Zenyatta

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Life at Lane’s End: Time for a Trim

Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End

It’s that time! Baby Z just had his feet trimmed for the first time. Dr. Scott Morrison is the farrier that trims all foals and yearlings at Lane’s End. He is a veterinarian who specializes in podiatry, and he was kind enough to write this piece explaining the importance of foot management in young horses. Thank you Dr. Morrison!

-Team Z

Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End

The Horses foot provides several functions such as support, shock absorption, traction and proprioception (ability to feel the ground and negotiate limb position).  In the foal however the foot also plays an important role in limb development.



At birth the hoof is covered with a soft, feathery unpigmented tissue called the perinychium.  This tissue forms a soft covering to prevent the hard hoof capsule from piercing or damaging the mares’ reproductive tract during gestation and the birthing process. This tissue quickly dries out and is worn away during the first couple days after birth.

The newborn hoof is fairly soft and pliable compared to a mature horses hoof. But over the first month it dehydrates and matures to more closely resemble that of an adult horses hoof. The newborn hoof is also perfectly symmetrical at birth. Over time the hoof changes shape in response to the forces above. Limb conformation dictates the shape of the developing hoof. The foal’s hoof goes through various shape changes during the first several months of age. These shape changes closely follow changes in limb conformation and posture.

Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End

The hoof is designed to serve as a protective barrier for internal sensitive structures as well as provide a base of support and leverage for proper bone, tendon and ligament development. Therefore the shape and integrity of the hoof can have a significant effect on the development of these structures.  The relationship between limb conformation and hoof shape plays an integral role in the conformational development of the growing horse.  Therefore, maintaining a healthy hoof and intervening with special foot management when necessary, is important in the development of the young horse’s limb.  

Routine, proper trimming is the most important element of the foal foot management program. Maintaining a healthy balanced foot is the goal.  Simply preventing a foot from breaking up or becoming misshapen or distorted will go a long way in promoting proper limb development.  However some foals, in spite of routine proper hoof trimming will have a tendency to develop a crooked limb.  In these instances shoes or extensions can be used to provide additional support and influence the forces on the growth plates and encourage straightening of the limb.

The first trim is usually done at one month of age.  But the foal’s feet should be handled and cleaned daily; this will make the first experience with the farrier less stressful. Typically trimming at 3-4 week intervals is sufficient for most foals.  If there is a tendency for the limb to grow crooked or with an angular deformity, the hoof may need to be trimmed more often to prevent the hoof from developing a distortion or adverse shape in response to the abnormal forces, often a 2 week trim schedule is then recommended.  Various shoes can be used to help a hoof support various developmental abnormalities such as: club foot syndrome (contractures), weak tendons (laxity) and angular deformities.
            

-Scott E Morrison, DVM

Reader Interactions

1,240 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Dear Judy Berube,
    So much love comes your way on this your birthday! I sincerely hope that the sun has shone on you today, and that you found the smiles among the shadows. May the love and good wishes from your friends here bring you sweet comfort.
    All the Best Always with love and hugs!

  2. / Reply

    Dear Trina,
    I needed a windshield wiper for my eyes as I read the beautiful poem you wrote for Judy B’s birthday. You just keep exceeding and excelling! Thank you for sharing your talent for poetry and for honoring us with your amazing gift!
    Love and many hugs!

  3. / Reply

    With gratitude in my heart, let me say thank you so much to Darlene Daniels, Max, Elizabeth in NM, Sue Fredrick, Sally B, Terry Crow, Keta, Ashton, Signofthetimes, Barbara Wood, Shari Voltz, Barbara Grimaldi, Sandy (NE OH), Marty R, Karen Gogue, Sue Noel, Heidi K (Vallejo, Ca), Arlene, Marshall, and to the lovely lady Judy Berube herself for the comments on the poem. I feel I had help from above on this one. Sincere thanks to you all again. Love in Dumplinghood, Trina

  4. / Reply

    Good Morning All,

    It has occurred to me that I dont recall seeing any post from Sue Colvin since the diary stopped and the blog began. Hope she is OK and knows we are still here. I fear she thinks it may have all ended. I didnt see anything on the forum side from her either, unless I have missed it. Very possible, could have been a blond moment.

    • / Reply

      Dear Darlene, If you do fb, you can go to Sue Colvin’s fb page which she posted on the Diary: http://www.facebook.com/vampressqueen
      I just went there and left her a message explaining that you were asking about her here, so maybe she’ll respond with something here. She has been posting on the fb page that Abigail Anderson set up and invited everyone to join back when we thought Zenny’s website might disappear altogether– “Zenny’s Tribe. ” You might like to join in there too–new members are welcome –I tried BTW to issue you an invitation, but I’m not clear on the process myself. Stay tuned!

  5. / Reply

    Has anyone else noticed. how 12 Z’s ears frame Matt’s face in the picture at the top of this blog. TOO CUTE.

    • / Reply

      Darlene Daniels. Thanks for pointing that out. Great photo. 12Z has definitely inherited the Z ears, and they are magnificent on him.

    • / Reply

      Darlene,

      Yes I did notice, just wasn’t sure if that was Matt, although I thought so. Isn’t he a happy looking guy? You can just tell he loves his job. Who wouldn’t?? Marty R.

    • / Reply

      And Matts very big smile, taking care of pregnant
      Zenny yielded something wonderful for him. To handle
      Zenny and her colt, what a dream.

  6. / Reply

    All: Jane Wade has kindly set up this fundraiser page for the On Track To Beat Cancer walk at Santa Anita this Sunday in the name of Zenyatta – Friends of Zenyatta. If you so wish, you may contribute to this worthy cause to benefit the City of Hope’s campaign to stamp out cancer. Scroll down to find Zenny’s page by Jane and click on if you would like to donate. Thank you!! (YIKES, my name appears as 0 $$, I will donate at Santa Anita on Sunday LOL! ) I will be walking in memory of our lovely Kari, my ex-husband Joe, an ex sister- in- law Belinda, and my wonderful mom Irene. Thank goodness it is only four! But that is four too many, so I hope that every little bit raised will prevent the loss of someones life or loved one. All you Z dumplings who are fighting this cursed disease, will also be in my heart and I will carry you with me. Bless you! Thank you Jane …..
    http://www.crowdrise.com/ontracktobeatcancer

    • / Reply

      If anyone would like to share my above post on your FB page or anywhere else, please feel free to do so! I am having problems with my FB account, so I will not be able to do so. Or just share the link to the page – thank you again!

    • / Reply

      I’ll be there, anyone wishing to walk with us just wear your Z gear and we’ll find each other at the ‘starting gate’ for the walk.. You can donate as little as $1.00 (10.00 if you want to do the walk) every little helps. Zenny, you are a constant inspiration to do good.

      • / Reply

        We will see each other before then! And everyone gathers inside the paddock walking ring after the last race – Seabiscuit will be ‘dressed’ for the occassion!

    • / Reply

      Pretty amazing, Karen, the lengths Stonestreet has gone to, to give three groups of fans (7 people total) the chance to visit Rachel & her colt! They really made it exciting, but they had to be ready to leap at that contest.

  9. / Reply

    Hello to all Z’sters. I am getting so confused ( I must be the only one) between the “threads” on the forum and the blog. I think I post on one when I apparently am posting on the other. The news is everywhere and much to digest.
    I read this on the Paulick report this morning and do hope that the new owner maintains this hallowed thoroughbred farm. Apparently made his fortune in tobacco. Ironic when we are having a walk for cancer at Santa Anita for the cure. Calumet Farms was one of my favorite farm visits as I retraced my parents vacation from their scrapbook I kept for so many years. My Dady loved the “ponies” and saw many of the great ones from the ’40’s…http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/calumet-farm-to-be-sold/
    Dear Judy I hope your special day was filled with sunshine and a rainbow to help you through this sad time. And Trina……. you are so very special…..
    I’m so glad we have all connected.

    And yes…. how great it would be to have a guest letter from our lovely Dottie. We wish her health and happiness and are so grateful to Lane’s End for their continuing support of all things Z.

    • / Reply

      Thanks so much for providing this link. Calumet Farm was THE giant in the industry when I was growing up. Maybe this time the property will be safe for all time. Whirlaway, by the way, is buried in France. He was sold in 1952 to a French breeder. It is generally conceded that he was unhappy in his new home and he only survived until April, 1953. He is buried in a graveyard in Normandy, not far from the American cemetery.

      • / Reply

        Terry. In addition to your horse jokes, I like to read your comments about horse racing and related issues. This is very interesting information about Whirlaway. He was an incredible racer and quite a character too. It is sad that he passed away at such a young age. You have to wonder how a horse who was raised in the US would like such a transition. Did Whirlaway speak French?

        • Thanks, Max. You would think that, with all of the hubbub over Noor and Omaha, somebody would have suggested bringing him home. With a new owner at Calumet, maybe that time has come. I’m sure Whirlaway would say merci.

      • / Reply

        Terry. Absolument! Je suis d’accord. Whirlaway doit retourner aux Etats-unis parce qu’il est un cheval important.

      • / Reply

        Dear Terry – Yesterday I found another article, I think it was another horse magazine, that said “only rumor” re: purchase by the billionaire. The property has not been sold. So, I didn’t intend to pass on a rumor, or mislead, but certainly proves the adage, “don’t believe everything you read”. Now I wish I could find the article that said many rumors abound, none true, No deal has been struck. So , according to that article, still in the hands of the owner. It was later in the evening and I thought, oh my, I better try and clip and save that to post, and something came up and I totally put it on the back burner.

        So to all, my apologies, by posting a news story that turned out to be premature and at best based on rumor and speculation.

        • No harm done. I just hope someone like the buyer mentioned does, indeed, wind up with the property and keeps it as it has always been intended, one of, if not the, finest in Kentucky. We can only hope. Maybe Whirlaway will have to stay in France after all.

    • / Reply

      It would be wonderful if the new owner would consider opening Calumet up to visitors. As long as I have been visiting Lexington and driving past those red and white barns I have wished I could get inside the gate.

      • / Reply

        Agree. It would be a real treat to visit that farm. There was a problem in the old days. Liz Whitney, who owned Calumet, swore that she would never race in California again after one of her horses was disqualified in a big race at Santa Anita. I believe this was in the 50s without looking ti up. She kept her word and never returned during her lifetime.

        • I do believe it was THOROUGHBRED TIMES the magazine article on the internet that said it was a rumor re: purchase. Also to clarify, I only drove past it too and stopped to look. However a lovely waitress at a restaurant in Midway said she also supplemented her income as a “galloper ” at Calumet Farms and offered to take us there in the morning. I was so bummed as we had to travel on to catch our plane in the morning the next day. It really has so much history. Interesting story about Mrs. Whitney. I also read some history regarding the questionable injury and subsequent insurance claim and scandal later in the farms history regarding a very famous horse, I want to say Alydar but really not too sure. My Dad would know EVERYTHING about it, as Calumet was also the name of his high school in Chicago and he visited the farm a couple of times in the 40’s. Bless his soul.

    • / Reply

      Are you coming to SA on Sunday? Here is the link to our Team page for the walk down the track to raise $ for cancer research. Anyone going to SA on Sunday, please join our Friends of Zenyatta Team if you plan to do the walk after the races. We will be wearing our Z gear and colors so will be easy to spot at he ‘starting gate’. If anyone would like to make a donation in the team name click on the link, I think you scroll way down to Team Leaderboard, then you see Friends of Zenatta, click the Donate square there. Hope to see lots of you there.

  10. / Reply

    Hi Z family It is time for your history lesson. Does anyone know what today is? The start of the Revolutionary War. Yes on April 19, 1775, the first shot was fired at Lexington. Paul Revere rode Brown Beauty on April 17, to warn about the British. Does anyone know the names of George Washington’s two battle horses? Blueskin and Nelson. My classes learn about the war and the horses : ) I will never leave out those Magnificent Animals. Love, Shari

    • / Reply

      Shari. This is an excellent idea. The children are more likely to remember these facts with the horses involved. This is interesting stuff. Let us know what else about horses and history that you are teaching. I also would like to know how Madame Mistletoe is doing because the kids love her too.

    • / Reply

      BRAVO, SHARI!!! How wonderful that you give these magnificent creatures their rightful place in history! Thank you for turning the spotlight on them so that your young charges can learn about them and admire the contributions from our equine cousins.
      Love and hugs!

  12. / Reply

    Dearest Zenyatta,

    I adore these photos! You’re such a loving, attentive mother and Baby Z is a doll! He’s growing so quickly–he’s going to be quite ‘the man’ and I know you must be so proud of him. By the way, he looks very much like you. And those ears—you certainly stamped him there. :)

    Dr. Morrison’s blog was so interesting and very much appreciated. Thank you for posting it for us all to enjoy.

    Love and kisses,
    Stel

  13. / Reply

    @Karen Gogue – I think I met you at the Queen Zenyatta baby shower. I am planning on going to closing day at Santa Anita and am wondering if the dumplings are going to meet at a specific place or time. I would love to join you all. I have not been posting because I am to busy at work and this is my only internet access. I hope to hear from you today (Thursday) as I am off tomorrow. I do have Marty R from Co looking out for a message and could contact me if something gets said after today. Thanks, and love to all in Dumplinghood!! And the Queen and her Prince. Of course.

    • / Reply

      Hi! The Z dumplings will be at the paddock benches under the trees – may get up to 95 on Sat and Sunday! Or will be at the rail at paddock. Most will get there early for the jockey autographs across from the gift shop. (Yes, we did meet at the Baby Shower) See you there!

  14. / Reply

    I just wanted to say that some books say Revere rode on April 17 and some on April 18. Thank you sweet family for listening to me. I know this is a Blog about our Queen but she loved children and I am sure she would not care : )

  15. / Reply

    For those of you who have been enjoying the talking horse jokes, here is an old chestnut that I reworked to fit the genre. I will use the names of horses we are all familiar with. When Zenyatta and TT were sharing a paddock, Life is Sweet came to visit. The three of them talked for a while, and LIS noticed that periodically a horse would call out a number and all of the other horses would whinny, nicker, stamp their hooves and generally give a version of a horse laugh. LIS asked Zen and TT what the commotion was all about. Zen said, “Well we have been here for a while and we have told each other every joke that we know, which is about 50. We have numbered each joke so that the horse which wishes to tell it just shouts out a number and, the others being so familiar with the punch line, just laugh. I’ll give you an example.” Zenyatta then called out 14, and the resulting happy noises were deafening. LIS, wishing to fit in with the others, called out “23.” Nothing but dead silence. “What happened?” asked LIS. “Nothing,” said Zenyatta. “Some horses just don’t know how to tell a joke.” Today’s rednecks@Vicki B, charter member of California chapter-You might be a redneck if your new furniture was on a curb in another part of town yesterday. You might be a redneck if you sold your car for gas money. You might be a redneck if you went to your mother’s prom. You might be a redneck if your stair master has an ashtray. You might be as redneck if you keep your cats out of your car at night because the interior smells like friend chicken. You might be a redneck if you base your purchase of a refrigerator on the number of beers it can hold. You might be a redneck if you have the bail bondsman on speed dial.

    • / Reply

      Terry. This is one of the best jokes ever. I like the way that you have adapted Z, TT and LIS to the joke. Looking forward to more.

    • / Reply

      That’s great, Terry! I like this very much. However, I would have had Tasty Temptation in Life is Sweet’s place, and vice-versa, because TT is more likely not to “get” the joke! Like she doesn’t “get” motherhood. And doesn’t “get” the timing on foal delivery. TT has “a mind of her own”, as Max has said, more than once, and it’s true.

      But for my “new furniture” on “a curb”, the sofa was clear out in Highland Park, but that was many years ago, it only had a small tear in the leather-like vinyl, which duct-tape fixed, and we got a LOT of use out of it, including overnight visitor accomodations. It was, in fact, a steal of a bargain, and we were lucky it was still there, when we returned with the pickup.

      • / Reply

        Good point about TT, Vicki. As for the furniture, what can I say? I think it might be time for your relatives of rednecks jokes.

    • / Reply

      I had not seen this one.
      My Mom for about 10 years was a bail Bonds-person. I guess I am the daughter of rednecks. Good thing you made me president.
      I was thinking my parents moved to a Florida senior living 55 + mobile home park a few years ago. It is really nice but maybe I should have connected the dots…
      In the double wide they have 2 refrigerators. Yes one is for drinks. Pop, water and Beer
      I guess I am not fully there yet I only keep my beer in the one refrigerator in my kitchen.
      I have room to grow.

      • / Reply

        Sue-Not only are you fully qualified to be president of the Florida chapter, I would put your redneck qualifications up against anybody in the club.

  16. / Reply

    My dear friend Judy B, I wish you the best in your Birthday, you deserve this and much more, you are like Zenyatta one in a million. Big kiss big hug Ingrid.

  17. / Reply

    Catching up on the posts from yesterday is very emotional, an absolute masterpiece from Trina – YOU are amazing Trina, Poet Laureate.
    Judy Berube, I’m sorry that I missed your birthday but my very best belated wishes are just as heartfelt. I hope that you found some joy on your special day.
    Terry, Your jokes are a hoot, you always bring some laughs to my day.

    • / Reply

      One of the best redneck jokes I ever made up was the one where you have to go to a foreign country to pick up your mail. Always good to hear from you.

    • / Reply

      Thanks, LauraJ, for this link about Secret Circle. He really is “a neat little horse”, and I wish him a speedy, but complete, recovery!
      Take care!

  19. / Reply

    Great pctures of Queen Z and little z. With the way he is growing we’ll have to come up with another name for him. Just saw a TV program on RFD that gave a tour through Root and Riddle. Dr. Morrison is believed to be one of the best when it comes to helping balance young horses. Wish I lived close to Lexington he would most certainly be my consulting vet!

    • / Reply

      LeslieA. This is a great link. Magic, brave and goddess are all words which apply to the Queen. It is interesting that a young English girl would know so much about Z. Very well done.

    • / Reply

      Wow, it is hard to believe that a ten year old wrote that! Outstanding! Thanks for sharing Leslie.

  21. / Reply

    He is so adorable and so big! What are they feeing him? He is only 6 weeks old.
    I bet he doesn’t even fit under his Mom anymore!

  22. / Reply

    Hi Leslie!

    Thanks for sharing this article. I remember that last race so clearly. I will never forget it. We all miss Zenny but she has to move on and so do we. Marilu

  23. / Reply

    @Darlene Daniels– I’m not positive, but I think Sue Colvin in spending time on the Zenny FB page.
    @Leslie–thanks for the link. Z. is a rock star!
    @Terry Crow–thanks for the jokes. Still laughing about the bail bondsman.

    • / Reply

      Vicki are you planning to do the walk down track on Sunday? Jane Wade made a team page for us, we are walking as Friends of Zenyatta, since Z inspires us with her charitable work. Here is the link if you want to join us. We will be easy to spot, in our Zenyatta gear and colors! If anyone would like to donate to City Of Hope Cancer Research under the name Friends of Zenyatta, You can do so via this link, I think the minimum you can donate is $10. though. You may recall Z posted pix of this walk down the track last year. Of course, anyone else going to Santa Anita on Sunday should feel free to do the walk with us too. Hope to see lots of you there.

    • / Reply

      One thing about this story which is even more ridiculous that the stooge like behavior of the city officials. This woman was granted bail of $4,500. That fact wasn’t mentioned in this coverage of the story but I have seen it elsewhere.

  25. / Reply

    Undefeated Princess Arabella Retired
    By Esther Marr, The Blood-Horse
    Updated: Thursday, April 19, 2012 3:23 PM
    Undefeated Princess Arabella, decisive winner of the Sunland Park Oaks, will not advance to the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) at Churchill Downs. The daughter of Any Given Saturday will instead be retired due to an inflamed tendon, according to trainer Bob Baffert.
    Read more: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/69055/undefeated-princess-arabella-retired#ixzz1sX6zif00
    Keta Note: She is retired to Taylor Made. Hope to breed her this year.

  26. / Reply

    My God, how big that colt has got and so fast! When he was a newborn, he could walk under Zenyatta, now the topof his head comes up to her withers; it is just amazing. He is also very muscular and he sure looks “all boy”. NIce job Zenyatta.

      • / Reply

        LauraJ – I also thought it was very well written – and I agree with you about the writer’s characterization of Mike Smith. Everything else was so beautifully written and it does demonstrate that Zenyatta appeals to all age groups – the grandmother describing Zenyatta to her race horse- loving grandchildren. The debate about race number 20 will go on forever, I’m sure. In my opinion the QUEEN’s connections put her on the throne and who can argue with that.

  28. / Reply

    For Terry & all my fellow Rednecks–You know who you are!
    Steve Elkington (golfer) tweeted:
    U see MOONSHINERS last night..
    Tim & Tickle having trouble moving the SHINE over to the pickup man.. wondering why my order hasn’t arrived..

    Thought you & my late Uncle Cletus would appreciate this.
    Keta

    • / Reply

      Keta-Great stuff. As I recall Elkington is an Australian, so the shine has a long way to go before it gets to him. Probably still in transit.

  29. / Reply

    Three Chimneys Farm posted this on Twitter
    Ever wonder what it’s like to ride one of the Three Chimneys stallions?
    Here you go-take a spin on Flower Alley!…
    http://fb.me/tCMy1FYk

    Shari, thought of you and your class when I viewed it.
    Enjoy!

  30. / Reply

    Hi Queen and Prince—what great photos/reading!!!
    @Judy Berube: I second all the thoughts regarding your birthday. :-)
    @Trina: I second/third etc all those others regarding your poetry!!!
    @All: I need to review more of the above, but first I do want to send along some pleasant news, YAY!! Smile Time!
    #1. : We visited Rightful Image last Sunday and he was willing to be petted and even smooched a little! (In exchange for carrots, but even so he is not always so friendly.) On our way out we had a chat with Caracatado and he VERY willingly let me plant kisses all over his horsey face. Before the rumors start, this was consensual!! (Wonder what he may have told the other equines in the barn?)
    #2. Earlier in the meet, I met a woman at Clockers’ Corner one Sunday: I overheard her talking about entering the TB Times Fiction contest. So we had a chat and she told me her story is Moses Finds a Jockey–Moses being a cat. Well, guess what, Julie June Stewart showed–came in third, that is!! Her story will be in an upcoming issue and I have sent her a congratulatory email. How great is that! High hoof Julie!!

    More again….love seeing our Queen and her Prince!!! :-) :-)

    • / Reply

      Too cute Anne! Say hi to Rod for me, will ya? I can not wait to see Rightful Image in action!

      • / Reply

        Anne, do make sure we know when Rightful Image is running, he will need a cheering section for his first race, and luckily, you know the right people for the job!

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