Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #20

Q:

I consider Alys an expert! Does she have any advice for taking these wonderful photos? Not just equipment (although that is always of interest), but time of day, how to get those amazing action shots, beautiful portraits, etc. I enjoy her photography so much! Thank you, Alys.

Betsy McGrath

New York, NY

Zenyatta enjoying some winter mud. Photo by Alys Emson.
Zenyatta enjoying some winter mud. Photo by Alys Emson.

A: Obviously good equipment does help a great deal, and you need a camera that is capable of shooting at high speed. I use a Canon 7D that was very generously given to me by the Mosses. A telephoto zoom lens helps me get close to the action when I’m shooting in a large paddock.

Light is one of the most important factors. Good light can make all the difference to a photo. In the summer I try to shoot early or late to avoid too much glare. The light is softer earlier on in the day especially in KY where we are quite humid. In the dead of winter it is pretty much the opposite—I go and shoot once the sun is at full strength.

As far as the action shots go, a lot of it is being in the right place at the right time. Most of the time the horses are pretty tranquil here so there isn’t a lot of action. The best time to shoot is when they are first turned back out. The yearlings and foals will usually run and play for a little while after they have been up and in separate stalls for a few hours.

I walk the fields and paddocks quite frequently as I find that is the best way to get to know the young stock and I always carry a camera, which often can lead to some nice shots. I am a total amateur so don’t let that hold you back. Invest in a decent camera and lens and fire away!!

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

825 Comments

  1. / Reply

    New SHERR rescue. She was rejected by her first herd after being taken and rehabbed from a body score of 1.

    http://t.co/BsvWrfwlor

    So she is at SHERR. She is about 11-12 years old and she made fast friends with Levi, who is also in the process of being adopted (yay!). She’ll be trained in the “Natural Horsemanship” methods in preparation for a new home.

        • JudyB. Kauto and Denman are doing good things for retired TBs. TBs as we know are very intelligent and are always eager to adapt and learn new things. Z’s second career is being a mother, which is an important role and a full time job. Even with those responsibilities, she still has the time to inspire us. Looking at her photos is a wonderful gift to her fans.

        • Dear Max:

          I think slowly, with more TB adoptions happening, people are becoming aware of just how versatile and trainable they are. Horses like Kauto really make that point.

          HT had some jump training through Canter NE late last Summer and Fall and Angela told me Christina (HT’s special friend) had her doing some jumps over low hurdles on Saturday after I left. So even if she never competes, she is enjoying her new work.

          Zenyatta just looks more beautiful than ever in the photos that Alys has posted for us. Love her so much. Hugs, JB

        • JudyB. This is just great that HT is enjoying some training. You are right. The horses do not have to compete to do some interesting things. Kauto’s owner wanted to find something for Kauto to do to keep his mind active. He seems to have really taken to his dressage lessons. He’s clearly a happy horse. He looks like he really loves his new home with Laura.

        • Dear Max:

          Yes, Kauto really looks happy in the photos and you can see Laura loves him. Hugs, JB

  3. / Reply

    Zenny, you are still a “rock star”…over 117,000 facebook friends. Shall we offer some “high hoofs”? I sure do think so. You continue to amaze and inspire us. Don’t ever stop.

    • / Reply

      Dear Abigail:

      Thank you for this link on Sacre. Love that name. Really enjoyed the article and learned something too; did not know Sacre was not a Thoroughbred.

      As far as being better than Frankel. I think Sacre may be the best at what he does and Frankel is the best at what he did. Just can’t compare the two as they have never competed against each other and work in two different venues. What do you think?

      Sacre is one gorgeous boy, as is Frankel. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Hi Judy & Max : Of course, I do agree with you both. I’m inclined to think that what these journalists actually mean is more like “he’s another great one”….but that doesn’t sell as many papers! I do, however, think that these animals are the supreme athletes of horse racing, because so much more is asked of them. Not that I’m dumping on our fabulous flat runners in any way. But to do what some of these thoroughbreds do and have done, as well as the thoroughbred-derived breeds like the Selle Francais is quite extraordinary to me.

        • Abigail and JudyB. We all know that the great Z is the best ever. Being gentleman, Frankel, Kauto and the others would defer to the Queen.

        • Dear Abigail and Max:

          Yes, I agree Sacre and Kauto Star are great in their own right and the stamina required of the Steeplechase is just extraordinary.

          Max, I agree the gentlemen will surely defer to the Queen.

          Abigail, love the vault and all your articles too. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Very good article. I agree with JudyB. It is very difficult to compare flat racers with jump horses. Kauto Star was probably as popular and maybe has been more popular in the UK than Frankel over a longer period of time. Kauto is very much the people’s horse. They have even named places after him. And he has embarked on a second high profile career with many public appearances.

      • / Reply

        Max: I just LOVE Kauto, as well as Dessie, Red Rum, Istabraq and so many others. It continues to fascinate me that we know very little about them over here, because they are each great, great champions. I really wish that online racing coverage over here could at least make a nod at the Cheltenham Festival. After all, so many of these equine athletes are thoroughbreds too.

        • Abigail. I am definitely going to follow Sprinter Sacre. I also love these chase horses. They are very talented and they race over longer periods so that you can enjoy their longer careers. Your articles are the best reads. Glad that your computer woes are over.

    • / Reply

      Thanks for another great and informative article, Abigail. I thoroughly enjoy learning about the other disciplines that aren’t as popular on this side of the world. Thank you!!

    • / Reply

      Dear Abigail,
      Thanks so much for this link. You do such great work! Wonderful article on Sprinter Sacre — what a beauty he is and such stamina, too. Amazing!
      Cheers and hugs

  6. / Reply

    shirleeinindy & MMM fans
    From ESPN
    Reeves Thoroughbreds’ multi-millionare Mucho Macho Man breezed five furlongs
    in 1:02 the morning of Feb. 23 at Gulfstream Park, prepping for a probable start in the $300,000 Gulfstream Park Handicap on March 9.

    • / Reply

      Keta,
      Thank you. You do so much in keeping us informed about our favorites. I just know Muchie is going to get his Grade 1 sometime soon. He needs that in order to get to meet the lovely ladies in Kentucky. Yeah, I will be pushing for him to retire to Kentucky where he will be easier for us to visit.

  7. / Reply

    dear max thanks for your link to sweep kauto is such a popular horse am glad you are going to follow sacre they tend to say he is the frankel of the steeplechasing world although he was beaten over hurdles but not since he’s taken to fences he’s scared offmany rivals in the champion chase we get to know and love the jumpers because their careers(hopefully) turn out to be so much longer sad you dont get to see cheltenham festival in the states greatest steeplechasing in the word!!hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Sheena, many of us do follow UK/Ire both seasons (flat and chase) in the U.S. via various services. Some don’t get to see the action “live”, however, replays are increasingly available for free from various sources, and some who can get live services, like TwinSpires, are able to watch these races “live”. Grass roots interest is increasing the coverage of all racing around the world. Because of such stars as Sprinter Sacre, wider coverage of chase racing is also increasing. Who can resist such a champion as Sprinter! I find it ironic that oftentimes the “mainstream racing press” is the last to catch up to what is occurring amongst the grass roots!

  9. / Reply

    Bullet Workouts for Verrazano, Flashback
    By Frank Angst, The Blood-Horse Updated: Monday, February 25, 2013 5:02 PM
    Many of the top contenders for this year’s Triple Crown races, including champion 2-year-old male Shanghai Bobby, completed workouts the morning of Feb. 25 in South Florida and Southern California.

    Working for trainer Todd Pletcher, Shanghai Bobby breezed four furlongs in :49.61 at Palm Meadows Training Center. In terms of speed, the move by last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (gr. I) winner ranked 32nd of 60 moves at the distance. Shanghai Bobby races for Starlight Racing, Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith.

    Let’s Go Stable’s Verrazano, who has won his two starts by a combined 24 lengths, turned heads going five furlongs for Pletcher as the More Than Ready colt earned the bullet of 38 works at the distance at :59.21. Pletcher also chose that five-furlong distance for grade II-placed Delhomme, who completed the distance in 1:00.09, fourth-fastest at the distance.

    Gary and Mary West’s Flashback earned the bullet at six furlongs as the recent easy Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) winner completed the distance in 1:11.00. Flashback worked in company with stablemate Den’s Legacy and the Robert B. Lewis runner-up completed the distance in 1:11.40, second-fastest of 14 at the distance.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/76486/bullet-workouts-for-verrazano-flashback#ixzz2Lx54ZmPB
    Keta Note: These are excerpts. Lots of good info in article. Worth the full read!

    • / Reply

      Since Violence is out, gotta find a new horse. With my luck in picking Derby horses perhaps the owners and trainers would like to pay me not to choose their horses. Violence, Archarcharch and Union Rags in the last few. What can I say?

      • / Reply

        shirleeinindy,

        I feel the same way. I am going to start by not
        picking one I like and see what happens. There are a few others
        I am rooting for, but who the heck knows what is going to happen.

  10. / Reply

    Barakey news. Sean Cosgrove on Skysportsradio has just had a chat with Jim Taylor, Barakey’s trainer. He confirmed that once the horse has his blinkers on he’s all business, so when Shamal Wind went off, followed by a noise in a near stall, he assumed a start and pushed against the barriers, and then went down and under. Jim said the horse is perfectly behaved at others times, but repeated he has his mind set on the race and performs accordingly. He was supposed to go for a jump out before the stewards at Caulfield this morning, but the jump out was scrapped because the track was too wet and considered dangerous. Hopefully he can do the jump out by next Tuesday at the latest in readiness for the Newmarket.

  11. / Reply

    Barbie news:

    Sean Cosgrove has just finished a chat with Daniel Clarken. The trainer confirmed that they were still thinking about a Golden Slipper entry for the filly, and will make up their minds by the end of next week. He’s concerned at the pressure on the horse, floating her to Melbourne and back to Adelaide, and then having to do the same for a trip to Sydney. He said she has never had any shin soreness, because she is such a little thing. On another related issue, her dam, Dazzling Gazelle, is in foal again to Not A Single Doubt. She has been served by him in each of her four years at stud.

    Apologies for not being able to bring the text of the interviews Sean does, but he’s not as adept as Keta’s mate Bensley in using clever stuff like twitter, so one just has to listen up to the programme. Hugs, KathyR.

    • / Reply

      Kathy R
      You do a fantastic job of transcribing & translating what is said on the show.
      Question: What exactly is “floating”?
      Glad the two B’s are doing well and will be back in action soon
      Hugs,
      Keta

        • Dear Keta:

          I just read Kathy R’s post where she mentions floating. I think I gave you the wrong explanation for the way she used the term. Sounds like she was talking about horses traveling. Sorry. Ha, ha. I’m making myself laugh. Hugs, JB

        • Judy B.
          You are so cute!
          I know of someone that would rather have the float by travel than the float,as in teeth,YIKES! Always a fun day…..not! They always know when that day arrives. News spreads fast around the barn… I think the barn kitties spread the news!

        • Dear Keta:

          I think Americain’s ice cream gave me “Brain Freeze”. Gotta find some excuse. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Keta: Floating here refers to transporting the horse – I suspect it is an English term – Sheena could correct me on that one. So the term is the horse is floated (that is in the horse float) to wherever it is to go. Hugs, KathyR.

        • Love your comment Judy – and yes, you’re right – travelling the horse. Because the airlines are so unreliable in regards to transporting racehorses here, the tendency is to take them by road, and since Australia is around the same size as the USA you can imagine what a long trip it is for one to to Adelaide-Melbourne-Adelaide, or Melbourne-Sydney, or Melbourne-Brisbane. But the horses don’t seem to have too much of an issue with that – Nelly did it all the time, and obviously had no ill effect! (Much to the chagrin of her competitors).

        • Dear Kathy R.:

          I was laughing out loud all by myself when I realized my mistake.

          I guess when your as talented and confident as BC, traveling is just part of the job. Hugs, JB

        • Kathy R
          Guess I am so focused on the water around Australia, I thought
          that maybe they were floating/transporting the horses by ship.
          So, I had to ask.
          Learn something new every day.
          Hugs,Keta

  12. / Reply

    Hurdy Gurdy Man set for Cups double
    Posted by: AAP Filled in: Australian Horse Racing | 25/2/2013 at 4:30pm
    The chances of Hobart Cup winner Hurdy Gurdy Man improving on that performance when he runs in Wednesday’s Launceston Cup may be limited.
    But trainer Darren Weir is satisfied a repeat of the Hobart effort of two weeks ago will be enough to secure another trophy and a handy bonus.
    “He was at his top for the Hobart Cup, I just hope he can hold that level,” Weir said.
    “He’s got two kilos more which won’t help, but we know he runs the 2400 metres so we had to come back for another crack.”
    Any trainer who wins Tasmania’s Cups double receives a $50,000 bonus on top of the $135,000 first prize offered in the Group Three race.
    Read more: http://www.justhorseracing.com.au/news/australian-racing/hurdy-gurdy-man-set-for-cups-double/191091 #ixzz2LxAApZeE

  13. / Reply

    Barbie look-a-like (Karuta Queen) story from Skysportsradio.

    http://www.skyracing.com.au/index.php?component=news&task=rnewsdetails&Itemid=108&id=23&rid=17560

    I find this interesting in how trainers deal with a horse. Karuta Queen was trained by a local bloke (in Queanbeyan, just outside my home town Canberra) and was always really pushed by him. I think in the careful way Peter Moody is dealing with the horse, you can see how he has been so successful (aside from the natural talent) with Black Caviar, and others in his care. Hope he has luck with Karuta Queen though.

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R.

      Thank you for this link on Barbie.

      I so agree with your assessment of trainers like J. Shirreffs and Mr. Moody who have patience with their horses and wait for the horse to let them know when they’re ready to run. Although Z and BC are extra special race horses, I think any of the horses in the care of Mr. S and Mr. M will have a chance to do well. All the best to your Karuta Queen.

  14. / Reply

    Judy, Judy Berube!! I was running through some posts. How grand it is for a couple more rescues by Angela (or paid for). You must have an estatic time there!! I am so happy for all these horses and for you enjoying them. Horses give so much back without even knowing it. ha hugs, Sally

    • / Reply

      Dear Sally B.:

      What you say is so true. I’m learning so much from just observing the horses and it’s a dream come true for me to be able to visit them every week. Angela is just a very special person and I’m so lucky to know her. God Bless you for all the hands on work you do at the rescue. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Ingrid,

      It’s good to see you here so often. I still remember last year when all the tornados were touching down in Kentucky and so many of us were watching the weather forecasts in fear for Lane’s End and you actually called them then posted the good news here on Zenyatta’s blog that everything was fine. What a relief that news was.

      Are you betting as you’re watching the horses? You had some pretty good pay outs, as I remember. Marty R.

  16. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta technical wizards. I don’t know what I’ve done – maybe it’s the crazy weather, but I seem to be blocked from the Forum. Not that I use it much, since I prefer the Blog. But I went over, and couldn’t get access. When I applied for a new password, I couldn’t enter information, and was told “the e-mail and name belonged to another member” (which is probably me!). I hope I haven’t done anything wrong? Would appreciate advice, and sorry for taking up space on the Blog, but didn’t know how else to contact you. Thanks, KathyR.

    • / Reply

      Hi Kathi ..once a month or so the forum kicks me out….in my case it just wants me to re-enter my email and password…I usually figure it out when I don’t see any of those little yellow flags that indicate new posts…does thus help?

      • / Reply

        Dear Carolinarkinsas and Trina: Thanks for those comments – I’ll certainly try the e-mail. Just happened recently when to my absolute amazement, I was contacted on the Forum by a former poster (hope that makes sense to you folk). As I said, it was rare for me to go to the Forum, and I was flabbergasted to see the message left for me. The “kicking out” as you so beautifully refer to it, Carol, happened after that. I’ll send them off an e-mail. But I’d really rather be here on the Blog with the Z-Family. Thanks and hugs, KathyR.

    • / Reply

      Usually all you have to do is click the sign-in button, then type the first letter of your user name. A box should come up with your full user name. Click that, and it should auto-populate with your user name and password.

      This won’t work if you have deleted saved passwords or are using a shared computer, or if you don’t allow Windows to save your passwords.

    • / Reply

      Kathy, That happened to me. One day it just suddenly wouldn’t let me on. Had several failed attempts to get back on. Just content myself with reading now.

      • / Reply

        Dear LauraJ and Shirleeinindy: I think I’m just a total computer klutz – maybe will quit while I’m ahead and stay contented on the Blog.

  17. / Reply

    hAPPY mONDAY aLL!!!

    wAS THRILLED TO READ ABOUT “bARBIE’S”WIN! hER JOCKEY MUST BE OVER THE MOON! wHAT A GREAT STORY.

    OMG!!! While I was gone for lunch,Irma,the girl who covers my desk for me,put the calps lock on—-I HATE it when that happens—sorry!!!

    @ Max– Yes,Barnaby is still loving his Fujis!! The produce man had some free apples the other day,when he saw me buying the expensive Fuji’s for him and offered some to me because they were past their prime and had some bruises etc. I said, “but none of them are Fujis are they? He said no so I bought the Fujis! He just loves them and it’s so much fun to watch his delight in tasting them–and–it’s so funny to see how he just foams at the mouth!! This past weekend,I had to wash my barn coat for the second time in two weeks because he got me just covered with yellow foam! Every time we go down,they get Fujis and carrots—they love it!!

    Barnaby did the funniest thing this past Saturday—though it could have been dangerous if he were not the sweet boy he is! His dad must have let him open gates after he unlatched them,when they were working around the ranch. He always wants to open gates when we are going through and he always pushes his nose against them when he is near one. Saturday when we let them into the arena to play,I took his halter off so he could run and Sue closed the gate behind us. Unbeknownst to me,she did not latch the gate,just wrapped the chain around once,not realizing that he might test it. I was wandering around in the arena,watching Traveller for a minute,when I heard her say–oops-get your horse,he’s loose!!By the time I turned around,he was out in the area where he could get at two horses which Tom had saddled and cross-tied,waiting to work them until we were through in the arena. Barnaby went right up to them,looked them over and walked on–I tried to catch him or try to herd him back into the arena. He then went back next to them but did nothing. I herded him back toward the arena and he got himself into a triangular corner next to the round pen. It was so narrow I couldn’t get to his head to catch him,but Sue reached through from inside the arana and backed him up until I could get his lead rope around his neck and then he went right with me into the arena. It could have been a mess if he had picked a fight with Tom’s horses,or if they had kicked him! I was proud of him and told him he was a really good boy for not getting into trouble. He is just so smart!! We had gone down to the barn late,as we had a snowstorm and Sue had thought we might not be able to go. By the time I was through grooming him,after his little adventure,it was time to go,so I didn’t get to ride this week/. Hopefully,we’ll have enough time next week so that I can try the mounting block again!

    I forgot to mention in my last post that I met a New Forest Pony at a little jumping show a couple of weeks ago. It was really cute and the little girl who owns it has it jumping well. They just love it!!

    Everyone have a lovely,peaceful evening!! Maybe we’ll have wonderful news soon!! Prayers for our Queen for an easy delivery and cuddles from Ann and Jerry!!!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue:

      Thanks for sharing another wonderful Barnaby story with us. Glad Barnaby’s little adventure ended well. He sure is a smarty. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Sue Noel
      Another loving funny & now foam-covered jacket Barnaby story!!
      You don’t know how much fun I have sharing your adventures via stories.
      Hugs, Keta

    • / Reply

      Sue. I always enjoy your Barnaby stories. You can tell him that people think of him every time that they hit the grocery stores. When I see Fuji apples, my mind immediately goes to Barnaby and a smile comes to my face.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue Noel,
      Thanks for the great post! I love hearing about Barnaby’s and your adventures! He really is quite the clever boy — glad the little gate escapade ended safely.
      I think of you and Barnaby when I buy Fujii apples, too. Hope you get to try the mounting block again soon.
      Take care!

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta:

      Thank you so much. I don’t have a Twitter account, but maybe Kathy R. does. It’s good to know that info on Americain will be accessible. Seems more and more owners are following the example of Mr. and Mrs. Moss and allowing fans into the lives of the horses they love. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Keta: Don’t have a twitter account, but the image of his new home is just stunning! Thanks so much for finding this – it’s always good to see where the favourites go – even though I’m sure he’ll be very well looked after. And I guess I can’t expect Mr and Mrs Moss or Lane’s End to take them all! Hugs, KathyR.

  21. / Reply

    For Pati, Judy B, Sue Noel, Dawn Conrad & all our wonderful rescue workers
    From the Old Friends Facebook Page Monday Feb. 25 2013
    One of the coolest things about visiting with the horses is listening to them when they are in a talking mood. They all have their own unique voices.
    What an honor it is to be greeted by Ogygian and Gulch.
    Oggie’s hello is clear and insistent in reply and Gulchie’s is a low, guttural whisper just between friends.
    And who wouldn’t swoon a little when handsome Creator nickers excitedly as he approaches the fence. As a British born stallion who raced in France and stood in Japan, he must have a little bit of a continental accent in his neigh. I think he thinks he’s the 007 of horses.
    Come out for a tour this Spring and I hope on your next visit our friends are feeling chatty!
    Hugs, Keta

    • / Reply

      Dear Maureen and Sue:

      Love your Goodnight and Good Morning to the Queen and her little ones. Too cute. I like to think she senses the love from all of us. Hugs, JB

  24. / Reply

    Kathy R. Thanks for the explanation of the behind the gates scenes. They are very accommodating about the shoes. Glad, Barakey will be OK. They do get conditioned to those certain sounds. The engine in my car is the same as a friend. Her horse always runs up to the fence when he hears my car coming round the turn at the barn!

    Max, I enjoyed the photos of ,Kauto. His hooves are massive!!! He should start selling his own brand of hoof oil! Imagine the number of cans he must use in one week.
    I had no idea how huge his hooves are and to turn into such the dancer! Wonder if he know the ” Harlem Shake”? It is all the rage,he will probably make the next video. Isn’t he gorgeous!!

    Ann Maree,thanks for placing the races of MOL( Barbie) in one spot. Such a treasure and we can review them over and over,keep the chills and thrills alive! Right Zenny.

    JudyB. Barnaby sounds like your PC. Antics written all over the both of them.Fun loving guys those two.

    Lava man better get to the Preak this year,a big line up for the infield.Something about a rapper singing his “Thriftshop” Song.Lava, I can see you right in the middle of that crowd buddy!

    Love to you Zenny,you big beautiful mare. I suppose z12 is up to his own antics!
    Hugs to all you folks in Z land,hope all is well.

    • / Reply

      Dear Ann:

      Yes, Barnaby is a character too. Don’t want to give Charlie any ideas about opening gates though. Angela has enough trouble making sure he doesn’t pull off the other horses blankets. She finds them lopsided and hanging off from his tugging on them. Hugs, JB

        • Dear Max:

          He’s a stylist alright. Angela bought each horse a honey Likit Treat, It’s shaped like a spool; hangs from a rope in the stall. Keeps the horses from getting bored during stall time and they like the sweetness.

          When we went out this AM to the paddock, Charlie came over to get his carrots. His forelock, his ear and the side of his neck were all sticky from honey. He is so funny. Finished a bag of carrots all by himself. He always makes my day. Hugs, JB

  25. / Reply

    Judy Berube,

    In response to your post on page 7ish… I think it’s more than that. I think Mr. Levi, the horse that chased everyone out of the pasture and then attacked us for food, is in love with her. He shares his food with her, they stand together out in the pasture. Love birds I tell ya!

    • / Reply

      THANK YOU, KAREN!!!! BTW, isn’t it great about Paynter’s work today! It has been nearly 6 months to the day that he went to the hospital (Aug. 26, 2012)! Such a wonderful and remarkable success story! So glad we were all instrumental in helping him get his Vox Populi award! It was heartwarming how everyone pulled together for that! Hugs!!!

  29. / Reply

    Good morning to all, God’s Blessings today and always.

    Happy Birthday Ann Maree, hope the day is joyful, peaceful and full of Love, May the Blessings of our Love be with you and your loved ones as you celebrate this wonderful day that the Lord graced us with your lovely presence.

    Queen Z, hope you had a restful night, how is the little one doing?, eat and extra carrot for me for her, we can’t wait for her royal presence to arrive. Say hi to the Prince if you see him. We miss him already, can you ask Alys ever so nicely as you alone can if she can post some fun pics of him!. Thanks.

    How is Rachel A, I trust she continues to get stronger. Greetings to her and her little pumpkin.

    LOL to all.

  30. / Reply

    Happy birthday to Ann Maree, a prime mover-and-shaker of Zenny’s Tribe on Facebook.

    A Birthday Poem for Ann Maree
    (February 26)

    Our dear Ann Maree
    Resides in Tennessee
    Though originally
    She from the Delta hails.
    She’s a true-blue Zenny-ite
    Who never fails
    To feel great delight
    At the simple sight
    Of any photo of Z
    Or the many videos
    Which show
    In every race
    The unbelievable might
    And magical grace
    Of our incomparable Z.
    Ann Maree
    Had the good luck
    To see
    Z
    Up close and personally
    When Z ran in Kentuck’–
    She’ll forever remember
    That thrilling November
    When, in advance
    Of the races,
    By good chance
    Among the thronged faces
    Outside the paddock,
    She John Shirreffs spied
    About to go inside,
    And she—
    Not wanting to miss her chance—
    Grasped his arm!
    And he, in his quiet way,
    With gentlemanly charm
    Graciously escorted her by his side,
    And on that glorious day
    She got to stand
    Mere inches away
    From where Z was schooling
    While hundreds all around were drooling
    To catch a glimpse of this mare, so grand.
    Oh, my lord!
    Ann Maree’s heart
    Right away
    Did start
    Thumping to beat the band,
    And her joy soared
    Beyond the nth degree!
    Now Ann Maree,
    Inspired by Z,
    Has become a racing devotee
    And with effervescent esprit
    Has leaped,
    Like our treasured Abigail,
    Into racing lore
    Like never before.
    She loves to read
    ’Bout race courses
    Long steeped
    In history,
    And she does find
    Many a colorful tale
    Of the Thoroughbred horses
    Who over them did speed.
    She recently
    For us recalled to mind
    With infectious glee
    The noble Round Table,
    Whose lofty pedigree
    She was able
    Backwards to trace
    To King George’s stable.
    Each horse’s story
    Of how it did race
    For fame and glory
    Thrills her like a childhood fable,
    And, with every post from our dear Ann Maree,
    You are most certainly guaranteed
    An engaging read!

    Happy Birthday, Ann Maree, and many, many more!

    • / Reply

      Trina, have to repeat what I said in our group page: You are just too remarkable for words! How you come up with these wonderful poems, day after day, for you share your great talent with all who pass before you, it is just such a huge feat! Your brain must process everything you read, hear and see in “iambic pentameter”!!! Hugs, sweet lady. What a joy you are in all our lives!

      I am in total awe of how you manage to keep your work so fresh and timely! Thank you, many times over and from the bottom of my heart, I will treasure forever your taking time to remember my day! 12th Forever, Trina! More and bigger hugs!!! Love, Ann Maree

    • / Reply

      Happy Birthday Ann Maree – what a great story about how you got to see both Zenny and JOHN “up close and personal.” We’re glad to see you here as well as on Zenny’s Tribe and appreciate all of the info available on your blog! Best wishes for a great year.
      Sandy

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