Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #17

12Z turned out with fellow weanlings in October. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End.

Q:

I was wondering how Lane’s End handles the care of weanlings and yearlings. I know a number of larger operations more or less turn the kids out and only bring them in when it’s time for veterinary care or hoof trimming, with the idea that they’re just letting the babies be babies until the time they need to be prepared for yearling sales or training. I was just wondering if Lane’s End does this or if you guys do give more personal care to the little guys even before they need sales prepping or training!

Kelli Clark

Toms River, NJ

A: At Lane’s End we try to find the right balance between letting horses be horses and that extra bit of professional and personal care.

Our weanlings make the transition from the broodmare side of the farm to the yearling division in the month of December. At this point, we will separate the colts and fillies so the boys have their fields and the girls have theirs. This is a stressful time for these young horses so we keep their routine as similar as possible to what it was like at the broodmare division. This will reduce any additional stress and make their transition that little bit easier.

This routine consists of the weanlings/yearlings coming in from the fields at 7am. We lead them into the barn and run our hands down each horse’s leg. We can then feel if any has a cut, bump, swelling or heat in their legs. This also desensitizes them, so they are easier to touch and handle. They then go into their stalls and eat their breakfast. Feeding them inside allows us to monitor how much each horse eats, and alter their feeds accordingly seen as every horse is different and therefore has different nutritional needs.

Once they are finished eating, we will check their temperatures, pick their feet and administer any medication that is needed. We check temperatures daily. Normally you can tell if a horse is sick simply by observing their demeanor or by the fact that they have not eaten up, but sometimes they will not show any of the obvious signs. This is when taking their temperatures is essential. While we are in their stall taking their temperatures we will also pick their feet. As well as being good hoof care and horsemanship it also makes life much easier when the farrier comes !

After these essential daily chores are completed we have time for the vet or farrier to come if needed. Otherwise we will start grooming the horses lightly so they become used to what is in store during sales prep. As we get closer to prep time, we will start to break the yearlings to plastic bits. We leave the bits in their mouths as we groom them. Using the plastic bits create an easy transition to the metal bits that we use later on during sales prep. We also start to introduce them to the hose so that they are used to getting baths when we start our prep.

These additional tasks take us up until lunch time. At 1pm we will feed them their lunch and turn them out at 2pm. This lengthy turn out time of seventeen hours from 2pm until 7am the following morning is more than adequate time to allow horses be horses. They have that time to run, play and frolic. The concussion on their bones that they create from running and playing mixed with the nutrients that they ingest from our limestone enriched soils helps them to produce strong, healthy bones.

Therefore, I believe that we have the right balance here at Lane’s End between letting horses be horses with their lengthy turn out time and their extra bit of personal care and handling.

Our Expert

Peter Sheehan

Assistant Yearling Manager, Lane’s End

Peter, originally from Co. Kildare, Ireland started his career in the thoroughbred industry at Derrinstown Stud while he completed his education at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. After graduating with a degree in geography and math he then completed a post graduate study in statistics. Peter arrived at Lane’s End in 2008 and is currently the Assistant Yearling Manager.

Reader Interactions

1,474 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Just checking in and OMG…..TC is back with more jokes. Between seeing him and reading the lovely prayers from SIGN, and Barbara’s wonderful birthday, I guess the world is right again……..well almost.

    Now all we need is some pics of our wonderful Big MAMA Z. She’s been hiding lately and tho we all love EARnie (gosh I wish they’ed name this guy) I sure miss seeing our beautiful girl. I bet she’s all fuzzy and soft by now.

    Kisses on your noses MAMA and Earnie’s too. Hugs to all

    PS Hope our beloved Judy B is okay, just found out she was moving.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue,

      I second your request. It is so hard getting used to her actually being a broodmare,
      eating breakfast, going out to the paddock, playing, resting and exercising all day
      and eating and then more of the same every day. As that gorgeous foal grows
      day by day by day in her warm oven.

  3. / Reply

    @judy b….take from one who knows…..the suggestion for a long hot soak…is an excellent one….i would probably add a small glass of wine….but thats just me…

  4. / Reply

    @mary p (NY)–thank you so much for “The Horse’s Prayer” video., It should be required viewing for every prospective horse owner or handler! This is not a commercial, but the website I mentioned the other day, http://www.HoofPrints.com, has that prayer on Christmas cards, and according to them, this is the last year they will be offered.

    @Sue Fredrick–thank you!!

    @Judy Berube–I know exactly what you mean about the pain from moving. It will take time. I am so elated to know that PC is better.

  5. / Reply

    @ Barbara Wood–Here I am!!! Have been busy with “this and that”! A belated Happy Birthday to you!!! Sounds like you had a great one–sure loved your poems from Trina—she’s such a wonder!! Here’s the latest scoop om Barnaby and Traveller—we moved them down to the Susie Q. Ranch again for the winter this past Saturday. As I mentioned last spring when Barnaby came to Idaho,the Susie Q. is a lovelt big spead about 25 miles south of Sun Valley It is the ranch shown in the video mini-documentary on the Fawn Films website,that was done when he came. It’sa a lovely spot,getting much less snow than we get here. They are in the same pasture they had last year with a large 3-sided shelter with soft earth and sawdust to roll in and to bed down in. Tom,the wonderful man who cares for them down there,came to pick them up Saturday morning at 8AM with his big 8-horse slant loan trailer. Barnaby saw it pull up and he did his “rising up” thing–as he does every time he spys something new or unexpected–he arches his neck and appears to grow a whole hand taller,to 17 hands-as he goes on “alert”!! It is so cute. He watched carefully as we loaded his belongings into the back of Sue’s car and then it came time for me to halter him and lead him out of the pasture to the trailer. Traveller was ahead of him. I got him out to the trailer and got ready to swing him around behind it and coax him in. Before I even had a chance to bring him around,he whipped around me and hopped into the trailer on his own!!What a guy!! I got to ride down to the ranch up front with Tom and Sue followed us in the car. When we got there,we each unloaded our horses and led them into the big barm,where the indoor arena is. Barnaby recognized everything and was sniffing and looking around. We turned them llose in the arena to run off some energy and unloaded all the tack et al. Since it had rained in the early morning and they had been out in it to get their breakfast,they,of course,had to roll in the soft dirt in the arena—thus creating two mud-balls!! They were SUCH a mess!! Currying them was really something!! I couldn’t stand to leave him that way,so I cleaned him up as best I could. I wanted to ride him a little ,so I tacked him up and took him out into the arena. In the meantime,a lady who had just trailered her horse in and been grooming him,took him into the arena as wll,and Tom had taken one of his cow ponies in there too. In addition,Traveller was in the round pen. I mounted and was walking Barnaby around when the lady’s horse started to misbehave. I think Barnaby had just too much sensory overload for one day and started hopping around and just was generally not himself. I was proud of myself for staying on,as every time I would get him calmed down,something would set him off again!! I soon decided he’d had enough (and I had too!) and I got off and took his tack off. I made sure I told him I wasn’t upset with him and understood it was all just too much commotion for him and he settled right down. We then took them out to their pasture and gave them lots of apples and carrots and got them all settled in. They were happily munching hay as we left and it was a very successful,and eventful morning! Am really looking forward to going down to see them this Saturday–I got very spoiled seeing them every day when they were up here!!

    Wasn’t Ebby’s first race thrilling–I watched it SO many times–cried and cried–loved all the annoucer’s asides! Wish I had been there in person–one day,I hope to see her run—maybe next year at the BC!!!!

    Love to all!! Will try not to be absent for so long!!!

    • / Reply

      Great to hear from you Sue and yes, don’t be gone so long.
      The Saga of Barnaby and Traveller is one we all love to hear.

        • Terry, maybe…my energy level for this stuff has taken a dive. I keep feeling I haven’t got time for it, anymore. The past 4 months (since knee injury) really knocked me for a loop. Only in the past two weeks, am I finally able to sleep lying down, instead of sitting up (from back pain), almost the whole night. And that’s not the only issue, but as this is a horse Blog, I don’t really want to give a medical litany here. Suffice to say, I will start thinking about more Redneck relatives stuff, but no guarantees when it will arrive. Thanks.

        • Dear Vicki B.,
          So sorry to hear that you have been ailing. Do sincerely hope that you will be on the mends quickly. Please know that we care and miss you!
          All the best, always!

          Great to hear from you, Terry C.! Your voice and wit is valued indeed.
          Take care!

  6. / Reply

    Sue Noel,
    How I love your Barnaby & Traveller tales!
    You paint such pictures of what is happening.
    Glad you are back
    Hugs,
    Keta

  7. / Reply

    The Blood-Horse subscribers:
    Ebby has a centerfold in the Nov. 24 issue. Lil Sis Doesn’t Miss. Page 3360.

    Dec. 1 “Second Coming” great article on page 3450
    Enjoy both! I did.
    Keta

  8. / Reply

    A.ZAYAT‏ twitter response
    I would like to thank everyone for all the private messages about the Vox Populi. people are asking me to comment.. I only have one word
    congratulations to the 5 horses who have been nominated.

      • / Reply

        It is nice to see this gentleman use his MANNERS!
        Imagine what some other “horsemen and woman” could have said…and we have heard doozies in the past.
        Mr. Zayat has been a class act during this entire ordeal. He has treated the racing world with respect!

        • Ann. Yes, his response showed respect and class, very much like his treatment of Paynter. The horse comes first.

        • Yes, Ann — I agree totally! Mr. Zayat is a class act!
          So glad that Paynter has been blessed with a fine owner.
          Also, am ecstatic that both Paynter and Shackleford have been included in the Vox Populi list. YAY for another class act, Mrs. Chenery!

    • / Reply

      Paynter should have made that Vox Populi list – he beat all odds and captured all of our hearts in doing so. It would be such a shame not to recognize his victory in some way.

      • / Reply

        Penny Chenery aimed this award to be give to a horse who is popular
        for their individual contributions as a race horse in races, on race tracks and for racing fans who go to the race track.

        • Sign – I just re-read the Q&A regarding what the Vox Populi is which is interpreted as a “voice of the people award” giving recognition to the horse that generated the most fan response during the year.” “It honors the horse that best captures the attention and affection of the people.”

        • AJ and Louise,

          That is the definition, but if you look at the two recipients they
          were both racing and captured the “eye the attention and
          affection of the people” through their racing careers. All of the 2013 candidates raced all year and had special things they contributed
          to racing through their careers on the track.
          She developed the award to promote and encourage folks to
          come to the track.

          Paynter survived a “devatating illness” but did not bring folks to the
          race track all year.

        • Well, Sign, as it turns out, Mrs. Chenery DOESN’T see the award so narrowly as you thought. High hoof to the inclusion of both Paynter and Shack!

        • Dear Trina,
          I was going on the LAST two recipients. It is very confusing as TC
          said that a committee is choosing the candidates and not
          the public, so maybe she has now MODIFIED HER INITIAL APPROACH to
          include the committee’s decisions as well as the people.

          Shack is very popular, but did not win as many races as the other 5, but he sure brought a lot of folks to the track.

        • Louise

          Penny developed this award to promote racing and bring folks to
          the track to spend $$$.
          Eclipse award are for “achievements” and have nothing to do with
          popularity and bringing folks to the race track.

        • Sign. Looks like the voice of the people has changed the situation. Shack and Paynter are now on the list. Very good decision by Mrs. Chennery. It’s what horses stand for, their courage and heart, not just their performance on the track, that inspires our lasting love and attention.

        • Agree with the tone of most of the comments. The problem, to me, is the fact that there now seems to be a committee who selects the nominees. I would think that the preparation should start sooner with the general public picking the nominees and then voting on them. The less “experts” involved the better.

        • Thank you Max, I was only repeating Mrs. Chenery”s words on her website re Vox Populi! So glad they added both deserving horses.

        • Dear Louise and Max,

          The whole Vox Populi award process is an EVOLVING PROCESS.
          However, having A COMMITTEE select the nominees is
          kind of confusing as votes from the “public” were not
          taken for the INTIAL 5 NOMINEES PRESENTED FOR 2012.
          Another process was used as it was with the first two. She decided to modify her process. Everything evolves, my “analysis” was
          of the first two, which were winning horses, that brought
          fans and $$$ to the track. EVERYTHING IS GREY THERE IS NO
          BLACK AND WHITE FOR ME.

        • sign-I believe that you have the proper handle on the situation and Louise is quite correct with her comments..

  9. / Reply

    IHA stands in Japan for $38,900
    bargain price but he the trip their is a fortune

    ww.drf.com/news/i’ll-have-another-stand-38900-japan

  10. / Reply

    Dear Max

    I have not seen a picture of Lisa Danielle, Has there been one posted here? I am looking for one of her and not came across it yet. Have I missed it here?
    Gosh the pedigree on both sides of Wise Dan is just fantastic. Secretariat on both sides…………………………………………………………………..Oh my
    I said when I first saw Wise Dan and then his sire Wiseman’s Ferry I would dearly love to have an off spring by Wiseman’s Ferry. Haven’t seen Lisa Danielle. Would just love to see her.

    • / Reply

      I’ll tell you another Stallion that I think deserves watching very closely is Animal Kingdom’s Dad Leroidesaimaux. Very Nice Stallion.

      • / Reply

        Peggy (N). Johnny V rode Leroidesanimaux and said that he was one of the most talented horses that he had ever ridden. Leroi was trained by Bobby Frankel.

        • Knowing that Bobby trained him makes me like him even more. Thanks so much for this info. Didn’t know about the Johnny connection either.

        • Peggy(N). I heard Johnny V mention in an interview that he thought that both Wise Dan and Leroi are exceptional horses. It is neat that he rode Animal Kingdom too.

        • So appropriate for his son to be named, Animal Kingdom.
          Thanks for the translation.

    • / Reply

      Peggy (N). Alas, I have never seen a picture of Lisa Danielle. It is Morton Fink who said that Wise Dan and the other foals look like their mother. Mr. Fink is just so proud of Wise Dan that it warms your heart. This guy loves his horses. I also like Dan’s trainer. Johnny V is his regular rider. Dan is a great traveller too. They shipped him to Woodbine last summer and he immediately fit right in to his routine. No problem for Dan.

      • / Reply

        OMG Max, and I thought Wise Dan looked like his sire. Lisa Danielle must have a lot of the same similarities for them to look like her. Mr Fink does seem like such a nice man. Maybe somewhere down the line we will get to see a picture of her.

  11. / Reply

    INTERSTING COMMENT ABOUT THE FOCUS OF CALUMENT FARM FROM BLOODHORSE;

    MORE MONEY TO DEVELOP CLASSIC WINNERS; ARE US BREEDERS IN IT FOR
    “QUICK” MONEY, NOW ????

    “Breeding programs oriented toward the classics and other major races in the range of nine to 12 furlongs usually require serious planning and investment up front and plenty of patience before the desired results start coming in–if they ever do. Kelley appears to be making the investment; it remains to be seen if his planning is as sound as it is daring by conventional standards of wisdom. Here’s hoping that his patience will be rewarded.”

      • / Reply

        Yep!
        MD is lucky, Kevin Plank has given Sagamore Farm some life! Racing is all the better for his wonderful investments and keeping history “alive”.

        • Dear TC and All,

          It would be so great if there was a farm that was interested in
          breeding, soundness, stayers and stamina. WHOO HOO,
          maybe a TC (triple crown) winner in the near future !!!

        • Ah, Whirlaway. He was stabled at Santa Anita in early December, 1941 in preparation for the winter campaign there. Then came Pearl Harbor and SA was subsequently used as an internment camp. He made a lot of money for the war effort when he ran. Still some controversy about where he is really buried. I hope he is, indeed, at Calumet but it was always my understanding that he was buried in a graveyard near Normandy, as he was sold to a French breeder and died in France. The story is he was dug up and reburied at Calumet. He was, without a doubt, one of the best of all time.

  12. / Reply

    Keta

    Thanks for the picture of Paynter on the previous page.Just wonderful. Power On Paynter. Was so hoping he would be a nominee for the award also, but I’m just so glad he’s alive. Just seeing him in that pasture is heaven sent. Paynter is the big winner already. What a winner he is. We love you very much Paynter. He worked hard as a race horse and fought another horrific battle. So wish he would have been nominated.

  13. / Reply

    @sue noel– Welcome back! And thank you for the birthday wishes. Isn’t it funny how 25 miles can make such a big difference in weather.? It’s the same here in TX. It is so great to hear the latest adventures of Barnaby and Traveller. He’s not so far away that you won’t get to spend time with him.
    Yes, Trina is a wonder. Everybody thinks so. What she does so easily would be torture for me.
    Wish we could have hung around for Ebby’s race! Hugs.

  14. / Reply

    Dear Sue Noel,
    Thanks so much for the Barnaby and Traveller update. You write so well that we can just “see” those beautiful babies. Barnaby is simply brilliant.
    Glad to hear from you!

  15. / Reply

    Dear Zenny fans, Dumplings and all
    who come to this site:

    We are all children of the earth,
    no matter our path to enlightenment,
    we are one.
    We walk our own paths, but we are not alone, for
    we walk at the same time toward the same end/
    beginning.
    From our individual perspectives, we are the same.
    We pray that we all feel the love of our creator, allowing
    any lines to fade away.
    May the Lord and Lady bless our path.
    May we always have enough and may
    we give enough in return.
    Blessed Be.

    Have a wonderful day.

  17. / Reply

    Photo album by Barbara Livingston and the Breeders Cup 2012
    Daily Racing Forum (may be repost, but did not see it before )

    Look at the third photo down, Shack is rearing up before a gallop.
    His exercise rider is a “good sport” to be able to stay on this boy.

    com/blogs/breeders-cup-photo-album-1-catching

      • / Reply

        Thanks,Sign.
        They should give an award to, Shack for putting on the ‘Best Show”,..our King of the Crow Hoppers.
        B. Livingston can really capture the heart of a horse!

        • Dear Ann,

          Oh yes, Shack so deserved the TB “showmanship” award.
          I remember when the was so “mad fresh” in the Derby/Preakness
          and everyone said he was “washed out” and would never win.

          And he did, go to know the horse, as we do !!!
          That rearing up photo with his exercise rider on is great.
          Bet that was not the first time he did that, Oh to be able to
          stay on for those antics !!!!

      • / Reply

        Thanks for this link, Sign!
        Beautiful photos and great commentaries — Barbara Livingston is fabulous!
        Cheers!!

        P.S. I prefer “Distaff”, also!

      • / Reply

        Glad you enjoyed them. Just love Shack to death.
        So glad I have not voted yet.

        Wise Dan or Shack ???? HUMMM !!!

      • / Reply

        The best thing about Shack is that he “threw in a clunker” every once
        in a while and just had a great personality about really being himself.

        “Oh Oh Oh, no the mud. I might slip and fall and it feels sooo Yucky on
        my feet. Guess I better take it slow. “!!!

  19. / Reply

    Sign, Thank you for the BC photos. They are wonderful. Too bad there wasn’t one of my boy Mucho Macho Man but the one of Shack is a treasure. Thanks again.

  23. / Reply

    Here are today’s redneck jokes. You might be a redneck if your mother’s cell number has nothing to do with a telephone. You might be a redneck if you ever opened a beer during an eulogy. You might be a redneck if your main source of income involves the sale of possum hides. You might be a redneck if you dressed as Willie Nelson for Halloween. You might be a redneck if you think Alpo makes a good beef substitute.

  26. / Reply

    hi Zsters :)
    love the links & stories

    um does any1 have the link to vote for the vox award.? didnt see it in the bloodhorse.

    hugs/prayers, vamp

      • / Reply

        Ann,
        I am sorry to ask such a question, but how do I vote for Paynter or Shackleford when there are only the original 5 nominees listed at the site?
        Please advise.
        Thanks!

        • Marshall,
          I clicked the above link,given by, Keta and then posted above.
          Yesterday the link had only the 5.
          After the “people” voiced their dismay at not having our sweet guys included,the site did make a change.

          Gosh,try again today,maybe your computer will read the new data?
          I hope so. There is also a write in section,for your fav…….”right-on”!!
          Happy,happy,Marshall!

  28. / Reply

    Tattersalls‏ tweet
    Wild Coco will be in her stable at Warren Place tonight:
    Mr Nakamura is keeping her in training with Sir Henry Cecil
    aiming for a G1 next yr

    • / Reply

      Keta. Good news about Wild Coco staying with Cecil. She’s a lovely filly. I am somewhat surprised by this sale as an earlier reported plan was that she would return to Germany at the appropriate time for breeding.

      • / Reply

        Max, here is the full story. Keta
        Wild Coco Tops Tattersalls Mare Sale Session
        By Blood-Horse Staff
        Updated: Wednesday, December 5, 2012 7:40 PM
        Park Hill Stakes (Eng-II) winner Wild Coco topped the third day of the Tattersalls December Mare Sale when she was purchased for 985,000 guineas ($1,664,863) by Keisuke Onishi on behalf of Tomoyuki Nakamura’s KI Farm.
        The new owner plans to keep the 4-year-old daughter of Shirocco in training with Sir Henry Cecil.
        “I was just hoping the auctioneer would drop the hammer,” said Onishi, who outlasted competition from Niarchos’ Alan Cooper and Newsells Park’s Julian Dollar. The filly out of the Sternkoenig mare Wild Side was offered by Cecil’s Warren Place Stables on behalf of her breeders Gestut Roettgen. “She is a good-walking filly, with a good body, and a good temperament.”
        Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/74904/wild-coco-tops-tattersalls-mare-sale-session#ixzz2EEfjr9US

  29. / Reply

    Justin Zayat‏ tweets a Thank You
    Thank you to all racing fans who wrote letters supporting Paynter.
    I admire Mrs. Chenery for hearing out what the fans wants!! #classy
    HRTV‏ tweeted
    #Shackleford and Paynter added to the list of nominees
    in the Secretariat “Vox Populi” Award

    Keta Note: What has not been mentioned is the addition of a write-in box.
    That truly opens the award to the people’s voice.

    • / Reply

      Interesting, if she foaled in UK, it would be a GB instead of a KY.
      Maybe Bernie would like to have a son/daughter from GB, HA HA !!!
      Guess she will go to the UK with her foal ???

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