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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

    Even though I respect Rosie, I personally feel she is more suited to experienced horses due her own style which an all business approach once she mounts the horse. This aggressiveness may be too much for such horses like Nicole and Ebby. I was worried when I learned she was riding Nicole and once again had gate issues and possible injury. Jockeys need to adjust and be more patient with beginners, calming their fears. I have read recent articles on this topic to decrease gate injuries.

    • / Reply

      I agree too. I like Rosie very much, but I am just uneasy with her on these two horses.
      I am a little biased though, as I was so hoping Calvin Borel would get the mount on Sam. I still hope he could at some point. I have stood at the rail and watched Calvin ride on some of the slow days at Keeneland. I just liked his riding style and he seemed so caring with Rachel. And, I believe that Mr. Morrison had Calvin riding Rachel when she was young.
      Somebody correct me if i’m wrong but I think he was on her (Rachel) from her early start.
      or close to the beginning before Stonestreet bought her.
      Hope no one gets mad at me. Just my opinion.

      • / Reply

        Guys I have never seen Rosie ride in person so cannot make a comment on how she rides. If I were a trainer or owner, Gary or the “dratted” Johnny V. would be my choices to ride my horse. Look what has happened with Gary in his year back in the saddle and the job he did with MMM as well as Oxbow. And JV is just a great jockey.

    • / Reply

      In all fairness to, Rosie, aggresive should be replaced by firm. From reports and news clips I have seen regarding , Rosie, all other jockeys have the utmost respect for her.
      The lessons she has taught these young baby maidens adds up making it easier for the next rider coming along.
      Filly maidens are probably the most dangerous and if we could tap into the energy they exude, we could power the world.
      So, ride em, Rosie, you have the respect from the folks hanging out beside you, jockeys and the ones that have your back and that is what counts the most!

  2. / Reply

    Dear Max Poor Dave, they(the press) are even being critical of his greying hair. Have’nt they heard of gorgeous George Clooney.There’s talk Nick is getting up close and personal with Ed Balls yikes!!Can you imagine what our next election will be like???
    The weather is quieter and still very mild although damp, the river levels have gone down a little but it may take 6 months to get back to any normality and we are getting more sinkholes one in Ripon today,have often heard of them in the US. Hugs Sheena

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Britain survived Danish invasions and it can survive anything. Nick however may be out on a limb alone in the next election. It’s amazing that the Coalition has lasted this long. As for Dave’s hair, it looks pretty good from across the Atlantic. He has a non stop worry job so that gray is to be expected. It’s also more under control than Boris’. Gray always reminds me of great horses like Native Dancer or Nipper or Tasty Temptation or Tapit or Desert Orchid. Dave got my support when he came out against Bruce’s great aunt’s idea of eating horses.

  4. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, Little Big Red and Baby Z:

    Goodnight. Sweet Baby Dreams. Stay warm and cozy. Love Ya. Hugs, JB

  6. / Reply

    OMG – he is STUNNING – where did that color come from>>>???? Loving it! Thanks for sharing with us = big hugs to all….

  7. / Reply

    February 18 Cherokee Devotional

    We need to get our priorities in a row. A lazy person never has priorities and never plans anything. He lets circumstances make all his decisions-and believes fate has a final say. Even though he has had a thousand nudges to do a certain thing, he ignores them because t is only himself dreaming again. If we cannot hold onto a plan long enough to do anything about it, then we should write it. Write it so plain that when we read it, we run-we run toward putting into practice what we set out on paper. It is essential to decide the ultimate outcome of our lives. If we do nothing, then that is a decision. Our lot in life is what we make it, using every delay, every pain, every injustice as fuel to fire our determination.

    Let the young men of this nation remember that idleness leads to poverty. Industry is honorable and leads to contentment.
    Chief John Ross

  8. / Reply

    Dear Kathy Oops I can be a bit lazy sometimes!Hope you enjoyed your day off.Just been listening to Ray snoring,not half as loud as my dad used to.!I see someone thought Boo’s human was going to receive the money donated for his birthday wish!!!It is such a lovely gesture to think of others on his special day!Joey has a new friend and he loves her because she doesn’t mind the cathairs!Marty looked very(or bery) cosy!Another little cutie is Gizmo’s frens one of Zoe’s pals you might have noticed him.Have a lovely day, almost feels springlike here today!! Hugs to You Kisses for Holly, Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.

  9. / Reply

    Hello Zenny….
    If you are still in the cold…..come on down….
    Yesterday at Oaklawn ….close to 70 and sunny ….just perfect…
    So the hubby and me and 25+ thousand of our closest friends went to Oaklawn ..
    when the youngsters lined up for the Southwest ….all looked pretty good…
    just some random thoughts on the field…
    Strong Mandate needed the race….he will be back
    Tapiture is chestnut
    Ride on Curlin is bay…..Tapiture looks more like Curlin than RoC
    And the grays….Coastline is very nice but Fire Starter is gorgeous
    …..
    I had been there Friday also…..got there early …around noon there were about 6 horses being “paddock schooled”….Oaklawn’s paddock is indoors….my attention was caught by S Asmussen in stall #1 working with a big chestnut with a narrow blaze…figured it had to be Tapiture….it was….he looked super…
    ……
    anyhow my lovely…SPRING IS HERE!
    Keep up your routine diet and exercise program….including those all important mud baths…kisses for your soft nose …say HI to Sweets too!

    • / Reply

      Thanks, Carol. If I can’t be there, your report sure is the next best thing!
      Watch out, you could become the next TV reporter from the paddock.
      Glad you had a gorgeous day!
      Hugs.

    • / Reply

      Carol, glad you could get to the track. Guess I will have to wait for Churchill after the Derby. Some of the chestnut Tapits do resemble Curlin. Even our little prince looks like him in some of his baby pictures. The chestnut Tapits really surprised me. I guess I just expected him to throw grays.

    • / Reply

      Carol-It is always fun to get to the track early so that you can observe these things firsthand. Pretty soon you will be able to give John some tips. Oaklawn is big league all the way.

  10. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    I had a great day off. It went by really fast, though! Back to the grind today. That’s okay, I have a lot of things I need to get done today. I think they’ve always done something to benefit a charity to celebrate Boo’s birthday. Nothing better than philanthropy! You know you’ve found a true cat person when they’re not bothered by the hair! Haven’t checked on Marty yet. That’s next. I took a closer look at Gizmo this morning. He’s so cute! He has a very cute sister, too. Have a good day. Hugs from me, kisses from The Pack, Kathy.

  11. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    RE Ray…that’s just called “breathing.” Holly snores louder than that! lol That little girl can really saw some Z’s! lol

    Marty looks very cute. He kind of grossed me out to begin with, but he’s starting to kind of grow on me…

    Hugs, Kathy

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Speedy’s a real cutie. Good to know the sun is shining somewhere. Been a while since we’ve seen it here or where you are. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap and all the Sweeties

  15. / Reply

    Hi All:
    What beautiful photos of 13Z. Someone mentioned that he has Zenny’s blaze. I couldn’t agree more. He is a real looker, such a handsome horse.

    The picture of Zenny looking at her Valentines Day cards is absolutely adorable. That was very thoughtful of those Zsters that sent cards. Zenny wait until your birthday, you’ll get lots of cards then too. Both you and 13Z will be munching away on peppermints. The video is so funny! Zenny you have a beautiful set of teeth . This is what we refer to as Hollywood smile.

    Zenny, it’s always nice to hear, but always remember this, you don’t need Valentines Day for us to tell you how much we love you!!!!!

    Love and hugs always,

    Linda

  16. / Reply

    First of all, thanks Barbara Wood and Judy B for your comments on The Million Dollar Quartet. Great video Judy! We are going to Vegas next weekend for our anniversary–we’ll see if we can “catch” a show. We’ve been talking about it for a while, so we’ll see.

    And Carol from Arkansas, I too enjoy your reports from the” field and track “of Oaklawn!

    Regarding Cowtownmary, sorry for some confusion. In his first race on Jan 20th (MLK Day), he came inn fourth, but it was a good fourth. He didn’t fade, but hung in there with the bunch that passed him, if that makes sense. (Take my word for it, it does! :-) ) He went off at 10-1 and we were thrilled enough to keep screaming until the end, that’s how close they all were. This past weekend’s race his second was nice, but there was daylight between him and the winner. Still, a GOOD one! In the money! About HIS name, yes, well, we had campaigned to have it changed (Ideally to something with “Cat” in it since his daddy is Cowtown Cat), but that never happened. In the end, Mike said he was training “too good” and he did not want to jinx anything. His grandmom is A Letter from Mary so there’s where THAT comes from. However, why they gave HIM ” Mary” as part of his name, I don’t know. And don’t worry–we all still get confused and alternate he/she–it IS confusing. At one point I considered calling him “Murray” since it sounds like Mary, but it really didn’t stick. So now I stick to just Cowtown. As long as he gets carrots I don’t think he really cares!

    Hey there Zenyatta!!! Happy what’s left of Tuesday!

    • / Reply

      Dear Anne:

      You’re so welcome. Hope you get to see the show.

      Nice they included Cowtown’s Dam in his name. Will be watching for updates from you on him. How exciting. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Anne-Missed your comment before on the million dollar quartet. I had read that they are going to performing at Harrah’s while you are there.

    • / Reply

      Thanks Anne. Now we know the story of Cowtown’s name. I wish him (and all connections) the very best luck for a healthy and successful racing career.

  17. / Reply

    An early goodnight to all!
    Must get up exceedingly early (for me) in order to finish the prep for my colonoscopy in the AM. I had the first one 10 years ago, and I certainly hope it will be another 10 years before it is needed again! Maybe by then they will have an accurate non-invasive method. The procedure is no big deal, but the preparation is awful.
    I will be glad when this is over and done. Hoping that everything checks out okay, too!
    Sweet dreams Zenny and your boys!
    Lots of Hugs

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy B.,
        Thank you so much for the prayers — most appreciated!
        What a night! The end is in sight, pun intended!
        Will check in later today.
        Love and Hugs

        • Best wishes for you for going through the colonoscopy and hoping for good news results. The procedure is no big deal, it’s the prep that kills ya. Hope you will be all better soon.

    • / Reply

      Marshall, Hope all is well today. If someone could find a way to do the colonoscopy without all that prep they would be a billionaire! At least we only have to do it every 5 to 10 years. If it were annual, no one would have it!

      Good luck and enjoy your lunch when you get it.

      • / Reply

        Many thanks to Celeste, Ann, Terry, Shirlee and Rosemary for the positive thoughts and good wishes!
        I think I will be okay for another 10 years; although, they did find and remove a very small polyp which might mean a “repeat performance” in 5 years, Boo!
        The doctor said it looked fairly innocuous, but will have to wait for the biopsy analysis. I will keep the positive thoughts and fingers crossed.
        Thank you all (and Judy B., too)!
        Love and Lots of Hugs

  18. / Reply

    I come here tonight with a heavy Heart. WHEN DOES THIS STOP….i look for answers when I hear something like this. I like coming here because I believe there are a lot of animal lovers here like me, not just horse lovers.
    True Story……Happened Saturday…..God please have Bonnie with you, and pray for protection for Clyde and Rufus In the Atlanta Journal
    I heard about it today on my way home from work. Athens Ga, Family offers reward for anyone with knowledge with who killed Bonnie the Donkey. Yes a Donkey and not only a Donkey but a family pet and guard Donkey. Bonnie was killed Saturday by someone with a wide range rifle. The Atlanta paper states this is not only Cruel but Mean.

    Bonnie had two other pals Clyde & Rufus who helped guard the family Cattle Farm. They said with the three donkey there they were allerted when anything out of the normal happened.
    The paper seemed to believe this killing was done on purpose.
    WHEN DOES THIS STOP
    I’m sad but I’m so angry, the giraffe now this. I know vengence is God’s and I know he will deal with whoever this was that killed Bonnie. and I know she’s fine.
    I worry about us humans. Because I know I don’t hardly trust peole anymore. A hard heart I’m afraid we will all be getting.
    This is just yes, so very mean

    God Bless Bonnie and protect Clyde & RuFus

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy:

      Very sad. RIP beautiful Bonnie. St Francis protect Clyde and Rufus. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy,
      I agree with you. Judy B. put it best, I think. I can only echo her sentiments: RIP beautiful Bonnie, and St. Francis protect Clyde and Rufus.
      I certainly hope they find this miserable excuse for a human and prosecute to the fullest which of course, will not be enough.
      Hugs

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy, Marshall, Terry, Elizabeth, Celeste, Ann, Barbara, Heidi, I heard about Bonnie yesterday on the Radio, then read about it OnLine. Just Heartbreaking. The Mom and one of the children found Bonnie.

      I immediately thought of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the donkey. Such precious little animals. I just can’t immagine how heartbroken he must be when these things happen.
      Terry, I agree punishments never strict enough. I know they’ll be dealt with but it still hurts. Bonnie was shot in the shoulder. So hope she didn’t suffer long.
      So hope this person is caught. Wonder if the reward will help.

  19. / Reply

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

    Stay warm and cozy. Sweet Baby Dreams. Love all of you so much. Hugs, JB

  20. / Reply

    Thank you so much for the Valentine’s photos and the great video. It was so fun to watch her enjoying her Valentine’s Day candy.

    We miss her and thank you for keeping us in Zenny’s world.

      • / Reply

        Trying to catch up here Marshall – hope everything went OK today. Everyone who makes the arrangements and endures the prep deserves a rousing BRAVO! As you said, good thing it’s only once in a great while, and I am also hoping for some non-invasive but equally effective approach by “the next time.”

        • Thank you, Sandy! I am hoping for something like a blood test next time, maybe. A very small polyp was found and removed for analysis so keep the good thoughts coming. We can never have too many positive vibes!
          Hugs and Lots of Love!

      • / Reply

        Beautiful video, Judy!
        How creative and a fitting tribute to our equine cousins.
        Thanks bunches!
        Lots of Love

    • / Reply

      The video was beautiful, Judy. I watched 2 others from that website also. Thanks for posting the web address. I am (we – my husband and I) are still working on documenting (by photography and in paintings) the wild horses here on the mountains where we live – a pursuit (love) of them that we’re hoping will help a little to carry on their legacy. We’ve been doing this for a decade so far. We (in New Mexico) are all still working on getting the horse slaughterhouse ‘permanently’ shut down. It down ‘for now’, but… ” Night-‘mare’ ” really helps to describe this travesty. Prayers are appreciated. Thanks again – seeing the beautiful horses ‘free’ on that website is so uplifting! love, Elizabeth

      • / Reply

        Dear Marshall, Elizabeth, Kathy, Mary and Ann:

        You’re so welcome. Marshall, hoping for good news on your test.

        Elizabeth, how exciting and important your work is. Would love to see some of the photos and paintings if you can post them. Yes, the fight to stop slaughter of our horses and the opening of plants in the US goes on. Thank you for all you do. Love and Hugs, JB

  23. / Reply

    Boy, 13 Z has really grown….sure he will make his mom Zenyatta and his father Tapit, very very proud when he starts his training.
    Zenyatta, has been a good mother to both of her colts………..
    Happy Belated Valentines Day !!!

  24. / Reply

    February 19 Cherokee Devotional

    We all discover at some time or other that it is painful to love. Caring about something, about someone, about some place is a great joy. It does make us vulnerable, easy to get to, easy to touch, and hard-pressed to hide our emotions. Some bit of us wants desperately to hide what we feel for fear that it will be taken the wrong way. But even more, we are afraid of revealing more than we are willing to share. A reserve of our own thoughts and feelings keeps us from depleting all that we are, keeps us from giving away that part of us which generates life. It keeps us able to love and care deeply. Despite all the pain that goes with caring, we would not have it any other way.

    The earth has received the embrace of the sun and we shall see the results of that love.
    Sitting Bull

  25. / Reply

    @judy berube–that is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. We all need to send this video to the BLM! Horses have been commemorated in every art form for thousands of years. There is nothing like them. Hugs.

  26. / Reply

    To Sheena,

    I’m out the door earlier today to go to a training workshop so won’t be able to communicate with you ’til tonight or tomorrow morning. Have a good day and take care of yourself. Hugs from me, kisses from The Pack. Kathy

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,
      Thank you for the prayers and thoughts! Things went well. A very small polyp was removed so will have to wait for the results — Doc said it was ordinary looking so I will stay positive. ” Don’t worry, be happy” will be my motto for the intervening time!
      Love and Warm Hugs

  28. / Reply

    Dear Kathy Thanks very much for letting me know. Hope you have a good day. Have been visiting the furbabies. All is well,Ray has a lot more snow and Boo’s fundraiser is going so well plus Joey and Zeus are having some great weather!72F in Little Rock! See you soon.Hugs to you,Kisses for the Puppy Pack.Sheena

  29. / Reply

    @Peggy (N) and Elizabeth in NM–yes, my heart is heavy with yours over the loss of Bonnie and the continual fight to keep the slaughterhouses shut down. Evil certainly appears to have the upper hand all over the world for now, but it’ won’t always be so God is watching.

  30. / Reply

    Dear Mama Z, COZ, Little Big Red and Baby Z (Princess)??

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

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