Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #5

Q:

I’m planning to become a breeder and a trainer when I grow up, so I have so many questions… But I think the biggest one is: how do you get started?

Mariah Rain Lester

Redmond, WA

Spring morning turn out with Matt. Photo by Kyle Acebo

A: By learning as much as you can about everything you can! There are lots of publications that will keep you up to date on industry happenings but you also need a good base of practical experience.

Identify someone you admire and who you would like to emulate; see how they got to where they are. Try to get a job with them or even volunteer your time!

The more diverse your experience and knowledge is, the better; you will be able to form your own opinions on the best way of doing things. Work hard, ask why, be nice, and someone will be willing to give you an opportunity.

Expert: Gemma Freeman

Q:

I am curious about why horses are called full siblings or half siblings, etc. only if they are out of the same dam. I realize stallions can sire over 100 foals a season and a mare only has one foal a year. There would be a lot of half siblings running around!

Andrea Neis

Santa Rosa, CA

A: In Thoroughbred breeding, the mare (dam) determines the “sibling status” for the foals that she produces. “Full siblings” are foals who have the same dam and the same sire. A “half sibling” is a foal that has the same dam, but different sire.

As an example, I’m thinking of PRIVATE STATUS, one of our favorite mares here at Lane’s End. Her first foal was SECRET STATUS (Winner of the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks!) who was sired by A.P. INDY. A few years later, PRIVATE STATUS produced ALUMNI HALL who was also sired by A.P. INDY. This makes SECRET STATUS and ALUMNI HALL “full siblings” as they have the same sire and dam. They have a “half sibling or half-sister” named PRIVATE GIFT who was produced by PRIVATE STATUS but sired by UNBRIDLED.

I am not sure what the scientific basis is for the “sibling” classification, but it makes sense that in order to be a “full” sister or brother, both mom and dad need to have provided the bloodlines.

Expert: Martha Heckerman

Our Experts

Gemma Freeman

Stallion Seasons & Shares, Lane’s End

Gemma graduated in Equine Business Management from Imperial College, London before completing the BHB Graduate Development Program. She has worked at farms all over the world and landed at Lane’s End seven years ago; she sells Stallion Seasons and RNA’s.

Martha Heckerman

Service Certificates/Registration, Lane’s End

Martha Heckerman has worked in the Lane’s End office for 16 years. She began as a stallion booking secretary in 1996 and currently coordinates the foal registration process for all foals born at Lane’s End, and related duties. Martha also has the happy task of administering the annual “Name Game” in which Lane’s End employees submit name ideas for horses that will race for Mr. Farish.

Reader Interactions

553 Comments

    • / Reply

      Hi Judy! Yes, you posted first.

      Such a relaxing picture of Zenyatta and Baby Z having their morning walk.
      Matt is so lucky to have these walks with them. Hugs, Marilu

  2. / Reply

    Hmm, good information. Maybe I’ll find a good bloodstock agent to volunteer with. That would be something! Thanks as always for the awesome pictures!

    • / Reply

      Oh, Gussy needs food! There is a post in the blog describing how to donate. Update coming soon!

  3. / Reply

    Thank you Gemma & Martha
    Once again, clear but complete explanations.
    In humans, half-sister or half-brother could be either parent.
    In horses, there is an important difference.
    Have a great day!
    Keta

    • / Reply

      Beautiful photos by Barbara Livingston capturing the beauty of the mares and the youth of the foals. Loved the article. Thanks for sharing it, Keta.

    • / Reply

      Those where wonderful, thanks for sharing. I wonder if Barbara has any plans to photograph Zenny and BabyZ? She always takes the best pictures.

    • / Reply

      This was absolutely breathtaking, Chili is OMG handsome, Taco is a cutie pie. Will there be any photos on the site on Zenyatta and the Prince? None has been posted since Father’s Day, sure would like to see them in the grand way DRF shared Rachel, Taco, Chili, Dixie and the beautiful farm.
      Rachel is absolutely stunning in these photos. What a photographer.

      • / Reply

        You are welcome Z’sters.
        Knew how much you would appreciate & enjoy these.
        It was like sharing an album.
        Team Z-does this inspire you?
        Keta

    • / Reply

      Yes, the pics were dazzling of the mommies & their kids. Hope Barbara can get some photos like that of Zenny and her friends & their brood before they are weaned. Stonestreet also posted a pic of all the weanlings together in their paddock.

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta:

      OMG, she’s done it again. Great photos by BL. Doesn’t Taco look more Chestnut now; even his mane is kind of dark red. Just beautiful; she’s the best. Thank you for the link. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Keta, thank you for sharing the link. Beautiful pictures. They all seem so happy and content. Glad they are in good hands and not so far away. Marilu

  6. / Reply

    The sibling thing is also about racing. Watch a lot of races and you will see the same sire listed for a lot of the horses. It’s just a way to separate siblings vs non siblings.

    I suppose in your heart you can consider them siblings but to be seen calling them in public is not really a place you want to go.

    And this is a “softening” of my attitude.

    The method I found that works best for me and I’m not trying to cram this down anyone’s throat, is this. In a public online forum, at the track, in Kentucky they aren’t related. Offline, to your family and inner circle of friends then they can be however you choose.

    But I’ve also seen farms that are moving towards speaking of studs–in more familiar terms. I suppose it depends on who your talking to. Get a feel for the person and the farm and go from there.

    Yes, some of it is a snotty attitude (kinda like Class A show ring folks). It is what it is.

    • / Reply

      I’ve always considered that having the same sire means being half-siblings no matter what the experts say about it! Just because stallions can produce hundreds of babies (and mares only one a year) doesn’t mean those babies are any less related – I think it matters that they share the same father. But, of course, I’m looking at it from a horse-lover’s point of view and not a professional’s point of view…

  8. / Reply

    To the first question…
    Pony Club! If that isn’t feasible try exchanging chores for riding lessons. Books. Tons of books. Read The Horse. Vet books–not the big vet books for budding vets. I’m speaking of the everyday vet book for horse owners. Ask a farrier (horseshoer). They can be full of answers to dilemmas. Volunteer to hotwalk polo ponies. You wouldn’t believe how much knowledge you’ll walk away with.

    ABOVE ALL! NEVER QUIT LEARNING! There is always something out there.

    By the way you can purchase Pony Club manuals at Amazon in book and Kindle format. They are a great resource.

    In summer try do ride alongside with vets. No pay. You will be more than compensated for your time by the knowledge you pick up. Be prepared for horrible things. Some of it isn’t glamorous at all. But it’s all the cycle of life.

    Best of luck.

  9. / Reply

    I love this website….it’s great to be one of the many cheerleaders for “Team Zenyatta & Babe” ! Keep the posts coming!!!
    Kindest regards from British Columbia!
    Jo-Renee Frost
    :)

  10. / Reply

    Thanks for this segment! When I first started my late-in-life quest to learn everything I could about the sport, the sibling issue was one of my first questions, too! What I love about this sport is each horse has a story to tell, each farm, breeder, trainer, owner all have stories to tell. It’s impossible to run out of material to study and investigate with regard to the sport and all its participants. The one area I think I’m most deficient in is the handicapping side. There are many sites on the web, but one of my favorite places to go to learn more about this aspect of the sport is the live blog, Night School. The site offers instructional videos, downloadable study materials, and personal interaction between the students and instructors. The program is archived. Joe Kristufek and Jeremy Plonk of Horse Player NOW are the lead instructors. Here’s a link should anyone else want to learn more: http://www.horseplayernow.com/ Since wagering is the basis of the sport and its source of financial support, I guess I feel like I should at least learn some of the fundamentals. Eventually, I will take the plunge. And, there’s no shortage of handicappers willing to share their knowledge and picks!

    Thanks to all at Lane’s End and Z’s family for allowing us time with our precious Z and her offspring. Can’t say “thank you”t often enough. Best regards, Ann Maree

  11. / Reply

    Wow. It’s interesting how that whole “sibling” thing works. So when Vertigineux has her foal by Street Cry he or she will be a full sibling to Zenny. Very Cool.

    Have a great day everyone.

      • / Reply

        No it hasn’t been confirmed since the first Street Cry pregnancy did not take. She was supposed to have had a another “date” with him about 3 months ago. So we’ll see.

        Hope springs eternal.

  12. / Reply

    Thanks Gemma and Martha for your time and expertise. Love each new post and the interesting questions and answers, love the photos too.

  13. / Reply

    P.S. A great book I refer to often is Helen Smith Thomas’ book, “The Horse Conformation Handbook.” I can recommend it highly. Also, BloodHorse offers a wonderful video featuring David Ingordo on why he chose Zenyatta and other conformation tips: http://bcove.me/l02gxevw Information on how to get this DVD is at the link.

  14. / Reply

    @Keta-In honor of your dog, here is a short dog joke. My dog is worried about the economy. He found out that Alpo is up to 99 cents per can. That’s almost $7.00 in dog money. @Debbie G-I am going to combine a horse joke with a pun. I have been enjoying them. Mr. T, a ninja and a talking horse walk into a bar. Mr. T orders a beer and takes a seat. The ninja orders a brandy. The talking horse starts to order, but the bar tender cuts him off by saying “No way. I heard about some of the things you have been saying about this place and you are not welcome here any more. Just pay your tab and get out.” Hearing this, the ninja slips into the darkness, leaving the horse to pay the tab. “I pity the foal,” said Mr. T. Here are today’s redneck jokes. You might be a redneck if you can readily identify the taste of squirrel. You might be a redneck if grass is growing through the floorboards of your car. You might be a redneck if you strung Christmas lights on an old truck parked in your yard. You might be a redneck if you have ever gotten carbon monoxide poisioning while driving your car. You might be a redneck if your family reunion waas sponsored by a beer company. You might be a redneck if you have ever used a potato peeler to trim a corn. You might b e a redneck if you use duct tape as bikini wax.

    • / Reply

      Terry,
      I always search the Blog to find you & your jokes.
      So, know that even when I don’t have time to comment,
      you’ve have made me smile & sometimes LOL.
      Thanks, my friend
      Hugs, Keta

    • / Reply

      Terry, I love the horse pun/joke! Too funny. My first car (a 1972 Vega) didn’t have grass growing through the floorboard, but it did have a big hole in the floorboard right by the clutch. I was working at the University of Kentucky at the time and had to park in a parking garage. One day I was driving home from work and felt something crawling up my leg. A mouse had got in my car through the floorboard and was crawling up my pant leg! Luckily I didn’t wreck and I got my boyfriend at the time to fix the hole. (At least he was good for something, LOL!) Being a redneck can be hazardous to your health!

  16. / Reply

    Thanks LE. All the Q&A are so interesting and informative. How is Zenny & 12Z doing. When will he be weaned. Hope everyone is having a good day.

    • / Reply

      5 months will be Aug 8th. I would guess anytime from the last of July to mid August. They have to make sure everyone’s in good health (no sniffles or fevers–that kind of thing). Then it’s off to the next stage of growing up!

      Meanwhile Z’s milk will dry up. And then she’ll be eating for two.

      There are all kinds of tests they do on the grass and hay the horses eat. Way beyond me. Mostly they tell you about protein content and such. Things you take into account for a proper feeding schedule.

      Since I don’t know the date of this years breeding I’m guessing Z was bred mid April. That would put her at around 4 months gestation for weaning. It’s all good. If Z12 was gonna be weaned by mom it would be tougher on her physically, cause until Z12 is weaned she’s eating for three.

      And honestly Z12 doesn’t need mom so much now for nourishment. He might nurse at night more by habit than anything. But he’s not quite ready.

  17. / Reply

    LE, you are doing a superb job answering these questions and offering new pics of Zenny and 12Z. We can never tire of seeing the Queen and her prince.

  18. / Reply

    Grade II Winner Kathmanblu Retired
    by Esther Marr The Blood Horse
    Dual graded stakes winner Kathmanblu, a 4-year-old daughter of Bluegrass Cat , has been retired from racing.
    Co-owner Dr. William Dobozi, who raced Kathmanblu under the name Five D Thoroughbreds in partnership with Wind River Stables, said the filly had suffered from a recurring mild liver inflammation that prevented her from consistently performing at a high level of racing.
    He confirmed that Kathmanblu will be consigned to this year’s Keeneland November breeding stock sale by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent.
    http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/71357/grade-ii-winner-kathmanblu-retired/print

  19. / Reply

    Thanks to Lane’s End, Gemma and Martha for another great Q & A post. Loved the photo of Matt walking Zenny and 12Z to or from the barn. 12Z seems to very well behaved.
    Keta, many thanks for your post and link to the BL article and photos. Chili looks so much like his daddy, he’s definitely a Curlin foal, his hindquarters are impressive and I love his formal name. Vic can hardly sleep waiting for Stonestreet to announce the winner of the Name The Foal contest, I hope the winner is announced soon so that suspense will end.

  20. / Reply

    Thank you, LE for another round of answers to our questions. I must say the picture of Matt leading Zenny and 12Z out in the morning is gorgeous. I still get a bit misty when I see our Queen. She is so lovely to look at.

  21. / Reply

    To Lane’s End,
    Thanks for the Q & A post, I learn something new every time! You guys are so great and knowledgeable, and of course we always love new pics of our Zen and EARnie.

    Keta,
    Thank you so much for posting the BL pics of RA and Taco, and the others, they are just stunning. RA looks so beautiful and content and Taco is going to be a horse to reckon with…….he’s gorgeous! The other babies are beautiful too, it’s such a treat to see them at play.

    Have been busy here trying to keep my flowers and shrubs and a couple of new trees I planted from succombing to the drought we have had for three months. I told my hubby when it finally does rain I’m going to go outside and just stand in it. I could never live in a dry state it just makes me crazy. Course there are those who think I’m just normally that way!

    Well love and nose kisses to our beautiful Zen and EARnie and I mustn’t forget my dear, dear Indy whom I hope is enjoying his retirement in good health.

      • / Reply

        A White House reporter posted on Twitter that they were watering the North lawn of the White House followed by a comment about the drought conditions all over the country.
        I posted back that they can/should keep watering.
        Do not want to have to pay to replace a burned-out lawn.

        AZ has been in a drought condition for a couple of years.
        Hoping our monsoon season will bring much needed rain.
        Keta

  22. / Reply

    Riding Gussy Update!

    Another -almost- perfect lesson! We flew the jumps and it was breezy and cool! Poor Gus did camp the whole day but for a German import who competed on the highest level, walk-trot with a five year old doesn’t really count as a lot of work for him, but he was a little sweepy today…. But we got over it! It was group effort for the lead changes, though. Little me, a little him, both kinda tired.

    My blog is up! I got someone that was willing to donate some food, but I never got an answer back from her. Did anyone on here post a comment under the “Gussy needs food” post on my blog? If you did, please go check back. I posted the prices and they are now up. :-)

    SHERR will be on t.v. with the news people doing a segment on us! I might be in there! It’s WFMY Channel 2. It might get posted online, and it is scheduled to air August 4th. Will list more information in the blog, and I might be able to get the video in there too, so you won’t have to go searching to find it!

    Hope everyone’s day has been as good as mine!

    Thank you Terry “Head Grandpa Redneck Sir” Crow. Your jokes and puns make me smile. :-)

    Only less than 2 weeks until I visit Canada! How exciting!

  24. / Reply

    LE, you continue to educate us with your interesting responses. Thanks for keeping the Zenny fans satisfied.

  25. / Reply

    @keta …great pictures of the stonestreet gang….
    wish they had included Maggie Hawk and AA’s little sister…
    I asked them on fb if the filly had a name yet…
    they answered ….not yet..
    still think she will give the boys a lot of trouble in a couple of yr
    …..
    Night to all

  26. / Reply

    Ray Paulick‏ of DRF tweeted.
    Holy Candy suffered non-life threatening injury to left foreleg, returned to John Sadler barn via horse ambulance after Oceanside div2.

    • / Reply

      Ray Paulick‏ tweeted update on Holy Candy
      John Sadler on Holy Candy, eased as fav in Oceanside div2 yesterday.
      “The good news is he’s going to be fine. He’ll be given some time off”

  27. / Reply

    More info on WENT THE DAY WELL
    From: Cleveland Plain Dealer By D’Arcy Egan, The Plain Dealer
    Went the Day Well is done: Went the Day Well won’t be racing any more this season for Barry Irwin’s Team Valor International, a syndicate that includes Youngstown horseman Bruce Zoldan. The three-year-old colt by Proud Citizen, a winner in the Vinery Spiral Stakes and a strong fourth in the Kentucky Derby, suffered from bone bruising in his front ankles and has been sent to Denali Stud in Kentucky for a couple of months. He’s expected to race next in January at Gulfstream Park.
    Published: Wednesday, July 18, 2012, 5:16 PM
    http://www.cleveland.com/horseracing/index.ssf/2012/07/foiled_again_chasing_record_th.html

  29. / Reply

    I see on Bloodhorse that Havre De Grace will be for sale in November, I am sure she will bring several million, Royal Delta sold for 8 million and she has beaten her easily. I am surprised that she was not sold privately I am sure there were plenty of offers, I hope she stays in this country.

    • / Reply

      It may be that they weren’t offered as much as they think she’s worth. It’s also possible that one partner wants to buy out another (I’m not sure how her ownership is structured), and an auction is a good way to do that if there is disagreement on her value. Besides, if they get an offer they like, she can be withdrawn from the sale.

    • / Reply

      Report I saw stated owner wanted 10 million …obviously did not get private offer ….so put her into auction…but who knows

  30. / Reply

    RE: HDG read where Mr Porter said when asked who he would breed her to, “Bernardini, I think he is the best stallion now, but I haven’t looked to see if they fit”. Wow, would love to see that baby!

    Also congrats to one of my favorite girls BL on her news of a Bernie filly in the offing. Love her so much…..she’s a real trier……hope the baby has her heart.

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