anita and Del Mar for years and she said that when they are fusing themselves,they can be very painful. This could account for her not wanting to be ridden—she doesn’t want to hurt!!!!

    We have been giving her bute again for the last few days,so I have been mixing the concoction every afternoon when I go out to feed them–then,after it has dried out,Sue mixes it with the regular grain & Kombat boots in the morning and she eats it. (Traveller eats it–not Sue—DUH!)

    The vet said to try to saddle her yesterday,so Sue gave it a go–sshe was finally able to get her to accept the saddle–but–on the offside!! She is obviously having pain issues on her back–probably from the thing they found on her ultrasond. She has one ovary that is twice as large as the other–and is a mass. At first,he thought she would need to have it out right away,which threw Sue for quite a loop,as it would cost several thousand dollars,which she doesn’t have!! He said it could be biopsied,but,that it would be just as well to take it out . After consulting some other vets,he feels that we should work on the hock problem first,seeing if she is going to be rideable at all,which it now looks like she is,though lightly. Then,he wants to watch the mass and see what happens. There is a possibility that she will have to be put down if everything goes wrong,but,we are hoping THAT will not have to happen. Sue is feeling much more positive about her outcome now and is going to give her a lot of rest. She can ride Mr. Barnaby for awhile. As i think I said the other day,I don’t mind riding him for a bit and then letting her take over–I’m happy just watching them work. He is just endlessly fascinating to me–whatever he is doing at a given moment!!! Yesterday,Rita said they were so lively in the cool morning that they were rearing up and playing. Traveller just loves to tear around and I don’t think she cares when she’s doing that if she hurts or not!

    We are all grateful for your concern and prayers and love. I give the horses,and Sue,your messages. I will stand next to them when they are eating their hay and reel off the names of those who have given them messages and prayers. These two KNOW they are loved-believe me!!

    Love to all and our wishes for a restful and lovely night!!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue, thank you so much for this detailed update. Prayers continue for Traveller. It’s great to hear she enjoys tearing around the pasture in the chill of the morning. Bravo to Barnaby for taking up some of the slack so Traveller can rest a bit. Kisses to him from Auntie Trina.

    • / Reply

      Add diastu to the good karma wishes list please! Love those two and hope they both continue to love life and live life to the fullest!
      diastu in tempe

      • / Reply

        Sue: Guess it’s time to get St Francis busy again – thinking of you all at this bad time – and praying it will all become good. Cheers Kathy R.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue,
      Thanks for sharing the latest update on Barnaby and Taveller.
      Thoughts and prayers with them both.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue:

      I add my prayers for Traveller, Barnaby, you and Sue to all the other Z’sters. Hoping and wishing all good things for Traveller. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue Noel,
      Thanks for the update. Will certainly keep Traveller in my thoughts and prayers, hoping for a positive outcome. Love hearing about Barnaby!
      Soft kisses on soft noses to both Barnaby and Traveller!
      All the best to you and friend Sue, also!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue,
      Thanks for the update on both horses. Count me in as far as prayers and good wishes are concerned. The vet’s idea of working on one thing at a time seems to make sense for horses as well a humans. Always good to hear from you.
      Sandy

  27. / Reply

    @ Vicki B–LOVE the elephant story—they are SO amazing!! Would like to read that book!!

    Have any of you read “Nop’s Trials”–it’s about a border collie that is stolen from his master and how he finds him again. OMG–I cried so hard that Star,my sweet 3-legged kitty-was worried!

  28. / Reply

    I am so far behind on the posts. Computer troubles again. Thank God for my iPhone!
    Great question, Megan. I’ve wondered about that before also.
    Happy belated birthday, Auntie Judy! And a belated celestial birthday to John Henry.
    Trina, your poem to Judy was beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes.
    Diana, I really enjoyed your poem too. We have such talent here on the blog!
    I’m getting sooo excited about the Breeders Cup! I went to the Keeneland gift shop today to look for some horsey stuff for my trip and the first thing I saw when I walked in the door was Fred Stone’s beautiful print of Zenyatta and Z12. I was talking to the sales lady about it, and of course we started talking about our mutual love of Zenyatta. We talked about how perfect she is, and she said one thing she loves about Z is her big rear end! Too cute. She also said that the Mosses have been to the gift shop several times and she said they’re the most down to earth people you could ever meet. I can’t wait to see them at the BC!

  29. / Reply

    Now here’s how the Australian racing tries to recruit new fans, and even jockeys:
    http://www.skyracing.com.au/index.php?component=news&task=rnewsdetails&Itemid=108&id=23&rid=14878.
    Not sure how the parents will feel about their children being encouraged to gamble at such an early age though!
    Sign: we’re still in Spring just now, with summer to come (not that I’m looking forward to it – dread the extreme heat, and especially the bush fires). We’ve just gone onto daylight saving time until 1 April next year.

    • / Reply

      Kathy R,

      Very creative article, good point about the gambling. Too cute the one little boy is
      going to put the money in the bank, maybe they can teach some saving of winning money.

      Oh I got the seasons confused, Guess we are going into winter and you are opposite
      going into summer. Not much of a fall in Texas, the leaves just get yellow and fall,
      not like North Carolina or the midwest.

  30. / Reply

    Daydreaming about BC is steadily getting worse. It’s like a disease, it takes over. Oh we’ll, let it! I am in full out planning mode now!! On to the store raiding portion!! Whoo hoo for shopping!!

    Oh, I have some very very exciting news and a new puppy for everyone to meet! He isn’t mine, but I love him like he is mine! He’s a golden named BOWMAN!! Ahh, he’s so cute!!

    Oh, fellow FBers, you know who you are, if you “like” SHERR on FB, you can see all the pictures and get updates from head boss Ginny herself! That way, you can know when the fundraisers are all coming up, and my NC peeps, maybe you can come visit! Just make sure you let me know so I tell Ginny and someone is actually there. Lol

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