Zenyatta

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

Zenyatta and her valentines. Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End
Zenyatta and her valentines. Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Happy Friday!

We wish all Zenyatta fans a happy Valentine’s Day, and we’re sending extra love to those of you who put a valentine in the mail for Z. She enjoyed each and every one—particularly the peppermints!

What’s better than to celebrate with some new photos of 13Z in the snow and an up close and personal view of Zenyatta eating her peppermints? Thanks Alys!

Enjoy!
-Team Z

13Z and the boys. Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End.
13Z and the boys. Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End.


Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End
Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End.
Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End.

Reader Interactions

1,289 Comments

  1. / Reply

    February 27 Cherokee Devotional

    “It is important to have a vision that is not clouded with fear,” said a Cherokee leader. “As children we were able to see beyond the impossible by enjoying a vision of how we wanted things to be. It required unlimited joy, and life responded freely-until we grew up enough that everything had to be real.” Sometimes the vision is truer than that which comes from it. A pattern to make anything can be accurate, and if followed perfectly, can produce the perfect model of it. But bringing something forth is the problem. We have to have a steady hand and a mind that is willing to follow precisely. Few things are spelled out for us. We learn to focus on what we need, but there is still another step: Focus on fulfillment. See it completed. This is usually left out as we adopt a wait-and-see attitude, and this step is far too important to ignore.

    Have a vision not clouded by fear.
    The Cherokee

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    To Sheena,

    Audrey came through the surgery okay. They’re managing her pain. Her husband expects to be able to bring her home today.

    Hugs, Kathy

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy:

      So glad Audrey is on her way home. Will keep her and her family in my prayers. Love and Hugs, JB

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    @Sue Fredrick–I was conversing with another Dumpling yesterday, and she had gone back and calculated that Zenny’s baby should come somewhere around late March-early April. I am afraid I will be away when the big news comes and that I will be late to the party.

    @Sandy–hugs.

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    Guess it is about time to start doing foal watch with Zenny. I know it is a bit early compared to when Z13 came but you never know. As with a lot of you all, I am hoping for a filly this time.

    Our Little Prince should develop into a big sturdy healthy guy after getting through this winter with all the snow and cold. Can’t wait to find out his name.

    Did anyone notice the unusual markings on the horse to the left of Z13? Not really a blaze, sort of a swirl.

    On record now for my horses for this year. No Derby horse yet but older horses, of course, Muchie, then Lea and after these 2 Palace Malice. I think PM is sitting on a really good year. Hope he, Muchie and Lea don’t meet at all or if they do at the BC Classic. Although 1-1/4 might be a little far for Lea.

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    Dear Kathy.So happy to hear Audrey came through her surgery,gosh she’s leaving hospital quickly,will she be needing any treatment?.Please pass on my good wishes to her. Boo is well on his way to 10.3 million already,I don’t know how they manage in those little boots very cute though. Ray looked adorable as a puppy!he’s a faithful supporter of the Bwuins. Marty is out like a light, no wonder after eating a banana! Zoe has a very sweet new friend Tanner a tea-cup yorkie.Hope you have a good day.Hugs to You,Kisses for the Puppy Pack. Sheena

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      Dear Sheena,

      I was amazed that Audrey would be released so soon. They send you home with tubes still in and everything. Disturbing! She won’t need any more treatments if all the remaining tissue is clear. Thank you for your prayers and good wishes. Furbabies are all looking good today. There is a new furkid on Valentino’s page…Stewart Stanley, a wire-haired dachsund. He’s very funny, and a cutie pie. I saw Tanner, too. Very adorable. I’ll have to keep getting up earlier and earlier with all these furbabies I have to check on now! Have a wonderful Friday Eve. Hugs from me, kisses from The Pack. Kathy

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    Happy belated Valentine day Zsters & team z :-)
    Thx for the lovely pics of our beloved Z and Prince red.
    Z eating peppermints is too cute & Prince red is a handsome devil.

    May God bless you all
    You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers, luv vamp

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue Colvin,
      Great to hear from you! Hope that you are feeling better, too.
      Please take care and keep in touch.
      Love and Lots of Hugs

  8. / Reply

    Has anyone noticed that our queen’s page on facebook now has 199K followers?
    Her legacy continues to expand……

  10. / Reply

    Dear Mama Z, COZ, Red Prince and Baby Z Princess???:

    Goodnight. Sweet Baby Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Tiz, Thanks for the post. He was a favorite of mine. Especially loved because of his sire, Alydar. So glad he got to come home to Kentucky before he passed away.

      • / Reply

        I like Alydar too (I was not existing then but the biographies that I read, etc.)

        Will be excited to see how Gio Ponti does as a sire, being that he is out of an Alydar mare (Chipeta Springs)

  12. / Reply

    Hi Everyone–Oh,how much I love this latest batch of photos—and that sweet video–wow!! Little Big Red just grows more majestic by the day!!

    Have been reading everything but it has been so busy at work,have not had time to really write the kind of post I like to. Will try to get some done today in a little lull. My keyboard at home is giving me fits so I need to type anything longer here.

    Have been having lots of fun adventures with Barnaby–he is obviously very happy at River Sage–he is sleeping flat out each night and is covered with his shavings from his bed when we go to groom them. This week they put new stuff in all the shelters and I asked them to put extra in theirs to give him a “cushy” bed since he does sleep the way he does. Haven’t gotten the bill for that yet,but,it will be worth it ,whatever it is,because he will love it. I’m sure Traveller will enjoy it too,though she never lays completely down like he does. Just bought out the last of the Honeycrisp apples we had in stock until next season–since he loves those now,almost as much as his Fujis,wanted to have him be able to enjoy them as long as possible. I give him one of each when we first get there and then one of each just before we leave. A few weeks ago, he did a really funny thing. The produce boys at the store had given me a big box of the apples they had culled out from stock,due to some bruises,etc. I had trimmed all of them up,intending to give the Fuji’s and HC’s in there to Barnaby and some of the other types to Traveller,as she dosen’t care what kind she eats. As we were getting ready to leave,Sue grabbed the bag from me and started feeding Traveller fist. Unfortunately,she had grabbed the apples that were supposed to be for Barnaby. When I reached in to get apples for him,all that wre left were the varieties I had intended for Traveller. I held one out to Barnaby and he eagerly chomped into it—and immediately dropped it on the ground!!! It was so funny!! It was as though he said–“hey,that’s not my apple–what is it?!!” I tried it again–and he dropped it again. I finally coaxed him into eating it by telling him that Traveller had eaten his and that was all there was—and when he saw Traveller eating one of them he tried it. But,while he was chewing,he was looking at me as if to say, “where are MY apples?” I think he is just a riot–I tell you,you can just SEE the wheels going around in his head when he is thinking!!! He gets expressions on his face like a person!

    A couple of weekas ago,we had a little adventure I had not planned on. Both horses had been jittery as,while we were grooming them,getting ready to ride,one of the handymen was driving a Bobcat around the outside of the arena,speading dirt over the icy places for better footing. Neither of the horses liked the sound of it,and,a couple of times it sounded like he was going to come through the walls after them. We got them saddled and got on and started down the far long side of the arena. When we were about 2/3 of the way down, one of the joists in the metal roof made a big noise as the sun warmed it up and Traveller jumped and made as if to bolt. I think Barnaby must have thought she had seen the Bobcat coming after them ,or something, as,while Sue was trying to control Traveller,he jumped two big crow-hops to the left. I stayed on for the first one,but when he did the second one,I was too far out of position to stay on. I realized “I’m going off” and just went limp and slid off his right side,hitting the arena on my upper back and shoulder–then,of course,my head,but I had my helmet on! It really was funny–when Sue realized I had fallen she yelled “stay down and make sure you’re allright–so, I did. As soon as Barnaby realized I was lying on the ground he came right over and looked right down at my face as if to say “Mom–are you all right–what are you doing?” He stayed right there,right by my face,until I got up and let me use his reins to steady me as I did. As I stood up,he raised his head,as if to help me!! What a guy!! It was a good learning experience,as I had not fallen off a horses in 25 tears and I needed to find out that I could still do it at 75 and bounce back!! He was so worried about me and so sweet–it just made me love him all the more!!! (Though how I COULD love him more,I don’t know!!)

    I saw a movie last weekend I HIGHLY recommend–“Winters Tale”. It’s based on a book I bought years ago and never read–now I will,just to see how different it is from the movie. The story is incredible,the cinematograhy exquisite,and–the best part–there is a magical horse in it!!!! When the horse is tacked up,it has a saddle and bridle like Traveller wears,which was remarkable. Also,as she ages,she is turning whiter and whiter–her mane and tail are coming in white too. The personality of the horse though,is much more like Barnaby. I have said since I got him that he is a magical horse,which I really believe he is!! One of my friends who saw the movie said,well,when he sprouts wings,maybe I’ll agree!! But, he IS magical,I believe,as our finding each other came about in a magical way,and our relationship is so special-and-what he has brought to my life is so very meaningful. Anyway,I hope lots of you will be able to see the movie–I think you will love it.

    I loved the photo of the little foal with the bear–so sweet. My tabby,Star,the one with just 3 legs,has a small bear she often uses as a pillow on our bed–and my Katie, who is almost 20 sleeps on a stuffed kitty that is almost the same color as she is,a delicate apricot.

    Terry,I remember your talking with omeone about the Lassie movies. Sue has a collie who looks just like the original Lassie–I often tell her (her name is Gracie) you’re our Lassie Come Home. She loves being told she is pretty. She can be barking at a stranger and will stop if they say she is pretty!! Funny girl,but very sweet.

    Well,before this turns into a book,I’ll wish you all a peaceful evening and a happy day tomorrow. Wishes for sweet dreams for Zenny,Coz,and the Red Prince–and many thanks to all who keep us in the “loop!”

    • / Reply

      Sue, love reading your adventures! You’re such a good writer. I sure hope you’re not going to be too stiff after your tumble. Hitting the ground at your age is no fun. Barnaby does sound like he’s a good boy. Good hearing from you!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue Noel,
      Wonderful post! You are the very best writer. Always enjoy hearing about Barnaby and his amusing personality. I am so glad that you knew how to fall and did not injure yourself. Happy, too, that Barnaby obviously was concerned for you and helped you steady yourself after falling. What a great connection you two have!
      Take care and Love to Barnaby and Traveller!
      Hugs

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue:

      Really enjoyed your post. Barnaby and Traveler are so well loved.

      It’s funny, but the horses really have preferences and make you know it. Thank God you were not hurt in the fall. I don’t think I would be as malleable.

      Breeze and his teddy bear are priceless. I saw the previews of Winter’s Tale on TV and the horses are just breathtaking. I definitely want to see the movie.

      Thank you for sharing your stories of Barnaby and Traveler. I look forward to them. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Sue,
      Loved your story. Give that boy an extra hug, tell him he is special for taking good care of you! Glad you were OK, ouch!
      Barnaby, will it ever be watermelon season? Good boy!

    • / Reply

      So glad that you finally got “shook loose” to share some of these stories Sue. I think we all feel like Barnaby and Traveller are part of our family here so it’s always great to hear the latest. Barnaby was such a good boy to be concerned about you – hope you got the cartoon of a horse in a similar situation :-).
      Love and Hugs, Sandy

    • / Reply

      Fun to read your story, Sue, keeping us updated with your adventures. Barnaby sure knows his apples!! They are my favorite too, though more expensive. I am glad you recovered from your fall. Barnaby and you sure have something special together. Our horses at the Sanctuary really act up if they hear machinery nearby!!
      Take care and enjoy Barnaby.
      hugs, Sally B

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue, I really enjoyed your post and love how you tell a story. Your magical horse is a blessing to you as well as you are to him. I am so glad that you were not badly injured in the fall but I’m sure you must be sore. Take care and try not to let Barnaby know that “his” apples were given to anyone else in the future.
      Hugs,
      Maryp

      PS: You mentioned people here who keep us in the loop, haven’t seen any posts by Blue Grass Girl. Anyone know why?

    • / Reply

      Hey, Sue, loved the latest gossip on Barnaby & Traveller and you! It’s obvious that Barnaby is “magic”, because you have clearly told us how magical he is to you, in your relationship. If he actually “sprouted wings” it would be harder to believe. And he is clearly a sensitive & discriminating connoisseur of apples!

      And I hope it’s another 25 yrs. before you fall off a horse again. I fell off one at only 17, landing on my shoulder, which has never been quite the same, since.

    • / Reply

      Love all of the Lassie movies. Reruns of the old TV shows are still being shown here in SoCal. I try to catch them when I can. No werewolves or vampires in those shows.

  15. / Reply

    Dear Sue Noel. It’s gone Iam over here and I’m reading about all your Barnaby and Traveller adventures. I can sleep now, have had my bedtime story!!Barnaby truly is a wonderful horse because of your love.Hugs Sheena

  16. / Reply

    Am happy to see this filly has been named and am now able to add her to my Virtual Stables http://www.pedigreequery.com/amaroni2
    Came across her in the Fasig Tipton July yearling Sale last year (hip 51) Amaroni who is a daughter of freshman sire Desert Party is out of the Kris S mare Lil Cozette. Like the cross because of course Street Cry over Kris S mare resulted in Zenyatta…. another added to my virtual stable! She sold for $460,000 to Regis Farms – cannot wait to see her start her career! Am happy to see she has been named! Amaroni is a name of a town in Southern Italy (I looked it up lol) Like Zenyatta, Amaroni seems unique.

    Two more fillies that will be added to my VS when they have a name, located Folklore’s Malibu Moon filly (Hip # 103 http://www.fasigtipton.com/catalogs/2014/0324/103.pdf) in the upcoming Fasig Tipton juvenile sale and then there is an Indian Charlie filly out of the mare Greyciousness, by Miswaki making her a half sis to The Factor.
    http://www.fasigtipton.com/catalogs/2014/0324/109.pdf
    Will be interested to see their videos of workouts and begin their careers :-)

  17. / Reply

    here are some more!! lol I am happiest going through a sales catalog and looking at who’s who…

    Tapit x My Trusty Cat, by Tale of the Cat filly. I remember My Trusty Cat as a race mare and she had quality in spades. Among her wins included the G1 Humana Distaff at Churchill Downs and the G2 Honorable Miss Stakes G2, etc. and she earned $902,753. Tapit of course the sire of Z13 and one of the hottest sires on the planet right now.Tapit also has winners from mares sired by Storm Cat and sons of Storm Cat’s. Careless Jewel, a millionaire filly out of a daughter of Hennessy, Dancinginherdreams (out of mare by Harlan, a son of Storm Cat), HANSEN, 2011’s champion two year old male out of the Sir Cat mare Stormy Sunday, and I like Tapicat, 2010 filly who won the G3 Florida Oaks as a three year old and earned $258,699 was out of the Storm Cat mare Zealous Cat. Cannot wait for this filly to be named and will add her to virtual stable. And of course there’s Tapit’s filly Cassatt – an extremely talented three year old filly out of Giant’s Causeway mare Justenufftime.

    Unbridled’s Song x Miss Cort’n, by A.P. Indy colt. Named Cort’n Asong (I hope they keep the name!) of course Unbridled’s Song has crossed well with A.P. Indy mares. Including Dunkirk (out of A.P. Indy mare Secret Status), sire of Havana and Belmont Stakes runner up

    Majesticperfection x Ms. Cornstalk, by Indian Charlie colt, making this guy a half sister to Biofuel (Canada’s horse of the year and multiple grade stakes winner) and Tu Endie Wei (champion in Canada also and stakes winner) I am anticipating Majesticperfection following the success of Into Mischief and continuing the legacy of Harlan’s Holiday.

    Distorted Humor x Delta Princess, by A.P. Indy colt. Half brother to Royal Delta of course as we know two time winner of the Breeders Cup Distaff / Ladies Classic and earner of $4.8+ million. Not to mention that Distorted Humor does good things with A.P. Indy mares such as millionaire Any Given Saturday (by A.P. Indy mare Weekend in Indy), Endorsement who earned $430k+ and out of Charmed Gift by A.P. Indy, Fortify, $323k+ earner out of Kotuku (A.P. Indy), and Z Humor ($970K earner)

    Distorted Humor x Captive Melody, by Unbridled’s Song colt. From the family of Derby contender Advice and third dam Right Word produced Ascutney (who produced Breeders Cup Classic winner Raven’s Pass), Words of War who is the grand dam of Rainbow View, and is also family of Just As Well… Distorted Passion is my favorite from the Distorted Humor x Unbridled’s Song mare cross thus far.

    Harlan’s Holiday x Antics, by Unbridled filly – loved Harlan’s Holiday and love the cross. Denis of Cork (2nd 2008 Belmont and 3rd 2008 Kentucky Derby) is my favorite thus far of Harlan’s Holiday over Unbridled mare.

    Bernardini x Somethinaboutlaura, by Dance Floor – the mare was a classy race horse and earned $1.1+ million in her career. Try to pick a couple Bernie babies to watch (and of course Coz is on that list too!)

    And then there is Hip 16, Malibu Moon x Seoul Unbridled, by Unbridled’s Song colt. Second dam produced Rush Bay and I like Malibu Moon.

    having too much fun with this…. !

    • / Reply

      Tiz Herself-If I had breeding operation I would certainly hire you as my expert. In your opinion, which was the most successful son or daughter, racing wise, of Seabiscuit?

  18. / Reply

    Many thanks to all Z’sters for the kind words and for positive thoughts — prayers, too.
    Received the report on the polyp which was removed last week and it was benign!
    Yay! Good news! The only down aspect is that instead of 10 years, I must have the procedure done in 5 years, but it’s all good!
    Love and Bushels of Hugs

    A special batch of Love and Hugs to Zenyatta and family!

  19. / Reply

    THE MARCH BLM INTERNET ADOPTION WILL BEGIN MARCH 4-18!

    The BLM has started to post photos. Optional Eastern pick up is Archdale, NC (Apr 18) and Springfield, OH (Apr 25).

    The BLM internet adoption starts in a few days, and many of the Wild Horses are already listed on their website. Most sell for only $125, although outstanding ones do sell for more. Some are ‘partially trained’ by various programs.

    With effort from many Horse Rescue organizations, last month ALMOST ALL of the Wild Horses listed on the BLM online adoption website were adopted. Please help! If you cannot adopt, then please simply repost this, again and again, throughout the adoption time … Mar 4-18.

    https://www.blm.gov/adoptahorse/onlinegallery.php

  23. / Reply

    February 28 Cherokee Devotional

    Memories are simply patterns stamped on our minds. Don’t let them make you believe you have done everything wrong. Make new choices, find new thoughts that feed your spirit. Speak courage. Intentionally cut sorrow and regret from your thought. Get rid of tears and, if you have to, force yourself to begin smiling. It is not ridiculous to set new standards. It is common sense to turn your life around when it doesn’t work the way it is. Forget what others say and believe in the Good Father. It is their privilege to make decisions about their lives, but it is up to you to make your own. We are saying the same thing, we just say it in a different way. Find your own path and fill it with flowers. See something beautiful everywhere you look. Rejoice it life itself and find your own new and happier road.

    There is one God looking down on us all. We are all children of one God. God is listening to me. The sun, the darkness, the winds, are all listening to what we now say.
    Geronimo

  24. / Reply

    Dear Kathy. Am awfully late today,now I’m catching up with Hovis’adventures let alone the rest of our furbabies. Zoe looked so cute behind the wheel with her shades on. Marty is still living the highlife with naps and more treats.Have you tried Jeanie the 3 legged pooch she’s a sweetheart!I found out Colonel Meow passed quite suddenly in the end, his heart was enlarged which led to kidney failure and he had a cardiac arrest,Anne-Marie is giving the money left over from his care to “Cats in Crisis”.She misses him dreadfully. Hope Audrey is doing well,I don’t know a lot about your health system, I do hope Doctors and nurses will call at her home to help.Hugs to You,Kisses for the Puppy Pack. Enjoy your Friday.Sheena

  25. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    I found out Audrey has been released this morning. Her husband is waiting for her prescriptions at the pharmacy. I’m off today so I’ll be taking soup for their lunch. The doctors haven’t made house calls in a long time. They kick you out of the hospital really fast and if you need additional care you have to go into a rest home. I checked on some of the furbabies this morning. They’re all looking adorable. Zoey is beautiful in her little fancy dress. Such a cutie. I feel so bad for Anne Marie. When the time is right I hope gets another cat. I will look up Jeanie when I get the chance. I saw her pic but haven’t read in depth on her yet. It will be a busy day for me. I have Pilates at 10:00 this morning then I’ll do my lunch delivery. Have a good Friday and a fantastic weekend. Hugs from me, kisses from The Pack. Kathy

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Just read your link on Mr. Vlahos and Little Jimmy. Wow! I’m still upset that Jimmy died so young. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      sheena-I couldn’t access the story but it is my understanding that this was something of a Ponzi scheme.

  27. / Reply

    Tiz herself….thanks for the pics and races of Alysheba. I was there in 1988 to see him win the BC Classic. Was so thrilled for our local boy Jack Van Berg! There were a lot of happy Nebraska fans of Sheba!

    • / Reply

      I wish i was there however have no doubt watching the replays how special he was (that doesn’t do him justice I know) and ready everything I can on him… I was too late to see him at the Kentucky Horse Park… follow his great grandkids every chance I get :)

    • / Reply

      I’ve said it before bit it bears repeating. The history of horse racing cannot be written until Jack Van berg tells all he knows.

  28. / Reply

    @ Marshall-Great news!!! Will tell Barnaby when I give him all of his messages tomorrow morning. Glad so many enjoyed his latest adventures. He surely IS a character!!! I am so blessed that he is in my life!!!

    So sorry for all of the typos–my fingers just can’t quite keep up with my thoughts!! I am a terrible typist–I took one quarter of typing in college and when I took a timed test,after subtracting for the mistakes,they told me my score was MINUS 2 words per minute!!!

    Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!! Can’t wait to see my boy tomorrow—and his “cushy” new bed!!

  29. / Reply

    @ Marshall-Great news!!! Will tell Barnaby when I give him all of his messages tomorrow morning. Glad so many enjoyed his latest adventures. He surely IS a character!!! I am so blessed that he is in my life!!!

    So sorry for all of the typos–my fingers just can’t quite keep up with my thoughts!! I am a terrible typist–I took one quarter of typing in college and when I took a timed test,after subtracting for the mistakes,they told me my score was MINUS 2 words per minute!!!

    Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!! Can’t wait to see my boy tomorrow—and his “cushy” new bed!!

  30. / Reply

    @quarterhossgal–LOVED Alysheba. Our Money is the equivalent of his “great nephew”.

    @Max–poor Hovis. I laughed out loud at the line about the mare not kicking his head in. He is too much.

    @Sue Noel–so glad to hear you are alive and kicking after your fall. We love all your stories and miss them when you have to be away for a bit.

    Hugs to all.

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