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

    Keta Note: No Pressure-Mike!
    Executiveprivilege Can Make Case for Eclipse
    By Jack Shinar The Blood-Horse
    Updated: Wednesday, December 5, 2012 4:43 PM
    With a victory in the $500,000 Hollywood Starlet Stakes (gr. I) Dec. 8 at Betfair Hollywood Park, Executiveprivilege could set off quite a debate for the Eclipse Award in the juvenile filly division
    From the barn of Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, Executiveprivilege will be heavily favored in the 1 1/16-mile Starlet under equal weights of 120 pounds against seven opponents. If she were to win, it would be the third grade I victory of the year for the daughter of First Samurai , the most of any juvenile filly in the country.

    Missing from the Starlet is Beholder, the filly that defeated the previously unbeaten Executiveprivilege by one length in the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) Nov. 2 at Santa Anita Park. Beholder, conditioned by another Hall of Fame trainer, Richard Mandella, posted her first stakes win in the $2 million event and is not expected to race again until early next year.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/74899/executiveprivilege-can-make-case-for-eclipse#ixzz2EDX7QUYe

  2. / Reply

    The photos of Eblouissante( yes, I copied the spelling of her name from the magazine)and Shack in the Bloodhorse Dec 1 issue are so special. Be sure to read the articles also. Shackleford will have a wonderful life at Darby Dan but I am going to miss him at the races.

    • / Reply

      Anyone who does not have a subscription to BlOODHORSE,
      if you purchase one they will give you the two past issues with
      “E” in them as part of the 52 issues you purchase.

      The online version is awesome and does not take up as much space at
      the magazines. However, there are definately benefits to having magazines.

  3. / Reply

    Attention all members of the Redneck Society and especially Terry Crow!

    No good standing redneck will miss the Christmas special of Duck Dynasty tonight, 10PM on A&E. Unfortunately, I will have to catch the repeat because I have to work.

  4. / Reply

    I tell Barnaby all about the folks who love him and love to hear about him–I pretty much chat with him all the time that we spend together!! Of course a lot of it is telling him how much I love him and what a good and beautiful boy he is!!

    Thanks to all who tried to forward BC photos to me. Unfortunately,most of them did not come through to be seen. I seem to be only able to see them if thwey come as an attachment that I can then open.Out of everything that was sent,I could only see two–one that Sandy sent me and another of 3 gals from the party. I have yet to see the one of me with Mike!! The one my daughter took did not turn out as the flash didn’t go off—darn!!

    Am in the thick of rehersing all of the Christmas music now. Have two concerts with one of the choirs I sing with this weekend,then with another choir on the 21st,22nd,23rd–and then two services with the church choir on Christmas Eve!! People always wonder why I like to spend Christmas Day alone—I’m exhausted by then–I usually don’t get home until about 1AM from the last service. I sleep in with the kitties in the morning and then watch Christmas movies and make phone calls to far-away family and friends in the afternoon–and just pretty much collapse!! Will take Barnaby and Traveller their Christmas goodies on the 22nd. Want to get him a new Happy Mouth apple flavored snaffle for his present–hope he likes it!!Of course,he’ll like the treats best!!

    @Dawn Conrad–Missing reading your wonderful posts–still can’t believe how fun it was to see you at the BC–lucky,lucky me!!

    Was so happy Paynter got added to the list–Shack too-I love him too! I had to vote for Paynter though!!

    @ Diana Stuart–LOVED the poem you did the other day—really great!!

    Everyone have a safe and blessed night!!

    Barnaby sends love to all his friends,with special love to his Auntie Trina!!

    • / Reply

      Sue,

      I have a great photo of you and Mike, ready to mail out tomorrow. Just have not made it to the post office yet. Good to hear from you and Barnaby. Give him a hug and kiss for me.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue,

      Sounds like you are going to have a festive christmas.
      Such great involvement a this time of year.

    • / Reply

      Sue,
      I’ll try again with the photos, but if it doesn’t work, have you seen the gallery that was posted? Many of them are there! Click on Photos up at the top of any blog page, and the BC gallery is the first thing you will see. Click on Zenny’s statue to see the rest of the photos. Mine are past half-way down. Click on any photo to enlarge and see as a slide show. Hope this works!
      Sandy

  5. / Reply

    Kudos to Mrs. Chenery for listening to the “people” and including my two faves both Shack and Paynter. Wonder if we can vote more than once?

    • / Reply

      Keta I was thinking that might have been to soon for him to come back, Did you read anything if he is Ok. or any news about him right now. I sure hope there will be a posting of some sort on him. Please Please post if you see anything. Will worry till I read something that he is OK

      • / Reply

        Peggy (N). There was been nothing yet about this item in the British racing papers which usually cover Japanese racing. He was scheduled to run in the Arima on December 23. There will probably be something more on the race soon. Try not to worry. His owner has lots of horses. It might be as simple as just giving him a rest, and running other horses in the race. He is still expected to race next year.

        • Max

          Thanks so much for this. Had been looking around but hadn’t seen anything. I sure hope he does race next year.

      • / Reply

        Dear Peggy N,

        According to HRN, Trainer Ikee says Orfevre will be back to race
        in 2013. Hope he gets another chance at the ARC.

  8. / Reply

    Huge Congratilations to the Zayat Family on Paynter being added to the nominee’s for the Secretariat Vox Pupuli Award. I’m so happy.
    Also I meant to say this earlier, but a huge Congratulation to the Zayat family on the win last weekend by your horse Jaycito. Great Great Race and Win. Oh my gosh, he’s the son of Victory Gallop isn’t he. Great win and a huge congratulations to you.

  9. / Reply

    Just went in and voted Vox Pupuli Award.
    I am so sorry Wise Dan, Shack, love ya but my heart and my vote was with Paynter this time. LOL

  10. / Reply

    Thanks so much to Mrs. Chenery and the Vox Populi for adding Shackleford and Paynter to the list of candidates!! All of these candidates should have been on the ballot for the national election last month, huh? We sure could do with some “horse sense” in politics, IMHO.
    Cheers and hugs to all equines and Z’sters (canines and all fur babies, too)!

  11. / Reply

    Dear Lanes End and Team Z,

    Everytime I opent this blog, I soo very much enjoy looking at Z12
    and the wonderful photo by Alys on this ask the experts. He looks so
    handsome with his first winter coat and walking with all of his friend.

    He is such a special weanling, gets cuter and cuter each day.

    Thanks so much for keeping Zenny, happy, healthy and in foal.
    So looking forward to seeing her next foal.

    Thanks so much for giving us the opportunity to learn about Lanes End,
    broodmares and foals as they “grow up”.

    Happy Holidays to all at Lanes End and to Team Z.

  12. / Reply

    Dear Penny Chenery,

    Thanks so very much for creating the Vox Populi award in 2010.
    We were all so very unsure whether Zenyatta would receive HOY
    and she received both awards, how very exciting. In 2011, our
    “blue collar” hero, Rapid Redux, with his multiple successive wins
    received the award as he and Zenyatta packed the stands at their
    respective tracks and enhanced participation in racing.

    The process for nominations/selections was set and the 5 nominee’s
    were presented for 2013. Thank you so very much for moving forward
    in further developing the process to include requested nominees from the “people”
    and a write in candidate. Very much hope your committee is not overwhelmed
    with this process and soooo very greatful for being given the opportunity
    to participate in voting for the VOX POPULI winner.

    Thanks for all that you do and have done for Thoroughbred racing, you are truly
    one of the pillars of the sport.

    XXXXOOOO

  13. / Reply

    Dear Zenny fans, Dumplings and those
    in this festive season:

    May today there be peace within,
    May we trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
    May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
    May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the
    love That has been given you.

    May you be content knowing that you are a child of God !
    Let His presence settle into your person, and allow your soul
    The freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
    It is for each and every one of his !!!
    Amen

    HAVE A WONDERFUL BLESSED DAY ALL !!!

  16. / Reply

    RIP Dave Brubeck. Inspired by the Horse!!!!

    rhythmic patterns, which he said were inspired by riding his horse and listening to its syncopated hoofbeats striking the ground. In his seven-decade career, Dave Brubeck was both an artistic and a commercial succe …

  17. / Reply

    @Sign….just wanted to thank you for the morning inspirations and thoughts you have been posting….gives a lift to the day…thank you again

  19. / Reply

    just read on Bloodhorse…..Bullet Train will stand at Wintergreen…..i think this is strange ..because the street i now live on is wintergreen…and i do not see him anywhere….go figure….
    ……
    and for fellow Cigar stalkers…..can you still get pics of his pasture?….i coud this am…but now all i get is a message saying i have a connection problem…do not know if the prob is with his camera or my computer…
    ….
    Zenny…..eat……rest…..exercise…..sleep……keep all spa appointments …and do not forget those benificial mud baths….PACING will beging soon…
    ….
    kisses for all the soft noses worldwide….peppermints around

      • / Reply

        Keta and Janet. His fee is quite incredible. He’ll get interest with his pedigree. And you save on the worry and logistics of sending your mare to England.

        • Max,
          Exactly! No overseas travel. Low stud fee.
          Great pedigree!
          It will be interesting to see what mares will be on the list.
          Keta

  21. / Reply

    To all,

    Feel compelled to share a Crabby Road from Maxine

    “There’s an app that counts down the days to Christmas.
    We had something similar when I was a kid. It was
    called a calendar”.

    Unless in my case you have grandchildren who feel it
    necessary to update me daily.

    Have a wonderful day Zennyatta, hope you have a lovely
    relaxing day. 12Z have fun with your buddies.

  22. / Reply

    ANIMAL KINGDOM Update
    Dr. Steve Allday‏@Fourlegsdoc tweet
    Saw Animal Kingdom yesterday morning.
    Big, strapping chestnut colt that is well mannered and
    looks to be in good order for racing in 2013.

  23. / Reply

    A.ZAYAT‏ tweets about PAYNTER
    @Midnightlute (Bob Baffert) Power up Payner
    Who is the warrior? Who is all heart? Who is the horse of steel?
    who wants to go to the track soon @JustinZayat

    Keta Note: You probably already know this. If not, @ means To

  24. / Reply

    Interesting comparison!
    Larry Zap‏@larryzapeye tweet
    I asked Baffert after Executiveprivilege caught Beholder in the Del Mar Debutante-
    who does she remind you of-
    his answer was Silverbulletday.

  25. / Reply

    morn dumplings

    needed that prayer today sign. thx

    @Janet Newman- cute. lol

    @sue noel- love hearing bout barnaby :)

    god bless, hug/prayers

      • / Reply

        hugs trina <3
        i luv this place.

        i know its a little late but thx for the thxgiving e-card u sent me. :)
        i have a tendency to get behind on my email when i dont feel well.

  27. / Reply

    @ Darlene—THANKS for sending the photo of me with Mike!!! I really wanted to keep thatwill try to include it when I frame the photo I bought that the whole team signed!! I will look forward to seeing it when you have time to send it off. No rush–I sure know what a busy time of year it is!!

    @ Sandy–Thanks so much for trying again–will check tonight when I get home to see if they came through. I did see the ones on the website,but I don’t know how to forward those so they can be printed off. I’ve so fallen behind on e-mail again–haven’t answered all I received yet–and haven’t checked for days!! I’m so bad!! I get home at night tired and hungry and just don’t want to DO anything!! Just want to snuggle in bed with the cats and read or watch TV–often,both at once!!

    @ Carol in AR–So glad your move went well and that you’re safely there and getting settled!!

    Thanks to all who love hearing about Barnaby “the wonder horse”–I love sharing his life with all of you—-just SO glad that he HAS that life.Every time I start to think about how close he came to losing his life,and then think about how many also lovely horses lose THEIRS each year,I just want to collapse in a flood of tears. Making him happy and making his life the best it can be is a sacred trust for me and I appreciate every moment of our journey together!

  28. / Reply

    Hi Everyone-

    I wanted to update everyone on Thunder and Oscar. Oscar’s eye finally healed and is looking great! It was a long road from injury to recovery, about 5 months in total. But I am grateful that he still has both eyes and appears not to have lost any vision…it was a pretty serious issue for a while.

    Thunder went in for surgery today. If all goes well, he will have the surgery on his stifle today and have throat surgery on Saturday. We were going to try to do both procedures at once but the vet decided that due to his size it would be better to break them up into two procedures. I am of course a nervous wreck. He is in the best hands, but putting a horse under anesthesia is always somewhat risky. So if you could say some prayers for Thunder I would really appreciate it!

    I also wanted to say THANK YOU to those of you wonderful people that have donated to Thunder’s surgery fund. I could have never done this on my own!! Every dollar that was donated is going towards making Thunder well again and it is appreciated more than I can ever express!

    Thank you so much for your love and support!
    Carol, Thunder, and Oscar

  29. / Reply

    Hi Carol–thank you so much for posting! I AM praying for Thunder and will continue. Please keep us updated. BTW–I have great news. Money has been cleared to be ridden! Kisses on the nose for Oscar and Grantham too when he gets home. Hugs.

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