Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts: Mike Cline, Part 2

Q:

A question for Lanes End: Your pastures appear so lush and Zenyatta obviously loves to graze. Would you explain pasture upkeep and the type of grasses that grow in your pastures?

Gayle Haushahn

Bismarck, AR

Lane’s End. Photo by Tyler Matson

A:We started putting Lane’s End together in 1980, and it has grown to 2,000 acres. The farm is divided between stallions, broodmares, and yearlings. Each barn has it’s own pasture around it, of approximately 250 acres. Most fields are 30-50 acres in size, and the fences are laid so that they follow the contour of the land.

We’re fortunate because we have a great ratio of horses to pastures; we can rotate pastures and maintain with weed control, fertilize, and move the horses off to rest each pasture.

We maintain a mixture of bluegrass and orchard grass. There’s no irrigation, but we have two growing seasons. We are able to sow grass in the spring and fall, and we do sow about half the farm every year. Grass gets damaged by drought and hot weather, and we have to constantly replace it.

Watch the video above for Mike’s complete response.

Q:

LE grounds are impeccable! Stables look like you could eat off floor! Question, what is involved (manpower) to maintain such a beautiful facility?

Cathy Black

Ashburn, VA

A:We have 150 employees, and we’re very fortunate to have a support staff that is next to none. That’s probably the most important thing about the farm—aside from the facility—the people who work here. I can’t say enough about their loyalty and concern for horses.

We have a good mixture of experienced people, plus we’re constantly trying to lure young people here that can work their way up through the system. That’s been important. Most of our advances in staff, assistant managers and managers, are people who put in their time before they got promoted to their positions. That’s one of the things that we try to do here—our top level people are all home grown.

This keeps young people coming to the farm. We try to create an environment where they have input in what’s going on. They get a lot of responsibility, they all know how we do things, but they get to mix in their own thoughts and actually have a say in what goes on.

Watch the video above for Mike’s complete response.

Our Expert

Michael H. Cline

Farm Manager, Lane’s End

Michael H Cline is the Manager of Mr. and Mrs. William S. Farish’s Lane’s End Farm near Versailles, Kentucky. He has held that position for 33 years and he played a key role in the design and development of the farm from the time Mr. Farish first purchased the land in the late 1970’s.

Mike is a local having graduated from Woodford County High School and attended the University of Kentucky. He is the proud father to two sons, John and Chad and one grandson, Charlie.

Mike’s family has been involved in the Thoroughbred industry beginning with his father John Cline, who managed Haven Hill Farm for Herb Stevens and his brother, Pete is the Manager of Shawnee Farm in Kentucky. Prior to his employment at Lane’s End, Mike was Manager at Big Sink Farm in Versailles.

Reader Interactions

604 Comments

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy N.:

      Thanks. Hope you feel better and less worried about Gabby. Hope she came out of the race well. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Judy,Thanks more than I can tell you for helping me keep track of Gabby. I’m glad she’s staying where she’s at for now. I too am so hopeful she came out of the race good Friday..Please keep helping me keep track of her. Means so much to me. Thank You.
        This is so hard about Paynter. Not been able to hold back the tears,. I will keep praying. I love You Paynter.

        • Dear Peggy N.:

          Will help keep track of Gabby for sure. I know, what Paynter is enduring is making me cry too. Poor baby boy. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      JudyB. I left more for you on 4. Sign too. Worried about Paynter. It is hard to sleep while he suffers. Really hope that he gets well and soon. I do not want to think of the alternative. These lovely creatures are so good and so fragile.

      • / Reply

        Max,

        I am with you. It is hard to sleep and not think of him in pain. This is very painful for us human fans too. I couldn;t imagine being his owner or trainer and going through what they must be going through.

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy B, Max and Z fans,
        So very sad about Paynter and laminitis.
        Am praying the vets and Mr Z make the best
        Decision for him. Our baby warrior, if you can
        Fight on!!!

  3. / Reply

    Just want everytone to know I am praying really hard for Paynter, and for Bob Baffert in the loss of his father. Love to all.

  6. / Reply

    Not sleeping, Paynter keeps my mind busy with worry.
    I just do not know how much more he can take, but if he willing to fight, I hope the vets find the way to make him better and I leave it up to Father in Heaven.

  7. / Reply

    Hi all,
    Just getting caught up…….grandkids came to visit for Labor Day weekend. Had lots of fun…….went to our deer park and we were surrounded by these gorgeous creatures begging for treats, they are so tame…… then to our new African park where we petted baby skunks and porcupines…..watched penguins in their new pond going down slides……hand fed two giraffes (up close and personal)!! Kids and I had a ball!! Of course now I’m worn out again, but I just wanted to catch up on all posts and news I missed.

    Sheena Davies how nice to have a member from across the pond. Your posts are very interesting……welcome to Zennys house.

    Paynter we love you and I continue to pray for your recovery hang in there beautiful boy.

    My sympathies to Bob Baffert on the loss of his father……hasn’t been a good year for you.

    Congrats to my boy to Honor and Serve on his big win and Bernie proud papa, and I can’t forget grandpa Indy.

    Congrats to all the winners this weekend!! I had THS and Stay Thirsty in the cappers contest, but I haven’t received a posting so not sure how I came out.

    Saw the silly new pic of EARnie, what a clown he is, tooooo cute, bet Zenny is enjoying her peaceful days without him.

    Nose kisses to EARnie and my queen Zen

      • / Reply

        I just love EARnie’s ears going in different directions, he is listening in both directions to make sure he does not MISS ANYTHING, just like mom !!!

        • Sign,
          Ha, ha, you’re right on both counts. I often think how different it would be if we started out old with all that energy and wound up young with none!! Seems like a better plan to me. Hugs

  8. / Reply

    I just checked El Vino’s FB page and apparently Paynter has again taken a turn for the worse. His situation seems very dire to me.

      • / Reply

        Ann. This is so very sad. This may be the saddest of all developments in a year full of injury and premature retirements of the leading US 3 year olds. It is incredible. This horse is very talented and was just getting into his stride. Heart breaking for his connections, his fans and all of us who love horses. No sleep last night or tonight either. Paynter is constantly on my mind.

        • Max,
          Yes, the past few days have been tough,to say the least.
          These horses are so very fragile,as our Sign has mentioned.
          It is sad but we do not want him in pain. We are lucky to have this blog and each other during this worrisome time.

        • Dear Max and Ann,

          This is a devastating situation as you both have said. Just shows how fragile these young horse are and how the stress of training can be for them.

          GOD BLESS the Zayat’s, BB, the vets and of course Paynter in this
          journey

      • / Reply

        JudyB. I thought that he was getting better. This setback is very serious. Poor guy. Horses’ hooves are so delicate. John Gosden referred to one of his fillies as having tiny ballerina feet. Still praying for a miracle for Paynter.

  10. / Reply

    Just read in Blood Horse that Paynter was diagnosed with laminitis in 3 of his legs.
    Mr. Zayat said he will leave it up to his caring & loving vet to decide the right courses of action. This is devestating news.

  11. / Reply

    Eswan Flores was selected for a random drug test, and one result shows positive for cocaine, and another shows negative for cocaine. He took a polygraph test and he came out clean for no deception as to his knowledge about the use of cocaine. Now waiting for more testing to be done. That is why he hasn’t been riding lately.

  12. / Reply

    ‘Nightmare scenario’; Paynter develops laminitis
    by Ray Paulick | 09.04.2012 | 2:53pm
    Ahmed Zayat published a series of posts on his Twitter account (@jazz3162) Tuesday afternoon that paint a grim picture for his Grade 1-winning 3-year-old Paynter. The Awesome Again colt, who’s been battling colitis for the last nine days, has now developed laminitis in three of his four feet. Zayat said he will leave it up to veterinarians to make the call on whether or not to continue the battles.

    “We need to be compassionate and merciful and treat our star with the respect and love that he deserves while giving him the best chance in fighting for his life,” Zayat said.
    http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/nightmare-scenario-paynter-develops-laminitis/

  13. / Reply

    hi all Z fans so sorry to hear the latest news about paynter will keep praying for him.@sue fredrick thanks for your welcome to Zennys house glad you had a lovely weekend with the grandkids all those beautiful animals!love sheenaXXX

  15. / Reply

    Some interesting tweets on Paynter–Things I Never Thought About
    Elizabeth Ellis‏ tweet: The updates from A. Zayat regarding Paynter are absolutely heartbreaking. What an extremely difficult time for all involved.

    jayemesssam tweeted: to ElizabethEllis_ A. Zayat
    The hardest part will be wrestling with the insurance company on when to let him go if the time comes.

    Harris D. Auerbach‏ tweeted to jayemesssam ElizabethEllis_ A. Zayat
    We’ve been there and done that Fortunately our ins. co. did not make Burns or Pretty Unusual suffer

    • / Reply

      Wow. The F-ing insurance companies run the entire world. I would spit in the face of the person who makes these policies. Make the horse suffer, FOR WHAT?! So you can estimate how much it wil cost you to put an animal out of its misery?? No wonder people consider insurance companies the closest thing to Satan himself.

      • / Reply

        Dear Pati:

        That’s what I was afraid of. Paynter should be allowed to go. He should not suffer needlessly. That’s just wrong and cruel. Sometimes, I really can’t stomach the Industry; makes me cry. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta,
      I guess Equine insurance can work for and against
      You. Very sad, bet he has a huge policy !!!

  16. / Reply

    Hello to my fellow Z-Peeps:

    Made it back from FLA after battling hurricanes, wind and rain storms Sat nite! I am SO happy to hear all of your survived.

    Went to Saratoga early Sun morning, the weather was gorgeous, and it was mobbed! Great day for racing and racing fans, as Ramon D set a record 6 wins for the day!!!!! I did very well, lots of winning surprises! I just picked every horse that Ramon was on and cheered my heart out! What a GREAT DAY.

    Funny story! Walking back to our car after the races on Sun (which was parked in “no man’s land”) one of the groomsmen, who has been there for at least 30 years was bathing a BIG beautiful horse, the horse was not tied up just standing loving his bath. The horse started coming toward me…… and the man asked “if I had any candy”? I replied “no”, and then asked “why”, he told me “this guy’s a mooch, he loves candy, and he thinks you have some”. I was so sad….but as I was waling away I remembered I had a roll of wintogreen lifesavers in my purse, I turned around and proceed to open the pack, knowing he was gonna get a treat, he proceeded to wipe his face on my white little jacket! He gobbled up the pack of lifesavers in delight! Feeling so bad before we checked into the hotel I had to make a stop to pick up some peppermints for Monday, I didn’t want to get caught with NO TREATS (being the last day of racing!) As Fate would have it, waling back to the car (parked no as far away) what do we see 5 horses getting baths! (JACKPOT) Now I have candy!!!!!! I made my rounds giving them all treats and BIG KISSES! (I did ask permission first, as they are not my horses, and I didn’t want to be ban from ever coming back!)

    OMG! what a thrill and a treat to pet, kiss and give them ALL treats!

    Monday at Saratoga was another gorgeous day, weather was perfect, and a few more winning surprises! Rosie N was hot that day!

    Before one of the Big races they asked us to pray for Paynter, In all my years I have NEVER heard that, that’s when I knew things were real bad. I immediately started to cry, knowing things must be really bad, and then tried to cheer my horses home to the finish line, that was really tough. Crying and Cheering is NOT a pretty sight!. My heart breaks for Bob Baffert and all Paynter’s connections, what an emotional ride they are on, Bob is always so kind and pleasant when he is at Saratoga, he talks to us fans and gives us tips and is just a real nice person. Unfortunately, like most of you I too did not sleep last nite thinking and praying for “our brave guy”, it’s been a rough year for our beloved 3 yr old’s.

    I am beginning to believe I have a very unhealthy attachment to these horses, my daughter and I ride while we are in NY and we booked a 3hr ride for Monday am, and we always ride the same horses, and my horse was recovering from a minor injury, and therefore, was unable to be ridden, my heart was broken, but I DID NOT cry which made daughter VERY happy! My family thinks I need some sort of therapy!!!! LOL!
    I hope all had a great holiday weekend, I have missed all you and not being in touch, I was in withdrawal! Glad to be back!

    GirlSaratoga

    • / Reply

      Great post, GirlSaratoga! Thanks for sharing your good news of your weekend. We join you in prayers for Paynter…

    • / Reply

      Dear GirlSaratgo:

      Welcome back. Thank you for sharing your wonderful moments at Saratoga. Wonderful experience to be able to give the horses treats and kisses.

      WOW, did you do well betting on horses R. D. road. I think he had six (6) winners. Hope the horse you usually ride recovers well and soon.

      Paynter’s situation is just heartbreaking. Everyone, including the folks at Saratoga, are praying for him. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Judy:

        Yes Ramon won 6 races that day! The crowd went nuts, it was really special! There is a pic on drf of Ramon on a grey horse, that was his 6 win of the day, made nice money on that race because I had the exacta 3 10 box! Tried a few Trifecta’s and that went well too, now if I could only transfer that into our Fantasy capping team! Saw Nick Zito at the track, he was so well dressed and so friendly, what a treat for me!

        Love and Prayers to our beloved Paynter, we need a miracle!

        GirlSaratoga

        • Dear GirlSaratoga:

          Great handicapping. NZ is one of my all time favorites. Yes, prayers for Paynter. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      GS,

      Glad you had a nice time at Saratoga. I enjoyed watching all of the fun. Glad you and your daughter could go riding and enjoy the day w/ each other. It does not get any better than that!!

      Tell your family…horses are your therapy,ha! All it takes for me is the smell of a barn and life is great.

      • / Reply

        Ann,
        LOVE the smell of a barn!! Heavenly serenity.
        Beats the heck (I am sure) out of a shrink’s couch; although, I do not know about the shrink first hand! I much prefer the canine/equine therapy.
        Cheers!

      • / Reply

        Ann NC:

        OMG! I LOVE the smell of the barns and anything horse related! That’s why we park in the “free parking area” because you have to walk through all the barn area’s and the smell is wonderful, at least to me! I am glad I am not the only strange one who loves that smell!!!!!!

        GirlSaratoga

    • / Reply

      GirlSaratoga. No one can fool a horse when candy is involved, or anything else for that matter. Loved your story. Glad that you had a good time.

      • / Reply

        Max:

        You are so right, I couldn’t get the lifesavers opened fast enough! (He almost ate the paper!) The people at Saratoga are so very nice and friendly, and the grooms love to chat, it really is a very special place, I only wish I had more time up there this year, we usually do a a week, but I feel blessed to have gotten my 2 days this year! Next year a week!!!! (or more)!

        GirlSaratoga

        • GirlSaratoga,

          I am really hoping to make Saratoga one of my destinations next year. Thank you for sharing with such enthusiasm. Giving treats to those horses, sounds like a dream come true.

    • / Reply

      GirlSaratoga,
      Thanks for this great post! Sounds as though you had a fun time at Saratoga — Yay, for wintergreen LifeSavers! Glad you had some for the dear sweet “mooch”.
      Also joining you and others here in prayers for Paynter. I, too, hope your regular horse recovers soon.
      Take care!

    • / Reply

      GirlSaratoga,
      WOW-what a weekend!
      Sounds perfect-great racing, great betting, & peppermint kisses.
      Glad you had such a great time-Welcome back!
      Hugs, Keta

      • / Reply

        Keta:

        It was a wonderful weekend! I got to ride in the Adirondacks, see great racing, win some crazy money (no handicapping or special betting strategy, just went with my gut, and who smiled at me on the way to being saddled!) It was by far the BEST 2 days of my summer! I am sad the season is over now I’ll have to wait 10 months to relive it all over again! I’m always sad when Saratoga closes for the season, it’s my FAVORITE place on earth! (The wait is just too long!)

        GirlSaratoga

        P.S. Thanks so much for the updates on our “sweet guy Paynter, I appreciate it.

  17. / Reply

    I just found out Paynter has been diagnosed with laminitis in 3 of his four legs. This is very devastating. Even healthy horse have issues getting over one leg involved let alone three. I am praying that Paynter is not suffering and if there is some chance for him to pull out of this that it happens. I am fearing the worse.

    • / Reply

      Dear Janet:

      I hope they don’t let Paynter suffer needlessly. As much as I want him to pull through, this latest development is very bad and painful. Hugs, JB

        • Ann and Judy

          I agree that it is a very bad situation and that if he is in pain
          suffering that they let him go. Our animals have a way of letting
          us know when they have had enough.
          My beloved golden retriever lab mix was only 12 years old and I had to let him go about a year ago. He had really bad arthritis and his pain meds got to the point where they could not keep him comfortable.
          The day he looked up at me I saw him telling with me to let him go.
          I found a wonderful vet and I was there to hold him and tell him how much
          I loved him. He licked my hand and laid his head in my lap as the vet gave him the injection.
          Here is a quote that someone gave me years ago and I think of when sadness overwhelms me.
          ” I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.”
          Martin Luther

        • Janet,
          I love Goldens and have had two. I am sorry about your Golden.
          Thank you for the beautiful quote. Perfect for this time. It is never easy losing a family pet. I was always there to say good bye to my horses,cats and dogs. I am sure those caring for Paynter are giving him the love he needs.
          Thanks again Janet.

        • Dear Janet:

          So sorry for your loss. They do let us know wen it’s time to let them go. Love the quote by MLK. Hugs, JB

        • Judy,
          He was a fighter on the track,hope that spirit holds on off the track.
          I wish his groom could be by his side. That would give him even more strength to fight. He needs the ones that were always by his side,his grooms! Those are his” hands on” friends. I wish Paynter could hear their voices and see them now.

  18. / Reply

    Remember I believe it was about this time last year we were praying for another critically ill Thoroughbred Better Talk Now (Blackie)
    I think we Zeesters are a great group

  19. / Reply

    Dear Janet Newman,
    Thank you for this very wise quote from Martin Luther.
    Sorry about your golden retriever, but he knew he was loved and that you were there at the last. He started on his next journey with your love and will be waiting for you.
    Hugs to you and sincere best wishes to Paynter.

  20. / Reply

    Paynter Update Tues. Sept 4 at 6 pm PDT A. Zayat tweets
    Paynter update: here is what we are trying to do to help paynter fight his battle, it will take a miracle but he is a fighter Paynter had mild signs of foot pain today and mild radiographic changes.
    We flew in Dr. Bryan Fraley, an affiliate of the Hagyard Equine Medical Center to evaluate him this afternoon and placed casts to support his feet. He was very good for the procedure .
    His appetite has been greatly improved today and the diarrhea is improving. We are hopeful but are taking it day by day and his comfort is our first concern.
    Please pray the hardest you can. We still want to give him the chance to fight it as long as he is telling us he wants to

    • / Reply

      Keta. Many thanks for this, something a little positive. Although he is far from well, Paynter is doing his best to overcome this nasty affliction. Wonderful horse. Praying for his recovery. Fight on, brave boy.

    • / Reply

      Keta Thank you so very much for the post.
      Paynter I will pray the hardest possible. Your so young, fight with all your might.
      May the good lord take care of you.

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the update Keta.

      Praying for Paynter, the Zayats, Vets and BB to make
      The right decisions for him and limit his suffering and
      Pain.

      Paynter please fight as long as you can, but let
      The lord in to help you when it is time.

  21. / Reply

    I just saw in Face Book (El Vino’s post) that an updated Twitter from Mr. Zayat said that a vet had been flown in (apparently a foot specialist) and put casts on Paynter. He said Paynter did very well with that. He also said his appetite has improved and also the diarrhea has improved. They will keep helping him as long as Paynter lets them know he wants to fight this.

    What a warrior this horse is. Of course, prayers are still being requested.

  22. / Reply

    My Dear Z Friends:

    Tonight I am going to pray for our sweet Paynter, but I am going to also pray that he not suffer, and if it is meant for him to join his buddies in horsey heaven, then I will pray for him to go in peace and with dignity and love.

    May God watch over him, and may the angels protect him.

    Sending you lots of love, prayers, and kisses.

    GirlSaratoga

  23. / Reply

    HRTV Rewind just showed a brief clip about Paynter. They explained colitis and the risks of systemic disease and founders. They also said that Mr. Zayat would like to bring him back as a 4yr old if he is 100%. Hang in there Paynter, you beautiful boy, we need you!! Prayers continue for you.

    On a side note: The patron saint of horses and cattle is St. Eigjius. Other patron saints of horses are: Anthony of Padua, Colman of Stockerau, George, Giles, Hippolytus, Leaonard of Noblac, Martin of Tours and Vincent de Paul.

      • / Reply

        You are welcome Ann, I did not know there are so many either, but then again man and woman have loved horses since God created them, so why are we surprised? I just hope this beautiful boy pulls through this.

  24. / Reply

    hi judy so sad to hear about paynter lovely prayer from janet. dont know if you’ve heard of lord oaksey he was a national hunt jockey many years ago and commentator more importantly he was founder of the IJF a blessed release had suffereda long time RIP john oaksey hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      I’m afraid I am not familiar with Mr. Oaksey, but I send my condolences to you and to his family. Must have been a caring, compassionate man to have founded the IJF. RIP JO.

      Hope Paynter can pull through this. Hugs, JB

  25. / Reply

    My prayers go out for Paytner. I just saw the news on my email and came here to where all of us share all. Awwwww, in 3 of his four hooves. He has been fighting so much. I’ve got tears now. There is strength in prayer and strength in our numbers!
    love you Paytner. Sally B

  27. / Reply

    To all of the horse, animal and even human saints, please watch over Paynter. Keep him free of pain and please make him well. He is too talented, beautiful and loved to loose. We Zsisters are all praying for you as well as thousands of your fans. I hope you know how many thousands are hoping you will survive this awful ordeal.
    Love hugs and kisses to that sweet soft nose.

  29. / Reply

    Paynter Update Wed. Sept 5 4:20 pm Pacific A.ZAYAT‏ tweets combined
    Paynter update: Paynter continues to amaze his vets by his resilience, class, charm, determination, what a horse. Indeed he is so special. .
    Paynter has been walking comfortably all day. This afternoon his diarrhea resolved and he passed formed manure. He was mildly uncomfortable when defecating, which is not uncommon in horses with colitis as the diarrhea resolves He has had an intermittent low grade fever but his blood work continues to be normal. He continues to be treated aggressively.
    Please keep your good prayers and energy coming our champ is fighting and fighting hard

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