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

    • / Reply

      It’s true. I’m one of those oddballs that actually reads the paper daily, and there’s not much on racing in even the L.A. Times. It is sad.

      • / Reply

        Include me in the oddball group.
        We used to get the Sun in the am and the Star in the evening and the Post in the middle of the day. All w/ great race coverage!
        Plus, the Daily Racing Form was a must. Our kitchen table was really a hub!
        Thanks Pops!
        It is very sad. The papers on holding on by a thread.

    • / Reply

      In the old days, when one would visit the track, there was always a special “racing edition” of the paper with comments from several handicappers in addition to the Racing Form. I don’t exactly remember when this was discontinued, but it has been awhile. Vicki is right. About the only thing you see in the Los Angeles Times anymore about racing is the occasional story by BIll Dwyre. Bill told me recently that the paper will no longer be sending him to the Kentucky Derby to cover the race. Also, there used to be radio shows in the afternoon with recreation of the day’s races. Ann-Your comment brought back some memories. It would appear those days are gone. Sad.

      • / Reply

        TC,
        Good memories for sure. Our town w/ the local main street news stand was a great place for racing gossip. Everyone in town,from the “Doctor,Lawyer,Indian Chief”( thank you Betty Hutton) hit the news stand. Basically it was a hole in the wall,filled with loads of papers,magazines,comic books,etc. and food. If it was not there,Dutch got it in for you.Great place to catch racing insider tips. The local meet and greet,besides the drug store fountain counter,yummy.
        So,when the school called my home, looking for me,Pops called the news stand to see if we had made the stop to buy a DRF,before hitting the track. Heck, I was making sure my math skills were in good order! Hard sitting in class,esp. when the ponies were racing.
        My pleasure in life…hearing the dual exhaust on the Chevy truck,in the wee morning hours and then THUMP….the morning news hits the door. What a treat!
        Tell, Mr. Bill Dwyre, thanks for keeping us in touch w/ the sights and sounds of racing!

  2. / Reply

    Dear Keta,
    My post above was a little late, so I’m reposting just in case you didn’t see it in the thread: “Keta, your contributions are always first class, as are you! Thanks for all you do to keep us informed.”
    Keta, please don’t leave! We love you!
    Yours in Dumplinghood,
    Trina

  3. / Reply

    A great post. Lots of information. Love the picture of the Prince. But part of me still thinks they should be in bed by 12mn lol.

    • / Reply

      TOO CUTE !!!

      If they went to “bed by midnight”, those going to the sale would never sell.
      Sunlight alters their “coat” color, texture, etc so many horse owners have
      their horses go out at night to preserve their “coat” color and also prevent them in
      the warmer climates from getting “heat stroke or exhaustion”.

  5. / Reply

    Dear Keta,

    I am a little late coming on the blog tonight and so sad to read what I have been reading. Please add my sentiments to all the others: Pleeeeeese dont go. We love you and so much appreciate your gracious giving of your time and knowledge with all of us. I have learned so much more about TB racing because of all your generous sharing. Thank you for all you have done and please come back when you can. In the meantime God Bless you and take care. our dear friend. Hugs and love in Dumplinghood.
    Darlene

    • / Reply

      Dear Darlene,

      Please see below, repost of IHA video.
      He looks super, great “fighting” weight.

  6. / Reply

    Keta and Everyone: Earlier this evening I had a two hour phone chat with a friend in NC (near Boone)–what she knows about racing she knows through me (poor woman LOL)–she even went to HP with us for Preakness Day a few years ago. (Used to live in SoCal.) The point of this is, tonight I updated her about the BC and the Dumplings who came from all over. She was fascinated, as she did not know our “group” was nationwide. I went on to tell her of the blog, the videos, the funny emails and how we share things with each other. She knows enough that she knows who Bob Baffert is and will even watch the Triple Crown races, asking me to place a bet for her. I told her how we all “met” through this site, and well, I think you all get my point. I wish I had more time for the blog, but I enjoy reading what everyone has to say, enough that I had my friend laughing about all of us…and how coincidental that it was just a couple of hours ago this conversation took place. High hooves to all of us!

    • / Reply

      Anne – I wonder how many times your story has been enacted from one end of this country to the other?? I can personally testify that I’ve had people from the poor guy who sat next to me on the first leg of my trip home from the BC to my cousin in Scotland to former students and colleagues to my financial advisor (actually, I think he might be a little worried – ha!) to the woman who cuts my hair etc. etc. laughing and shaking their heads when I tell them the tale about Zenyatta and all of us.
      They always wind up saying “But I never knew that you were “into” horses!!” HA! EXACTLY THE POINT! I’ve learned a lot in the last year, but it was ONE horse who started all of this and gave us a gift that is beyond measure. It’s hard to remember a time when I didn’t “know” so many of you, and having a chance to meet in person was a treat beyond belief. There’s room here for everyone as we continue the miracle that is Zenyatta!
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      TOO CUTE, Ann
      Wish you had more time to post.
      TC always writes so highly if you
      And your horses etc….

  7. / Reply

    I’m very late today, but have to say — Keta — you leaving makes no sense, please believe me, or believe what everyone else wrote you, above. You should not be leaving, or declining to post, for any while, at all. Especially in reaction to an extremely vague comment by one person, not even specifying what the Heck they mean by “tweeted spam” — and why would you assume they mean You? I mean I understand why, but DON’T assume it! It must have hurt your feelings, granted, but this person is definitely Not Worth it — not worth ruining how much fun and enjoyment you get from being here, and how much a multitude of us enjoy what you post. That has to be more important, or the world just makes no sense.

    I cannot IMAGINE any “offense” from anything you have posted that would merit a global condemnation like that. And in fact, all this “Vicky” person literally said was, “I would like to ask that Tweeted Spam not appear on this page.” She did not say what her problem was — she could be mistaken, confused, having a bad day, or deranged. So Keta, I am asking that you don’t interpret anything into what she said, and don’t give it importance, any more.

    On every single page of this Blog, there is a link to Twitter (and Facebook), and also a link to
    @TEAMZENYATTA ON TWITTER, so Team Zenyatta uses Twitter! Nothing wrong with that. “Spam” is normally “unrelated trash” or “garbage”, and Keta, your posts do not fall into that category, so “Vicky” cannot possibly be referring to you. Please just ignore her comment. Thank you.

    • / Reply

      Keta-if you are thinking about leaving the blog, please reconsider and take some advice from one who knows. You will rue the day that you made this decision. Don’t let the random remark of some anonymous person affect you. The persons who populate this blog love and care about you. The redneck club cannot afford to lose any members.

  8. / Reply

    Keta,
    Count me in with all the other posters here who love your informative and interesting contributions to us Z fans. Please do not allow someone to make you leave! You are a most valuable part of our community here.
    Thanks for all you do and for the help you give us. Don’t go away — please do STAY!
    We love and treasure you! I know that Paynter would agree, too.
    A million Hugs!

  10. / Reply

    Dear Darlene Daniels,

    Here is repost of IHA video from Big Red Farm:

    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ill-Have-Another/365619923448727

    He does look healthy and happy and he is talking up a “storm” and loves
    to run in the snow. He is running so well. The previous photos that
    were posted, must have been unusual position as he is at his
    very healthy “fighting” weight, waiting for the ladies !!!

    Really hope you do see this video !!!

    • / Reply

      Thank you Sign,

      I did see this video late last night and did feel so much better to see him looking so happy and fit. I agree those other photos were deceiving I suppose. They really had me worried, but I feel much better seeing run, buck and whinny his heart out in the snow. Thank you for remembering me.

  11. / Reply

    To All Zenny Fans, Z Dumplings, in this holiday season,

    Eternal wisdom,
    source of life and grace,
    bless all who are seeking,
    the meaning of life.
    Endow them with courage
    to risk/understand the unknown.
    Bless them with wonder
    to be still and rejoice.
    Anoint them with wisdom
    to understand the potential
    of their dreams.
    Provide them strength as
    they may face adversity,
    to stand firm on their convictions,
    and accept hardships as the
    pathway to peace,
    Blessed is your name,
    now and evermore. Amen

    HAVE A BLESSED AND JOYFUL DAY !!!

    • / Reply

      With the rain we are experiencing in SoCal, don’t know what the track condition will be by Saturday and whether that will make a difference in the number of horses entered.

      • / Reply

        WOW, the weather is taking over in California.
        Hope everyone is safe racing this weekend.

  14. / Reply

    good morning Zenny…
    your friend Cigar is out in his paddock….by the back fence…i know Da Hoss is over the fence but wish he would come up to the front more…he has his coat on…so it must be chilly in kentucky
    …
    hope you are following your very sensible routine……sleep eat exercise relax….go to the spa….mud baths….anything your lovely self wants….it worked so very well for Z12…such a handsome boy….i know it will do just as well for Z13….still hoping for a lovely big grey filly…but will love anyone you choose to present us with…pacing will start in jan here in arkansas…so beware
    …….
    good morning to all who post here….have a great day to all
    peppermint kisses to all soft noses worldwide…
    carol

  16. / Reply

    Good morning, all–

    @sign–thanks for the lovely devotional and the heads up about Game On Dude.

    @All– we have had some rocky times in the pas,t and we have survived because of our mutual love for each other. I thought we had long ago decided that each one of us would read the posts that either interest the reader or that the reader had time for. As for me, I am woefully behind in the racing end of things because of local involvement in football and basketball, which will go on for months. So I rely on you all to keep me updated. I read as much as I have time for (regretfully it’s not every word), and sometimes I miss important things. There is room for everyone here as long as we are mutually civil to each other

    So Keta–please post away! Your info., is vital.

  17. / Reply

    Thanks Peter for the great information about these young kids. They look great.

    Alys,great photo,again. Funny how all ears are perked up,except one,which is off to the side…I bet that is our Crescent Moon Guy? 11 out of twelve is darn good! Thanks,Alys.

  19. / Reply

    POWER BALL LOTTO FLASH!!!! Arizona!!! Tag Lady!!!!

    Diana S. – I’m making out MY X-Mas list!! YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU! We’re still friends, aren’t we??? :0 Miz Hoping Pants Karen

    • / Reply

      Sorry Z-sters and Dumplings. The winning ticket didn’t belong to me or my ticket pool pals. But it was bought in the Metro Phoenix area, so that made me feel better. You’re all on my Christmas List by the way. Hang your stockings by the chimney with care – – – I’ll try to make the lumps of coal look pretty in pink and teal. Tee hee.

      Keta: Don’t you dare leave!

      dia knows-where-you-live stu in tempe

  20. / Reply

    Keta,

    I hope one response from someone does not cause you to leave.
    I agree with everyone that without this blog, how can any of us
    share our love for horse racing? True we are here because of our
    first love Zenyatta. I believe LE provides us with as much info and pictures
    as their time allows on Z and 12Z. By their time and effort the Ask the Experts
    alllows all info on many subjects and they are not all Z related. I think it is
    unrealistic for some to think they will give us daily, or weekly photos on Z and 12Z.

    With that being said, this site would be pretty empty without the Band
    of Zsters. I think this is a very special group of people.

  21. / Reply

    hi Zsters :)

    beautyful prayers sign. thx

    as others have stated, the links keta has posted as well as other ppl have posted are enjoyable & informative.
    i may not always be able to read them but i look forward to seeing them. it keeps me informed of whats happening in horse racing since i can no longer be actively involved; however, racing is still in my blood.
    i love the Z family here. i may not be able to post regularly at times but i like this place even better than facebook. i look forward to coming here & reading their posts.
    it cheers me up.
    may god bless u all. <3
    hugs/prayers, vamp

  22. / Reply

    “My troubles are all over, and I am at home; and often before I am quite awake, I fancy I am still in the orchard at Birtwick, standing with my friends under the apple trees.”

    You brought me to tears!
    During our years together, there were moments when I knew that I was appreciated and moments when I knew I was loved. I looked this morning just to see what was happening, Never in my wildest dreams did I expect the outpouring of love and support you gave me. Thank You!

    And, I was amazed by those who looked for my posts. I never knew.
    To all my shadow non-posting readers, I thank each of you.

    My leaving was triggered by the feeling that I would have to defend almost everything
    I posted. That would have become too much of a burden. Yes, I know I could and can vigorously support what I post.
    But, would doing that be really worth the time and effort to me?
    The answer was “no”. And, that was the main reason for shutting down.

    For me, the lesson in this is that you know what I give you is both true and
    accurate to the best of my abilities. And, the authors and/or sources are ones that
    I trust. Where possible I include who it is and a link.
    However, I sometimes do get information before it is published.
    Think of it as “Breaking News”

    And, most important lesson, we are friends who care about each other.

    The opening is a quote from “Black Beauty” that says it all.
    I am back standing among my apple trees with Zenyatta and my friends.
    Hugs to all,
    Keta

    • / Reply

      Now I am in tears! What joy to see the name Keta at the top of a post! Oh, how Black Beauty speaks to my horsey girl heart. Smile, smile, smile.

    • / Reply

      i couldnt quite place that quote -it sounded familar- until u said black beauty.
      it then clicked. that is 1 of my fave books too:)
      i luv ya keta <3

    • / Reply

      Keta, I am in tears, too. This makes me very happy, seeing you here makes my day. You would never have to defend any of your posts to 99.9% of us, ever. I’m just glad to see you here, on twitter, anywhere! WELCOME BACK! You are loved by many!

    • / Reply

      Oh, Keta!

      I just checked in to see if maybe you were back. I am crying like a baby with joy. And, thank you for the Black Beauty quote. Black Beauty is my favorite book. I read it at least once a year. You are the best Keta, and dont forget it. Love and hugs to you.

      Darlene

    • / Reply

      Black Beauty was one of my favs. I think I knew it by heart. Zenny always was inclusive to all…we cherish everyone here and are delighted you are back.

    • / Reply

      So glad you are back, Keta !!!

      Very strange post by “Vicki” ????
      Maybe she will reappear is
      another way !!!

    • / Reply

      Too busy to Face Book,
      To tone deaf to Tweet.
      When I come to Zenny’s
      Those links are so sweet!
      I don’t have a V-cam,
      But love to enjoy
      Any Dumpling-made YouTube,
      Or racing news – Oiy!
      I fancy myself a bit of a smarty,
      But it’s ’cause I absorb
      The brain food at this party.
      So Keta, and all the others who post,
      If someone bad mouths you
      They’re gonna be toast!
      So On Karen, On Kathy, On Max
      And On Sign;
      Even with Rednecks I recon I’m fine;
      On Judy JAG, Trina, and Paramount Anne,
      For all that you post, I’m your Number One Fan!

      Hugs and Love,

      diastu in tempe

    • / Reply

      Keta

      I’m your #l fan too. Soo Soo glad your back. You can not leave us. That is an order.
      Luv Ya My Friend, Peggy
      Black Beauty Just the Best……………………………

    • / Reply

      I’m so glad you are back, Keta, and that you now know that you are LOVED! Your comment and the quote from Black Beauty are so beautiful. All day I have been worrying about how you were feeling, and now I am thrilled to read that you are back! We are so lucky to have you here.

  23. / Reply

    Keta Note: Who knew there is a gate training program in Oklahoma(?) There is.

    Kauai Katie, Dreaming of Julia and My Miss Aurelia taking advantage of gate training education
    By MICHAEL VEITCH The Saratogian Published: Thursday, November 01, 2012

    If a thoroughbred has problems with the starting gate, it is at a disadvantage when the latch is sprung and the race is under way.
    Bob Duncan and his crew at the Oklahoma Training Track are in charge of that aspect of training, guiding hundreds of local horses in accepting the gate.
    His team consists of Rick Warner, Eddie Cibelli, Kenny Retzel, Stephanie Ravinski and Scotty Lloyd.
    Three of the top fillies in the Breeders’ Cup received a major part of their education from them.
    Leading 2-year-olds Kauai Katie and Dreaming of Julia, and 3-year-old My Miss Aurelia, are among nearly 20 entrants for the weekend races that were stabled at the Oklahoma this year.
    http://saratogian.com/articles/2012/11/01/sports/doc5092f3cfc7348067177003.txt

  25. / Reply

    Is there any other way to see IHA, other than on facebook? I’m at work and catch up on Zenyatta’s blog at on my lunch break but, we are blocked from facebook here at work. ugh! I would love to see I’ll Have Another in the snow. I truly enjoy Zenyatta’s blog, it relaxs me for the afternoon at work. Keep up the good work with all those beautiful babies, a very handsome crop. All my love to the Queen. Hope everyone has a fantastic day, stay safe & healthy.

    • / Reply

      Mary Margaret
      If you go to the Forum, there is a Discussion titled “I’ll Have Another”
      At the top of this page is a tab marked Forum.
      There are many Z fans who are I’ll Have Another fans.
      Lots of photos & videos there.
      Hope this helps,
      Keta

  26. / Reply

    Racing Post‏ tweets
    Snow Fairy has tested positive for an anti-inflammatory following her victory
    in the Group 1 Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville in August

    Ed Dunlop accepts responsibility for Snow Fairy’s disqualification and
    offers his “sincerest apologies to all concerned.” More soon.

  27. / Reply

    Dear Keta – I am so relieved you are back so soon. Thought it was a personal
    problem or family trouble – could not believe you would think you were not appreciated.
    I for one check here everyday and would really be upset if you were not doing what
    you do so well.

    I have never enjoyed the experience of having a horse and never rode much but fell
    in love with My Friend Flicka and The Black Stallion as a child and never outgrew it.
    I only found Zenyatta in 2010, but never could find any info about her after she retired.
    A friend looked her up on the computer and I was hooked. Even bought a computer
    so I could check up on her baby. At 74 I am a little late, but learning.

    Thank you so much for all you have done to keep us informed on many things.
    I could never read Black Beauty without crying, but that was a great quote.
    Nancy S.

  28. / Reply

    Zipseatthetrack tweet on Thurs. Nov. 28
    My Miss Aurelia worked Mon. at S.Anita.
    Could a run in the G1 La Brea, hoping to strengthen her Eclipse resume, be next?

  29. / Reply

    Dear Keta: Excellent start to my Friday to see your posts! Just hope Andrew Bensley is not too disappointed that you’re not taking that trip DownUnder to see him in person. And thanks for the Black Beauty quote. We KNOW we can rely on you! Love KathyR.

    • / Reply

      Kathy R
      Andrew and I are neck to neck in who can get Down Under news first.
      Part of the fun! He probably is wondering who that sheila Keta is.
      Hugs, Keta

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