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

      Sheena. Thank you for this news. I read about this in The Guardian. It said that Kauto is as feisty as a 4 year old and put on a real display at owner’s day. His summer vacation has done him some good. His people will do the best for him. As you know, Paul Nicholls is a great trainer. Clive Smith also said that his main concern is Kauto’s well being. He does not want him to be hurt if Kauto is not 100% ready to race.

  2. / Reply

    I started a new thread for pet lovers. it has to do with pets other than horses that we Zensters can contribute to. Enjoy, it and I just wrote a very sad story on that thread. I thought that I was going to be the first response. NOT…

    • / Reply

      I shared my Sammy’s story. I still miss her a lot. I think the quiet is the hardest for me. I have to turn the radio on, or I become an insomniac. I just can’t sleep without the squeaky wheel.

  3. / Reply

    Hi everyone. Janet, Peggy, Darlene, Keta – thank you all so much for updates on Paynter and I’ll Have Another. We have been praying to St. Francis for Paynter. I’ll Have Another looks just wonderful – I think he was calling to another horse we heard on the video. So sorry we are not able to attend Santa Anita on September 29, would love to see the unveiling of the Queen Zenyatta statue and to get a Doug O’Neill cap. We will be there for the Breeders Cup and our Zenyatta gala in the evening. Cannot wait to see the statue. Sorry, but what is wrong with Eswan Flores? I heard he was not riding but is he or a family member ill? Everyone, take care. Love to all.

  4. / Reply

    Paynter Updates Sunday Sept. 2 5:36 pm A.ZAYAT‏ tweets “a huge sigh of relief”
    Our star Paynter is responding to all your prayers and good wishes, all his vets are doing a fantastic job! We are so blessed
    So all in all with his improved attitude,demeanor,his normal blood work and chemistry I am getting a huge sigh of relief
    It’s good to hear that after Dr. Laura groomed him he rolled in his clean shavings like a normal horse
    His temperature and blood are both normal. His feet are perfect. It seems that Paynter has taken a big step today
    Paynter update: Our warrior is being himself for the first time today. He is no longer timid with Laura in his stall
    In fact he was fighting her as she tried to do an ultrasound on him. His appetite has increased and his attitude is playful
    Paynter update ; best report we have had so far coming shortly , prayers must be working #Laura my angel #fantastic job

    • / Reply

      Wonderful update, Keta the Queen of Tweets.

      Thanks for finding and sharing this with us.

    • / Reply

      That is SUPER news.
      Come on big guy!!!!!!
      Prayers will come to you tonight, Paynter.

      Thanks for the update, Keta.
      Stay Calm…Twitter!

    • / Reply

      That is wonderful news!! Thank you, Keta, for keeping us updated. Prayers do get answered and miracles do happen. Wonderful owners, wonderful vets and wonderful caring, praying fans. We can’t let down, have to keep those prayers going.

    • / Reply

      Keta, Thanks a million for keeping us posted Wonderful Update So happy about this. Get stronger and stronger big guy. If one can get better. That’s one and that’s wonderful. Love You Painter. I will keep praying. Thank You Dear Lord.

    • / Reply

      Hi Keta:

      Thank you for sharing the latest news on Paynter. Its amazing how Paynter’s serious illnes has brought many us together to pray for him. Lets continue to pray for Paynter’s full recovery. Thank You Lord for answering our prayers.! Marilu

  5. / Reply

    Thank you so much for the wonderful update on Paynter – it is bringing tears of happiness to my eyes. We will keep on praying for his recovery.

  6. / Reply

    Some redneck humor in Terry Crow GP’s absence.

    Many red neck homes are multi-generational. Billy Bob’s is such a family home.

    One morning Billy Bob was out in his back yard doing whatever it is he does out there when his Granny hollered at him to come in and help her get started on her jig saw puzzle. Billy Bob hollered back asking, “What’s the puzzle about?” Granny told him that it’s about a rooster.
    Billy Bob sauntered in and looked over everything Granny had spread out on the table. He studies the pieces for a minute, looks at the box then turns to Granny and says, “Granny, lets sit down and have some of your good morning tea.” (wink, wink)
    Granny and Billy Bob are sipping Granny’s good morning tea (wink, wink) when Billy Bob says, “First of all, no matter what we do, we aint never going to be able to make these pieces into anything that looks like a rooster.” Then he says, “Secondly, I want you to relax with your good morning tea, (wink, wink) and then,” he said with a sigh………

    “Lets put all the Corn Flakes back in the box.” Kelloggs that is, rooster logo

  8. / Reply

    Hi everybody, greetings from South Mississippi post-Isaac! We were so lucky and it wasn’t too bad for us, just rained FOREVER!!! Also, we didn’t lose power which was amazing!! So, I am thankful we got off so easy and appreciate all your thoughts and comments. Thank you! Also, I came across these newest pictures of the Barbaro brother born in 2011 who apparently doesn’t officially have a name according to this site owned by the Jacksons. He’s also brother to Lentenor, Nicanor, and Margano and the last foal by Dynaformer out of La Ville Rouge. Just thought some of you might be interested. http://www.millridge.com/barbaros-family.aspx

    • / Reply

      Dear Louise,
      So glad that you escaped Isaac unscathed!
      Thanks for the link to 11Ville Rouge — last of Dynaformer/La Ville Rouge babies.
      Take care and best wishes!

    • / Reply

      Dear Louise,

      So glad Issac was as kind as he could be to you. These hurricanes are very
      distressing. Thanks for the update on Barbaro’s last brother.

    • / Reply

      Louise,

      I was praying for you through the hurricane. So glad you are Ok. God, does answer our prayers. For you, and Paynter. Thank You God.

    • / Reply

      Louise. Very glad that you made it through the storm. That was a terrible worry.

      Thanks for the link to Dynaformer’s boys. I miss Big D every day.

    • / Reply

      Dear Louise,
      First of all it is so good to hear from you. Very happy you survived Issac in good condition.
      This is turning out to be a good news day because Paynter has made good strides today.
      Thank you for sharing the site with the pics of La Ville Rouge and her Dynaformer babies. It was almost like those two were married. LVR is quite the broodmare, reminds me of Zenyatta’s dam (would have said her name, but can’t remember how to spell it.)..
      Thanks for letting us know you are ok. Marty R.

    • / Reply

      I’m so glad you’re all right, Louise. Here in the Bluegrass we got some much needed rain thanks to Isaac, so I guess it wasn’t all bad. I’m just thankful that my prayers were answered and you’re all right and Paynter is doing better.

    • / Reply

      Sign,

      Slide #5 really shows us where Zenny and Ebby, got “the pose”. I just love that. She is so beautiful, no wonder she had such magnificent foals. Thank you so much for sharing. I am really excited about Ebby.( Would prefer to spell her name outright, but after a night at work with a full moon), I dont remember the correct spelling)

      • / Reply

        Darlene,
        Ebby’s is a doll in the slide.
        Guess growing pains got he too.
        Hopefully we will see her on the track
        Soon in her first race.

    • / Reply

      Thanks Sign

      I remember seeing these photos awhile back. Elegant is a word
      to describe Vertingeux and she has passed it on to her offspring
      as well. I think they have a natural instinct for the camera. As we
      know Zenyatta has passed it on to 12Z for sure.

    • / Reply

      Thanks for sharing this, sign.
      The look of Balance is beautiful. I just love her too. I wonder if she has the disposition of Z? It looks like she may be very sweet.

  11. / Reply

    Thanks Sign, Wow Vertigineux is such a beauty and Zenyatta looks so much like her. No wonder Zenyatta is such a good mom, she had a great teacher!

    • / Reply

      Glad to hear from you Louise and know that you made it through Isaac OK. It’s hard to follow exactly where the worst problems were without a detailed map that identifies the parishes, but our prayers are still with you and those who suffered tremendous losses.

    • / Reply

      Louise,
      I forgot “V” had a star on her forehead just
      Like 12 Z. She is a beautiful mare. Hope she is able
      To deliver the Street Cry foal this year. It may be her
      Last year to produce. She should be about 18 or 19.

  12. / Reply

    Dear Z Dumplings, fans Lanes End and Team Z,
    Wishing you a wonderful Labor day where ever you
    Are. A quiet peaceful day on LAnes End Farm and
    Gorgeous weather.
    To all have a great relaxing day .

  13. / Reply

    hi marty great joke!@keta thanks for all the news about paynter so happy he’s improving will be keeping him in my thoughts and prayers.@louise so glad you got through the storm hope you are all having a happy labor day holiday hugs sheenaXXX

    • / Reply

      A great show. I get a real pleasure out of seeing the little ones
      getting on the horses. Kudos to the organizers for bringing an event like
      this and sounded like it won’t be the last.

      Have a safe and happy Labor Day to everyone!

      • / Reply

        Janet, glad you enjoyed this link.

        It is sooo very special to see these retired TB doing well for their owners and
        being loved and cared for. They are such a very talented breed.

        It is funny how they can sense a child on their back and be very very very gentle.
        Jethro was 17 hands with a very big long neck and a little girl 9 years old showed
        him in a walk trot class and he was soooo very much the gentleman. It was sooo very cute to see this little girl on such a big, crazy most of the time horse.

        TB ARE THE BEST !!!

  16. / Reply

    I wanted to share Barbara Livingston’s blog on Storm Cat.
    She is a wonderful photographer and at 29 he looks good.
    An old sire enjoying the “golden years.”

    ohttp://www.drf.com/blogs/checking-living-legend-storm-cat-photo-blog

      • / Reply

        Love this article/photos of Storm Cat. He is in great shape for 29, just the “old man sway back”. Love the photos of him and his groom.

      • / Reply

        Thanks for this link, Janet. Wow, Storm Cat sure does look good to be 29 years old. Overbrook Farm is such a beautiful place. It’s only about 2 miles from my house and every time I drive by it I want to turn in so badly to look around the farm, but I don’t think they allow visitors. W.T. Young, who created Overbrook, died several years ago and I’m not even sure who runs the farm now. He owned a trucking company, W.T. Young Enterprises, which I deliver mail to and they have pictures and statues of Storm Cat all over the office. Maybe I should try to get in good with the receptionist and see if she can arrange a visit!

        • Debbie G
          I would just die driving past Overbrook everyday. It has been many years since I have driven the roads of Kentucky. My biggest regret is never planning the time to make arrangements with some of the farms and visiting them when I had the chance. I hope you get the chance to get in to see the farm and visit Storm Cat.

      • / Reply

        Janet, Thank you so much for these pictures. I just love Storm Cat. I asked about visiting a few years back when I was up there. At that time they were not letting people visit. I sure wish they would.

  18. / Reply

    Per tweet by Mr. Zayat,

    Paynter has taken a turn for the worst. We need to prayer harder! :-(

    • / Reply

      @jazz3162: @JustinZayat Paynter update: Doesn’t look like a good morning, the vets are working through some issues, can not take this emotional

    • / Reply

      Oh no, I didn’t want to hear this. Was just looking for info for today and couldn’t find anything. I will keep praying very hard. Everyone do.
      Please if anyone see’s the info please post.
      Pray so hard its not founder.

    • / Reply

      Oh My, Keta,

      For a minute thought it read BOB instead of BILL.

      Thanks for the undate a very sad loss to racing.

        • Sad to hear that Bob Baffert’s father passed and it is coming at a stressful time as Paynter is fighting for his life. I have found I cannot relax where Paynter’s condition goes. His body is dealing with so much right now and I can only think his rallies are brief at best. Miracles do happen and Paynter needs one.

        • Unfortunately Keta,

          Their is a rally before another storm.

          Prayers for Paynter and his connections.
          SOOO VERY SAD, for such a young colt to be soooo sick.

          I guess I am so used to treating humans I don’t understand
          treating pain and suffering alone without treating the complications.
          As long as he is doing well ????

          Very different focus in the Equine world.

        • I agree so much with all you have said. Me too I don’t understand treating pain and suffering alone without treatine the complicatons. Yes as long as he is doing well…Well said Sign I think very few of us are going to leave this world without some suffering and pain.
          I like to remember an old British Series that I just loved one episode of the new adventures of Black Beauty.. Hope I am remmebering this correctly. Someone was trying to destroy or sell some land that they wanted to use for some aging and some not in good health very old horses. They did save the land and you just should have seen these old horses living out the rest of there lives. Such a beautiful Sentiment.
          If Paynter could just get better, maybe he could still have a stallion career or just live out his life happy on a farm. I know he’s not old, but he might not be able to be a race horse. Praying so strongly for him.

      • / Reply

        Dear Sign, Keta, Max Heidi, Ann, Patti, Debbie G., Peggy N. and Z Fans:

        So sorry about BB’s Dad and to hear that Paynter has had a relapse. Will keep praying for him. Hugs, JB

  21. / Reply

    Oh no!!! Paynter has had a relapse!! Just have to pray harder!
    Poor Bob, loosing his father. RIP Bill!!

  22. / Reply

    I feel soooo much better about EL VINO.

    Thought I would look on BACKSIDE 55 web page and check things out. Under the YOU TUBE video section, you will see EL VINO’s last race on 8/4/12 and it says “Even though El Vino is no longer part of BARN 55, with all of his work with Zenny, it is only fitting to keep track and follow his races”. I guess that was all the video taping at the day he was claimed and handed over to new owners so they could keep track of him.

    Thank TC for your projection the Mosses will retire him when he is done racing, it seems that may be so.

    THANKS TO THE MOSSES AND BARN 55 FOR TAKING CARE OF EL VINO FROM A DISTANCE.

    He is a very gorgeous light bay (my favorite color) horse. He came in third in the 8/4/2012 race. Will be definately keeping my eye on the BARN 55 website for updates on him.

    http://www.backside55.net/

    • / Reply

      I love this guy. He is such a cutie and he sends me regular messages on FB. I hope the Mosses do retire him when his racing is done…after all he is and always will be part of The Queen’s court.

    • / Reply

      You can follow El Vino in his facebook. He writes cute and well. He will race on Wednesday Sept 5 at Del Mar.

      You can also follow Sarbonne in his facebook. He writes cute and well too. He is another buddy of Zenyatta.

      Both of them are knghts in Zenny’s Round Table.

      Both EV and Sarbonne’s training were partly delayed while helping prepare Zenyatta for BC. They are both special. Marilu

      • / Reply

        Thanks Marilu and Sue,

        I am not much for facebook, but did “like” RR and got some messages from him which were TOO CUTE. I guess I will have to go on EV and Sarbonne’s pages
        briefly.

        Will check out the race on Wed, August 5 th.

        Would love to buy EV as a second career TB and send him to Clinton Anderson for retraining. He is really good with OOTTB. EV would be really win a lot in the show ring either dressage or hunter/jumper, he is very “showy” looking.

        WHEW !!! AND SIGH, SIGH – He is being watched !!!

  23. / Reply

    Fight Painter. Please give him time to try and heal Mr. Zayat. I know we don’t want him to suffer but he needs time. Miracles can happen.

    • / Reply

      Agree Peggy N,

      I guess he means he does not want to treat complication after complication
      and have him be sad and unhappy and not himself.

      It is a very fine line. I agree with your hope, too.

      Horses are delicate creatures of god.

  25. / Reply

    Dear Max, Sign, Keta, Heidi and Z Fans:

    Have been away since Saturday. Left you all some posts on previous page (Page 4). Hugs, JBG

  26. / Reply

    For Paynter,

    Oh Lord

    who made the stars and the skies

    all the worlds, in all times spent

    and times to come,

    hear our prayer.

    Let thy spirit rise strongly

    and enter into this being

    that is yours

    to raise it up

    to lift it up

    to bless it and to heal it

    to awaken its spirit

    so that it may live in your glory

    so that it may live well

    if this is your will

    as all things are.

    Oh lord,

    there is great love for this being here

    it brings joy and love into our hearts

    we ask that you restore this being

    in body, mind and spirit,

    in love and everlasting glory,

    Amen.

    Stay strong Paynter.

  27. / Reply

    Dear Ann NC,

    So very true about Jackson Bend and those cobwebs.
    That good NC redneck music should definatley clear them up
    and get him straight.

    He is a great horse. Shows how very delicate they are and they truely are.

    Spent a lot of time talking to my dogs vet (a specialist), whose wife had horses and he
    treated them. Not many drugs for them because of their metabolism and
    very difficult to treat when sick, hard to turn them around due to their physiology.

    PRAYER FOR PAYNTER AND JACKSON BEND !!!

  28. / Reply

    Next 24 Hours ‘Critical’ in Case of Paynter
    By Claire Novak, @BH_CNovak
    Updated: Monday, September 3, 2012 8:58 PM
    The next 24 hours are critical in the recovery process of ailing Haskell Invitational (gr. I) winner Paynter, owner Ahmed Zayat said Sept. 3.
    The 3-year-old colt has an infection at a catheter site and has also developed clotting in his veins as a result of low protein while battling colitis—inflammation of the colon—at Upstate Equine Medical Center in Schuylerville, N.Y., just outside Saratoga Springs.
    “I personally have zero tolerance for the word ‘suffering,'” Zayat said. “It is important that we give our warrior a chance to fight and battle his illness but also (keep) our eye on our goal, which is to get him healthy and happy – but not at any cost. Paynter has been good to all of us and we need to treat him with the love and dignity that he deserves. Laura and I and all his vets and Bob Baffert are particularly conscious of that. We once again ask for your prayers, as the next 24 hours will tell the tale.”

    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/72574/next-24-hours-critical-in-case-of-paynter#ixzz25SYAFyK1

    • / Reply

      However much I want Paynter to make it, it did comfort me reading about Zayat’s “zero tolerance for the word ‘suffering,'” and “our goal … is to get him healthy and happy – but not at any cost.” and “we need to treat him with the love and dignity that he deserves.” It made me feel, if Paynter can make it, he will, and they are doing everything they can in that regard.

      • / Reply

        Totally agree with their approach and really feel they are doing as much as
        they can and keeping him happy.

        Just confusing to me as I am always dealing with humans and
        the issues are soooo very different.

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