Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #18

Q:

What do you feed 12Z now that he is weaned? Do you feed all foals the same way, or is the meal different from one foal to the other according to some characteristics? How do the meals evolve from weanling to yearling?

Alexandra Usimaki

Lyon, France

12Z out in the paddock in October. Photo by Alys Emson.
12Z out in the paddock, October. Photo by Alys Emson.

A: Z12, along with all the weanlings, is fed both concentrates (grain) and a high quality mixed hay. We weigh and measure them monthly to make sure they are on track for growth and weight for their age. Our feed is tailored to the farm so any mineral deficiencies in the land will be made up in the feed.

They are brought in at 7 AM and will not be turned back out again until after their afternoon feed. This allows us to make sure each individual is eating well, and it means the more timid horses will not get bullied by the more dominant ones. During the winter months we have hay feeders out in the fields that are always kept full. As they grow and age the feed will not change aside from increasing the size of their rations.

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

210 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Alys, Thank you for the info on Z12 and Happy New Year to you, all the staff at Lanes End as well as our wonderful Zenyatta and Z12.

    Please continue the Q&A sessions on the blog. You are educating a lot of us about the lives of these wonderful animals.

  2. / Reply

    Have you ever heard of Dynamite Products ?
    They are amazing ……. Have changed my horses life’s

    So much so I became a distributor.

    Love Z12 and his mom such amazing animals

  3. / Reply

    Good morning Zenny….
    Looks like Z12 is eating welll…..growing like a weed…
    so ….eat….rest….exercise….sleep….spa spots ….mud baths…what a busy day
    PACING begins soon…
    thanks to LE and Alys for the information …

  6. / Reply

    Thank you, Alys, for the informative report on feeding. What a BIG boy 12Z is becoming. It is always almost shocking to see new pictures, and it takes a minute for it to soak in that he has grown so much.
    Does anyone know when the next vet reoport is due on Zenny? it seems to me that there is an ultrasound done about 2 monts before delivery, but maybe I’m dreaming.

  10. / Reply

    My Zenny Family:
    I am in tears!! How bout Our guy, Paynter!!! We did it folks,we did it! YEAH!!
    I got goosebumps all over when I read the news. PUP! Wow. Tears of JOY!!

    Thank you,Alys,again for the wonderful info. You are the best.Young Z12 and his buds, keeping us in smiles w/ their antics!

    I hope everyone had a nice Christmas Day,my heart was w/ all of you.
    I am catching up on ALL of the delightful posts,this is the greatest place and I love ALL of you fine Z fans.

    Now this drop, the New Years Drop. Yes,we in NC really do it up. Blame it on Jr. Johnson and that moonshine? Am I right, Marshall? Jan. 27th is gettin closer!!!
    I did some Last minute X-mas shopping at my local Tractor Supply and low and behold……there on the calender display rack….an OUT HOUSE Calender. The top Out Houses in the land.
    I cleaned em out and was on my way in no time! I don’t know how they went over? Knew my RN family would love em. At least my fam could have whispered….thanks,we think?

    What is the news on my new love, Kauto Stone? Loved his pic,thanks Judy B!!!!!!
    OK,love to all,Zenny….any snow? Z12…behave kid!

    TC…you out did yourself w/ those jokes…really! Much Appreciated.

    • / Reply

      Glad to see that you survived Ann!! What a scream about the out house calendars!!! And your family didn’t just love em??? :-)
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      Dear Ann NC,

      Love the outhouse calendar mention. Sounds like a great addition to your barn
      and home. Glad your holidays were good, although exhausting. Make sure
      to leave some GRAFITTI on those outhouse wall for and about us.

  11. / Reply

    ♥ HAPPY NEW YEAR ZENYATTA! ♥
    ♥ HAPPY NEW YEAR PRINCE! ♥
    ♥ HAPPY NEW YEAR TAPIT-FOAL-TO-BE!!! ♥

    ♥ Love, Auntie Judy XO

    • / Reply

      Ann, Steve Haskin posted on Twitter today: “Paynter a true Vox Populi winner. Not only did public vote for him, but it was their protests that got him on the ballot after his ommission”. And: “Rock star is right. Imagine the following he’s going to have. But I’m sure they will take it very slow and show a lot of caution.”

      This was indeed a spontaneous outpouring of support from all over the internet community, and was successful in raising awareness. God bless Mrs. Chenery…she responded immediately and gave credit to the thousands who spoke up, and complimented the effort. Within 24 hours, the oversight had been corrected. Wow! A demonstration of the power of the social media!

      Justin Zayat, son and racing manager for Zayat Stables, tweeted today that his father had suffered a sprained ankle from a fall yesterday, and will be unable to attend the ceremonies on Saturday. Bob Baffert, Rafael and Mike Smith are expected to accept the award on behalf of Zayat Stables. They were so appreciative of all the efforts of the fans.

      • / Reply

        When is the award ceremony? Even if Mr. Zayat cannot attend he should have someone from the family present on behalf of him – this will be such a great moment for Paynter.

      • / Reply

        Power up, Mr. Zayat! We wish you a quick recovery, and thank you so much for all you have done for Paynter. We are delighted that Mrs. Chenery responded so graciously to the fans’ requests and that Paynter will receive the Vox Populi award. High hoof to all!

      • / Reply

        Thank you, Ann Maree for the information about, Paynter.
        Thank you,Vicki B. for the great links.
        Yes,Trina and AJ…..PUP and Mr. Zayat. Thank you Mrs. Chenery for being so very gracious.
        We love you,Big Guy Paynter!

  13. / Reply

    Thanks to Lane’s End and Alys for this latest Q&A.
    It is wonderful that 12Z and all the horses at LE are
    watched over so carefully.

  14. / Reply

    Happy new year to all of lanes end, zennys team, and Z and prince :). Best of wishes to all of Z’s family in 2013.

  16. / Reply

    Thank you Alys for the information.

    Thank you Team Z and Lanes End for the time and effort in keeping us informed on Zenyatta and 12Z.

    Thank you for all valuable information we receive from Ask the Experts.

    We wish all of you a Happy and Prosperous 2013.

  17. / Reply

    Thank you Alys as always for your answer to Alexandra’s good question (you take geat photos too). We need to know how you keep those youngsters satisfied and growing big and strong.
    Happy 2013 to all of you at Lane’s End, PrinceZ, Zenyatta, John and Dottie, Jerry and Ann and everyone connected to these wonderful people (and horses of course)!
    Happy 2013 to all of you Zsters out there who post and those who just check in on what’s happening here!
    Love, hugs and blessings to ALL!
    Maryp

  18. / Reply

    Hooray!!! Paynter. I hope Zenyatta and her girl pals are enjoying their Holiday. Hope everyone has a great weekend, stay safe. Hugs & Peppermint Kisses to our Queen.

  20. / Reply

    How cool is this? A question all the way from France!!! High hoof Alexandra!!

    Thanks to Alys for the great photo and the response. Just amazing to see how big our “little guy” has become. A very nice gentleman at the Breeder’s Cup (? Lenny) promised me that he would provide us with the identity of 12Z’s special playmate, Crescent Moon Guy ( I don’t think this is him, is it?). Anyhow, we’re still waiting for that info if anyone at Team Z is listening.

  22. / Reply

    HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! To everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, in the ZENYATTA NATION,
    wishing all of you a safe and most wonderful holiday! ;)

    Peace, Love & Blessings,
    Kathy from SoCal xoxo

  23. / Reply

    Thank you and Happy New Year to everyone at Lanes End, dear Zenyatta and growing 12Z. And of course, the new baby to be. Best wishes to all in Zenyattaland.

  24. / Reply

    Happy New Year to all at Lane’s End and thank you for all that you do to give us fans a window into Z’s and Junior’s world. I’m beginning to get excited about Z13! Is there an approximate foaling date? God bless you all. Hugs!!

  25. / Reply

    I am so happy to see the young prince doing so well. I just can’t wait for the new baby!! Love you Zenyatta!!

  26. / Reply

    a very happy new year to all staff at lanes endthank you for all your care and devotion to the horses especially our zenyatta and 12 z a new year brings another baby for the z family to adore please keep us updated on z’s pregnancy!!! hugs sheena

  28. / Reply

    Thanks Alys for the interesting info & the pic of 12Z. He is really a big boy. How much does he weigh! Kisses & hugs to Mama Z.
    Wishing all a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year.

    • / Reply

      If you are taklking about Spooky Minster’s boy, no that’s not him. He is a dark bay, going gray IIRC.

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