Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #15

Q:

I always hear that the large Kentucky farms (and others, too) have their horses in the barn during the day and turn them out into paddocks/pastures at night. What is the reasoning behind that schedule?

Debra Medlock

Fall River Mills, CA

Zenyatta in her stall. Photo by Kyle Acebo.

A:We bring them up to the barns in the daytime for a number of reasons. We like to monitor their feed intake, so feeding them inside ensures that each horse is getting their fair share of feed and the right amount depending on the individual. We also like to check temperatures and make sure each horse is healthy and free of any kicks, bumps and bruises.

Handling the youngsters is an essential part of their education and makes them much more manageable for the farrier and vet. It also allows them to relax and rest for a while and have a break from the weather. We put fans on them in the summer whilst in the barn so they can cool off. We also have automatic fly spray systems installed in the barns so they are all quite happy to come in during the heat of the day. In the winter they enjoy bedding down in the straw for a few hours and warming up.

Our Expert

Charles Campbell

Broodmare Manager, Lane’s End

Originally from England, Charles has traveled the world working with horses. He has been the Broomare Manager at Lane’s End for four years, and he was with Zenyatta the night she foaled.

Reader Interactions

693 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Hi Queen Z!!! Your half sis worked out today :-)

    ♥ Eblouissante(3-Year-Old Filly) ♥
    Date: November 5, 2012
    Track: BETFAIR HOLLYWOOD PARK
    Distance: Six Furlongs
    Time: 1.15:20 Handily
    Track Condition: Fast
    Surface: All Weather Track
    Rank: 11/24

    Some of us Dumplings saw her yesterday at Barn 55 :-)

    • / Reply

      p.s. I was so excited to be the first to post I forgot to thank Lane’s End for answering today’s question!!!! Thank you!
      Auntie JAG

    • / Reply

      Dear Z fans,

      It is better to put horses out at night when it is
      Cooler so they are not in the beating sun all day
      And they are inside out is the sun with fans and
      Fly spray. Flies are minimal at night so basically
      A comfort measure for them as we’ll as monitoring.
      We always did this at our barn.

      However, the geriatric horse like Jethro the spook master,
      Got spooked at night and impaired himself on a
      Tree branch. Found in AM, vet came to suture and he
      Was happy as a clam eating his hay after. Shows
      How they don’t realize when they do something
      Silly and how dangerous it could be !!!

    • / Reply

      WHOO HOOO !!! JAG

      Thanks for the update on “E”, any word on when her first race will be
      since you were at the BC last weekend ???

      Thanks so much for the great Cali updates !!!

      • / Reply

        John says “it won’t be long….” with a smile :-D My visit at Barn 55 with the other Dumplings on Sunday was great!

        JAG ♥

  4. / Reply

    Miss Zen so much and her daily updates, but appreciate hearing and learning of the care of these fine horses! Please keep us posted on Zen’s pregnancy! Can’t wait to see this one too….

  5. / Reply

    That was a very interesting article, very informative…however I have a completely different question…does Zenyatta get to see her first foal ever now? Or are they completely apart from each other from now on? THank you

    • / Reply

      Once mare & foal are separated & weaned, they stay separated on opposite sides of the farm. They may see each other in passing, but they will never be placed near each other. Remember, the Prince is not going to be gelded anytime in the near future, so no way will they be placed near each other

      • / Reply

        Good point about mare and her son.
        However, don’t think they will be seeing each other again.

    • / Reply

      No. Most of the time horses don’t recognize one another or at least seemingly too. However there are exceptions.

      Prince is growing up and could soon get a young filly in foal. I’m sure at some point well hear that they’ve been separated according to sex. Prince will always have someone to play with until he’s sent off for his early lessons.

      Horses live in the now.

  6. / Reply

    As always, Zenny looks wonderful! Lane’s End, you obviously take such wonderful care of all the horses. Special shout out to Tasty too! Hope she is doing well!

  7. / Reply

    What a great racing week-end it was, Congrats to all BC Winners. Needless to say, OUR QUEEN was there in spirit as her life sized image watched over the events of the days. We sure do miss the excitement of Z just breezing past a full field of thundering hoofs, in her stretch run, what a sight to behold.We will be waiting for her off spring to display, their own talents all soon enough. Long life and prosper my Queen, it’s wonderful to know you are happy and well.

    • / Reply

      Dear Linda,

      Zenyatta nor 12 Z will be available to the public. She is ususally seen by small groups of people (6) that pay close to $10,000 to visit her. She is raising money for her charities,
      as specific times, deemed by Lanes End and probably the Mosses.

  12. / Reply

    This was posted on the previous Blog.
    Wanted to make sure everyone got a chance to read Shari’s update.
    Keta
    Shari Voltz / Ohio
    November 5, 2012 at 7:10 am
    Hi Everyone this Mrs. Voltz and Homeroom 215-217. I wanted to tell everyone that a few of the children (because I talk about Zenyatta) said they watched her win the Breeder’s Cup. I thought that was so cute. I had to explain again how she is a mommy now and not racing. They said they were sure she won on Saturday : )

    I started the class today showing a couple of Zenyatta’s videos to get everyone quiet. Boy does that work. I mean who does not want to look at her. I also showed Baby Z getting his bath. I have my projector up because we are watching some government videos explaining voting : )

    We are still involved with the Peppermint Pal Project and following Brown Almighty. We are so proud that he went to the Breeder’s Cup.

    We are following El Vino and Mistletoe. Cynthia is El Vino’s voice. We sent him a gift box. I have made contact with Mistletoe’s Trainer at Beulah Park in Ohio. Mistletoe is doing so much better there. She won her last race by 9 1/2 lengths.

    I just thought I would catch everyone up on my class. I love Zenyatta and always will.
    I am sending Hugs and Kisses to My Z Family plus Zenny, Shari XXXOOO

  13. / Reply

    Two important retirements–first Hanser
    Hansen retired to Ashford Stud
    By The Sports Network Posted on Monday, 11.05.12
    Champion colt Hansen has been officially retired from racing and will stand at Ashford Stud. The 3-year-old had suffered an injury over the summer.
    “Tapit has already proven himself a remarkable stallion in his relatively short career to date and we’re delighted to have secured his best son Hansen who is a very good looking horse,” said Ashford Director Of Sales Charlie O’Connor. “Together with Uncle Mo and Lookin at Lucky we now have the last three Eclipse Award-winning juveniles here at Ashford on a roster that also includes 2011 champion sires Giant’s Causeway and Scat Daddy.”
    Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/11/05/3082722/hansen-retired-to-ashford-stud.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#storylink=cpy

    • / Reply

      Dear Z fans,

      Very interesting that Dr. Hansen “sold Hansen” to Ashford; lock stock and barrel.
      He should definatley be a good stallion, so many great characteristics. Wonder
      if he will have to pay a stud fee for his Danzig rescue mare ???

  14. / Reply

    Second retirement-To Honor and Serve
    To Honor and Serve Retired to Gainesway
    By Blood-Horse Staff
    Updated: Monday, November 5, 2012 11:10 AM
    Multiple grade I winner To Honor and Serve has been retired from racing to stand at Antony Beck’s Gainesway Farm near Lexington. A fee will be announced later.
    A 4-year-old son from the first crop of Bernardini , To Honor and Serve won two graded stakes in each of his three years of racing. At 2 in 2010, he captured the Nashua Stakes (gr. II) and the Remsen Stakes (gr. II) in consecutive starts, both times beating Mucho Macho Man. To Honor and Serve was the second-highweight on the 2010 Experimental Free Handicap for males at 123 pounds, five pounds below topweight and champion Uncle Mo.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com
    http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/74238/to-honor-and-serve-retired-to-gainesway#ixzz2BN6Wi9ZP

    • / Reply

      Keta

      Looking forward to seeing his offspring, as well as seeing those from Hansen,
      Union Rags, The Factor, Bodemeister to name a few.
      Hansen has big shoes to fill as his sire Tapit is a great producer.

  15. / Reply

    Charles,
    You and the Lane’s End team must have your hands full with waanlings & broodmares.
    This is such a great description of how the living arrangements are handled.
    Thank you for continuring to teach us–know it is appreciated.
    Keta

    • / Reply

      Thanks for sharing her with us, Janet. Happy Birthday lucky girl!
      She is gorgeous and deserves ONLY the best in life.
      Love her birthday photos,looks like she had a blast!

    • / Reply

      Dear Janet,

      Very special story; sooo very glad it has a happy ending for her.
      So very sad about her mom.

  17. / Reply

    Thank you for answering Debra’s question Charles. I love learning about the workings of the farm and the daily activities of the horses and those that care for them. I realize your days are full of the work that needs to be done and then deal with us, the fans of Queen Z and her prince. Thank you ever so much….Team Z and Lane’s End you are THE best!

    • / Reply

      daughter of Wolf Power and the Secretariat mare Askmysecretary…….

      Ah-HA!!!! My oh my,no wonder,Mr. Wise Dan,big ole handsome chestnut is great.
      Thanks ,Max. I love that too and then some.

    • / Reply

      Dear Max,
      Lovely article, explains why he was gelded, not an impressive pedigree.
      His dam really showed she is a great producer although not much on the track
      herself. Guess Secretariat is influencing her foals.

      • / Reply

        These days a gelding is the most likely horse to have more than a two or three year career. Dan’s a no nonsense, take no prisoners kind of winner. He’s almost a self made horse in the American way. He travels well to all tracks and runs on all surfaces. He may not have the aristocratic pedigree of certain English milers, but – man – this guy can really run.

  20. / Reply

    Oooh Charles I bet that was a night you’ll never forget! One part is scared right outta the place–what happens if–and the other half is like OH MY GOSH it’s really here!

    Watching Ann with the baby must have been a truly special moment for you. I know the short clip we saw indicated such.

    Watching Z bond so strongly with her baby was a marvelous thing to watch even via the Internet. Mares like Z scare the heck outta ya, they make your job super easy, and now with another baby on board you need to watch her so carefully.

    While the work you do is so hard, so loving etc I just want you to know that I think Z is one very lucky horse to have so many watching out for her. It really is appreciated!

  21. / Reply

    Hello everyone……..haven’t posted in a long time but have tried to visit from time to time to “keep up with the news” since everyone here always has the best scoop! If there is something I want to know I come here first LOL NOT Blood Horse, DRF, etc.

    I was sorry that none of our John’s horses did very well in their BC races. Nereid seemed to me to have had the best chance of any Barn 55 entries — what a shame she had to be scratched.

    But WOW what a weekend Mikey had! I can’t decide which ride was my favorite: Royal Delta or Mizdirection! Probably Mizdirection since her win was more of a surprise.

    Okay-here’s my question. I missed every showing of the HRTV Zenyatta special — did I read somewhere that a full hour DVD for purchase is supposed to be released sometime between now and Christmas? Thanks for any info on this.

    • / Reply

      Hi Judy, I heard that HRTV will release the DVD along with additional footage sometimes this fall, so I’m sure we will hear something here or at HRTV.com. I missed seeing it too so I really hope it comes out soon!

  22. / Reply

    @Keta–thanks for the retirement stories, although it makes me sad. Hope Hansen’s eye is better. Those problems can be tricky to clear up. And now we hear that Questing had a swollen eye. Anyone have an update on that?

    I am just so thankful that there were no casualties. That was a blessing.

    • / Reply

      Dear Barbara,

      So very glad there were no breakdown or injuries as well.
      Questing eye issue should not be a problem for her,
      Darley I am sure has “hopped” on treating it and is sending her
      to the farm to clear her head, sooo very important as life on
      the track can be very stressful and I think she may be a little
      high strung. Usually , eye issues are more severe in the malnourished
      and untreated horse.

      Glad you had such a great time !!!!

    • / Reply

      Barbara,
      Questing is headed to Kentucky for some R&R and a checkup.
      Eye has cleared up and no one seems to know how it happened.
      I agree with the possible dirt clot being kicked up and hitting Questing.
      That also jibes with the trainer’s comment that something frightened her
      and that is why she slowed down.
      So, she will get some downtime.
      Hugs, Keta

      • / Reply

        Poor baby. Hope she will be OK.
        A dirt clot flying out from a horse shoe can be as hard as a hockey puck. Get well Questing and thanks to your jockey for keeping you safe!
        They did add sand to the dirt and w/ the spray of water….ouch.

  23. / Reply

    Thanks Charles for the interesting and educational information.
    Zenny looks wonderful. What’s 12Z been up to!!!!

     

  24. / Reply

    Z greetings all! I THINK I posted yesterday at the end of page 5 of previous blog–I was so drowsy, I may have dreamed I did. The BC is history now–and what fun history, but not for all, such as Bob Baffert. Huh!?! And, on Friday there was a message on the video screens that read, “Best Wishes Jay Cohen.” He is the S.A./HP bugler. We were wondering what that meant (except we knew he wasn’t there) until we heard on radio show Sunday a.m that the has a “bad sinus infection,” and may be checking himself back into the hospital!! Radio host Mike Willman said Jay was distraught over not being able to be at the BC!! Send high hoof warm “Z” wishes to Jay!!!
    Once again, it was such fun seeing you all there. Rod has made many comments as to what a friendly bunch we all are. :-) :-) :-)

  25. / Reply

    Oops…meant to give a thanks for the Q&A up there. Fascinating! Thanks Charles and Lane’s End, once again.

    This morning while doing laundry I tuned into Jim Rome’s radio show and he is one happy camper because of Mizdirection. He interviewed Mike Puype. I was delighted to hear horse racing stuff on a weekday morning. I’m glad I took the day off. Mike P is looking forward to next year’s BC….assuming there are no issues. A year from now is a long way off in horse racing. And I was impressed with Animal Kingdom.

    • / Reply

      Anne,
      Wasn’t that a fun morning in the Jungle!
      Enjoyed his show with Bobby Flay before the BC.
      So glad that Bobby was able to make it to SoCal for races.
      And thrilled that he was able to get his NYC restaurant Mesa up and running so fast.
      I’m a Crone Clone (never ever will call in)
      Keta

  26. / Reply

    Thank you for the info Mr. Campbell. Just this past weekend got to enjoy my first BC at Santa Anita. I did get to visit the Zenyatta booth and took a picture by her beautiful statue.

  29. / Reply

    Dear Z fans,

    Melbourne Carnival is on HRTV, did not see it
    Last year. Watching first race !!! May get to see
    The Cup !!!!

    Americain, is the danger so they say down under.

    Keep us posted Kathy R.

Leave a Reply to Sue Noel/Sun Valley,ID Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.