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New Photos: 13Z

Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Happy Friday!

We’re kicking off the weekend with new photos from Alys! As you can see, Zenyatta and her colt have been out enjoying the lush spring grass at Lane’s End. We’re sure they’re also anticipating our visit (and lots of peppermints)!

Our trip to Lane’s End begins early next week. If you’re eager to keep up with us while we’re at the farm, follow us on Instagram (TeamZenyatta) and Twitter for live updates.

Enjoy!
-Team Z

Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Reader Interactions

1,302 Comments

    • / Reply

      Thanks for posting the race,Max. and who says that ND line is weak and brittle?
      Congrats,Godsmejudge. I can’t believe how he was FLYING over the jumps at the end of this race.Incredible and still looking fresh. Good boy!!
      Hope all jocks are well and on the mend.
      Now, to bring our guy,” Fly” over the finish line.
      Watch your back end,Willie.

        • Ann NC. Forgot to mention that Ista’s dam sire is Secretariat. So one of the best hurdlers of all time traces his line back to North American champion horses, one the greatest sire of the 20th century, the other a Triple Crown winner, with track records and a breathtaking victory in the Belmont of 31 lengths. Tough is right.

    • / Reply

      Just amazing! i can’t get over how many horses were pulled up and didn’t finish and how long the “rider-less” horse kept going. Not that I have any ideas myself, of course, but I have to wonder if there isn’t some way to get horses like that off the field? It just seems so dangerous to have them in the mix. I’m sure someone will fill me in.

  4. / Reply

    dear max a very good winner of the Scottish grand national ryan tweeted auroras encore is fine just one race too much didn’t know gods had the great northern dancer in his family kauto will be out and about parading next Saturday at sandown our last big day of the jumping season. seems hovis is still annoyed at the daffs thinking of getting an army of goats into the paddock and supervising from his stable and then there was the lungeing say no more!!!hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Thanks for the reassurance about Auroras. Glad that both he and Ryan are okay. Will watch for Kauto. Will Tilly show up?
      Noble Mission, Frankel’s brother, was 3rd today at Newbury. It was however a very close finish for the first three. The winner Universal may be on his way to the US for the American St. Leger this summer.
      Here’s the link to Hovis for those in need of a laugh. He’s again included his photo. Looking very good in that blue blanket.

      http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/blog/hovis-friday-diary-a-slight-incident-while-lunging/

      • / Reply

        Dear Max and Sheena:

        Thank you so much for Hovis. I’m laughing so hard. Love reading his diary. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Max,
        I am still laughing! Thank you for the link to Hovis’ diary entry — just love it!
        Mum is a wonderful writer and translator for Hovis.
        Cheers

      • / Reply

        Dear Max,
        Love Hovis he is hysterical. We are all in need of good laughs after the horrendus week we have had. He sure fills the bill. hugs

    • / Reply

      Thanks Sheena and Max – I was just thinking that no one had mentioned Hovis this week. His pictures are so comical – not to mention his various rants. I hope others are enjoying the fun too.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena and Max:

      Thanks for the updates on Auroras Encore and Noble Mission. Hugs, JB

  7. / Reply

    Francis Keogh ‏ tweet Sat. April 20
    Jump jockeys JT McNamara, AP McCoy, Timmy Murphy, Tom Scudamore
    all in hospital today with varying injuries. Tough sport

  8. / Reply

    2013-04-20 Dreaming of Julia Workout YouTube VIDEO
    By Darren Rogers Published on Apr 20, 2013
    Dreaming of Julia preps for Kentucky Oaks with 4F in :48 4/5
    under Humberto Zamora at Churchill Downs.
    Splits: 12 1/5, 24, 36 3/5. Galloped out 5F in 1:01, 6F in 1:13 and
    7F in 1:26 3/5. Pulled up 1M in 1:44.

  9. / Reply

    2013-04-20 Rose to Gold Workout YouTube VIDEO
    By Darren Rogers Published on Apr 20, 2013
    Rose to Gold breezed 4F in :48 1/5 with Calvin Borel up at Churchill Downs
    in preparation for the Kentucky Oaks.
    Splits: 12 1/5, 24 1/5, 36. Out 5F in 1:01 2/5.

  10. / Reply

    @Maureen Phi-llips– thank you for asking about Skip and Jericho. Here’s the latest: Skip got back Tuesday, after finding Jericho a permanent boarding farm there in Baton Rouge, where he will be with his BFF, Katherine Wheeler’s Bluesy. He is in a cast, and I believe needs one more surgery. On the other hand, Skip herself needs support and prayers, SHe has almost pnewonia, and was due to fly out to celebrate her birthday (upcoming this week) with the Seabiscuit descendants in Washington State. So, I know she would appreciate our love, prayers, and good wishes while she rests. Thank you so much for asking!

    Now, I missed the post about Chris. Can someone fill me in.

    On the news front in West, people are slowly being let back into their homes (those who have them). On a good note, there has been a huge outpouring of food, blood donations, money, and other kinds of support. In fact, 70 pets have been rounded up that hope to be reunited with their owners. The vet school at Texas A&M is providing care and support. Things seem to be very well organized. Thank you all so much for the support.

    • / Reply

      Barbara. Thank you for telling us this news. It’s been a very tough few weeks for too many good people. Hoping that Skip gets well. She’s had a lot of stress. Prayers for her, Jericho and the people of West to recover.

    • / Reply

      Dear Barb W.:

      Prayers for the victims of the explosions in Boston and West, for Skip and for Jericho. It’s been a week of sadness and courage. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Barbara,
      Thanks for the update. Hope Skip gets well quickly and that Jericho continues to heal without problems.
      Thoughts and prayers to all in West and in Boston. Glad people are gathering up the lost pets for re-uniting with owners.
      Blessings to all

    • / Reply

      Barbara Wood,
      Sending prayers and hugs to you and all the people of West Texas. Good to hear there has been an outpouring of needed items……we Americans are giving people.

      Glad to hear Jericho is doing well hope he continues to improve and start his new life.
      PUJ and Power Up Skip, hope you are feeling better soon. Hugs

  11. / Reply

    The other day someone asked about Birdstone and Summer Bird (we were talking about MTB being at Churchill this summer). Birdstone is at Gainesway. Summer Bird was at Paul’s Mill in KY, but I think he is somewhere else now. Does anyone know? Love all 3 them!

    • / Reply

      Hi Barbara…according to the bloodhorse stallion registry …summer bird is in Japan …darn I forgot where…will be right back..

        • Thank you, Carol and Peggy–I didn’t subscribe to Bloodhorse magazine this year, so I don’t have the current registry. I thought it was somewhere in Japan, but I couldn’t remember the name. We need to keep up with him. Hope we can get him back someday.

    • / Reply

      I was reading a BloodHorse article earlier in the year that said the same thing about Summer Bird. Good thing he got a few crops down on the ground here, they look fantastic. Sad to see him go.

  13. / Reply

    Does anyone know any update on Groupie Doll, I probably missed something…
    Last I knew she was at the farm with her great pal Brass Hat.

    I know at one time a while back she was a little under the weather and they sent her back from Gulfstream I believe back to Kentucky for some farm rest.

    Just haven’t heard anything lately.

  14. / Reply

    Wanted to send out Good Traveling wishes to our traveling Equine friends this weekend

    Dear Ebby, Travel safely, I think I heard you leave for New York on Monday. Our beautiful Girl, I hope so hard you love New York. Your in my prayers always, Love You You’ll probably be thinking “Where am I going” Big Apple here she comes. Well, Elmont NY, But that’s pretty close. Oh I wish I could sing. Start Spreading The News.

    VyJack my beautiful boy, I bet your in the Van right now. Please travel safely. You be good on that Van. No Bad mannered Antics. “Just teasing”
    I bet your thinking “Kentucky” here I come.

    Praying for safety for all equines and riders.

  15. / Reply

    http://t.co/X1jxvrDo5I

    I found this on the Internet a few days ago, and I figured you all would like to get a look at some of the other animals that are preparing for the Kentucky Derby as well. This little guy has his racehorse posture all figured out.

      • / Reply

        Yes, Pati,
        This is TOO cute! What great conformation this baby has!
        Love it — thanks for this uplifting post.
        Cheers

      • / Reply

        Thanks,Pati. He may go off w/ pretty good odds.
        Judy B., he is the exacta box ticket we have been waiting on.
        Those ears!!

        • Dear Ann:

          Too funny. The way I was picking them (not) in the contest we had earlier, he might just be the one for me. Love and Hugs, JB

  16. / Reply

    Wish I still had that video that Karen G posted once With the car and Frank Sinatra singing New York NY. That was just too cute.
    Boy would that be appropriate at this time.

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy

        It is perfect. I am saving it to my favorites this time. It is just so appropriate isn’t it. Thank You so much. Love Ole Blue Eyes and New York, New York.

        Dear Ebbiouissante YOU GO GET EM GIRL.
        WATCH OUT NEW YORK, HERE SHE COMES

        • Dear Peggy:

          How I’m hoping we get to meet her at Saratoga. Hugs, JB

        • If she runs in Aqueduct or Belmont, I might get to see her sooner than I originally thought. My grandparents live 30 minutes subway ride from Aqueduct (that’s how I saw the Wood) and 45 minutes driving time from Belmont. I might be able to fanagle coming a bit early to move in to my college so I can go see her earlier.

        • Dear Pati:

          Oh, I hope you get to see her. Aqueduct’s meet ends on April 21st and Belmont’s opening day is April 26th. So no doubt she’s going to Belmont on Monday. Please let us know if you do get to meet her.

          If you by any chance get to talk to JS, maybe you could ask him if he’s taking Ebby to Saratoga, some East Coast Dumplings and Z’sters are hoping to meet her there. (More like crazy to meet her there). Hugs, JB

  19. / Reply

    I went on fb page for Shuzanai?…..Summer Bird not on their fb pg….probably needs updating… however ….Empire Maker is there…maybe they are friends

  21. / Reply

    Anheuser-Busch’s Clydesdale Horses Breeding Farm
    An exclusive look inside Anheuser-Busch’s iconic Clydesdale horse breeding operation from ABC News. They ran this segment after a baby Clydesdale was featured in the latest Budweiser Super Bowl advertisement.
    I had no idea that AB’s Clydesdale horse farm operation was this large and it’s pretty cool to see the amount of work and love that goes into raising these beautiful horses.
    http://biggeekdad.com/2013/03/anheuser-buschs-clydesdale-horses/
    Keta Note: An interesting look into the farm and foaling!

  22. / Reply

    Charles Town Classic S. (gr. 2) RACE REPLAY VIDEO
    CHARLES TOWN RACES & SLOTS, Charles Town, WV
    Purse: $1,500,000 Date: April 20, 2013 Class: Grade 2
    Age: 4 yo’s & up Race: 12 Distance: One And One Eighth Miles
    Post Time: 10:30 PM
    Finish Horse Jockey Trainer
    1 Game On Dude Mike E. Smith Bob Baffert
    2 Clubhouse Ride Garrett K. Gomez Craig Anthony Lewis
    3 Ron the Greek Jose Lezcano William I. Mott
    4 Percussion Kendrick Carmouche Todd A. Pletcher
    5 Caixa Eletronica Javier Castellano Todd A. Pletcher
    6 Isn’t He Perfect Kent J. Desormeaux Edward Lotruglio
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/CT/2013/4/20/12/charles-town-classic-s-gr-ii#ixzz2R43uShQ7

    • / Reply

      Just had to pop in and thank you for the beautiful piece on the Budweiser Clydesdales. Just watched it over on the forum side. Made me cry, in a good way, much thanks!

  23. / Reply

    Can’t get over how adorable 13Z is and how great he looks alongside his beautiful mother… sigh.

  26. / Reply

    I posted this back a while. I see some folks were looking for info on Summer Bird.
    Hope the link still works. You can see some of our boys there. Winstar last stood Summer Bird and have an account set up to bring him back after his stud career in Japan.

    February 16, 2013 at 1:01 pm
    For all of you who follow some of the US stallions in Japan.
    Link for JBBA annual stallion show. It is about 31 mins long and in Japanese. Someone was kind enough to list their order in English
    Johannseburg
    Bago
    Aldebaran
    Came Home
    Boston Harbor
    Charismatic
    Stravinksy
    Silver Charm
    Ishino Sunday
    Summer Bird
    Empire Maker

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU1G5xXfBWc&feature=youtu.be&t=21m17s

    • / Reply

      Dear Janet:

      The more I’m watching this video, I’m wondering is it just me. I don’t like the way the horses are reacting to whatever kind of bits or nose chains they’re using. Most of them seem uncomfortable. I know these are big strong stallions and need to be controlled, but all of them seem to be reacting the same way; a lot of head shaking and mouthing. A lot of tugging going on by some of the handlers too, seemed to add to the horses discomfort. Frankly, it’s hard to watch this. The horses look healthy and all, but I’m just wondering what all of you think.

      Don’t know if this kind of equipment is normally used on the stallions in Kentucky or just on stallions that are known to be hard to control. Maybe Peggy, Zenyen and others who have visited the farms here could give us an opinion on what they have seen on their visits when the stallions are displayed on a lead line. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Janet and Z Fans:

        I found a few videos of our stallions at Kentucky Horse Park and they all seem to be wearing similar equipment, but they seem to be more comfortable. Guess the handling makes a big difference. Hugs, JB

        This is DaHoss:

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=TGfT1erIrK8

        Here’s Medaglia d’Oro on a lead line.

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwEH_tvBZGs

        Here’s Bernardini:

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rxYNYdkhD0

        • Judy,
          Thanks for the video links. I do agree that the three look more
          comfortable.
          I do not know why the handlers in Japan are tugging more on the stallions. In their show last year, it did not appear to be as much as this year.

          It may be because there is very large numbers of people there viewing, but open houses here get lots of people too. Just really do not know.

        • Dear Janet:

          It did look like more tugging to me. Maybe, it is because of the large amount of people and they feel that’s the best way to control and prevent problems.

          I do prefer the way the handlers in the videos with DaHoss, MDO and my beautiful Bernie got the job done, though. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Judy,

        First off Da Hoss is a gelding, not a stallion. This is a big difference and I’ve spoken about this before but to reiterate.

        Stallions, with a few exceptions (Hasting, Dynaformer) are not inherently mean. They don’t wake up in the morning going ‘I’m going to crush my groom to death today. However, they have instincts that drive them, ESPECIALLY an active breeding stallion.

        Those instincts are “Dominate / breed the mare.”

        For some stallions ‘Dominate’ expands to include seeing anything living and breathing as a threat to his imperative to breed that mare. This means the humans around him and he will turn on a human handler as he would on another stallion and what would be little more than a warning shot to another 1300lb horse, can be devastating to a 200 lb human.

        The most professional and least confrontational way to keep a stallion’s mind on his manners is to never, EVER give him so much as an inch in terms of dominance.

        Having handled stallions and stud colts, these are comments that make me grind my teeth a little so I apologize if I sound passionate here. When you are on the other end of that lead shank, there is a never ending conversation going on between you and that stud. People comment all the time about “Oh that handler is jerking on his mouth” etc etc and that is not what is happening. You are keeping his focus on *you* his attention on *you* and telling him “I’m watching you, Mister and you’d best mind your manners, keep all four on the floor and your teeth to yourself!”

        Horses are creatures of body language, stallions mouth the bit, grind it in their teeth and nip and grab at the chain or the lead as a constant ‘testing’ to get that upper hand. They try to push past your shoulder, as a way to get the upper hand. These are subtle dominance power plays a stallion or a stud colt will use to test if his groom is on their toes. Escalation of this is the pawing you sometimes see, which gets the stallion a pop on the shank because the next step up (if he gets away with the pawing) is a strike or a rear.

        Horses have a one track mind. When we were working a difficult youngster, the rule of thumb was keep doing figure eights, making turns, doing circles, things that kept their mind engaged on what *you* were going to ask them to do next and kept them from gathering up the idea to buck or act up.

        Stallions it’s the same idea. Keep that ‘conversation’ flowing through the lead shank and keep their attention on you and off the idea to get it in their head to try to get bossy or act up.

        The shank play, the ‘jerking’ as people like to call it, it is just a very subtle and low key way to keep the situation from escalating to something much more dangerous for horse and human. Stallions demand respectful handling but at the same time they are not delicate wilting flowers. You treat them FAIRLY always but you treat them firmly because if they get one step up in that dominance dance, everything can go to hell in a matter of seconds and someone is getting hurt.

        • Thanks as always Zenyen for a VERY informative post. SO much to learn . . . I feel as though I’m still in pre K (shocking at this advanced age :-)

        • Dear Zenyen:

          Thank you for your wisdom and knowledge. I know you have experience to spare on all things horses and I appreciate, always, your sharing it here on Z’s Blog.

          I do, however, think that as in all things, some handlers are better than others (as some trainers are better than others) in the way they handle horses.

          I have no doubt that what you say in your post is spot on and I admire your passion for it. Hugs, JB

        • Judy,

          I suppose I am going to have to let this one go but I do not see any difference in the way the horses are handled.

          I don’t count Da Hoss because he’s a gelding and would naturally be handled different than a stallion but between the stallion videos I do not see any of the horses handled inappropriately for their situation and attitude.

    • / Reply

      hi judy….saw a horse at Oaklawn on closing day with one of these….looked a little strange…”hoodie” is exactly right

      • / Reply

        Dear Carol:

        Read that he wears it to drown out the background noises on race days. Maybe he’s distracted by the noise and this hoodie helps. He’s a beautiful boy. Hugs, JB

        • JudyB. Teddy Grimthorpe says that Noble Mission wears that hood at home too. He likes it. The hood helps him to “concentrate” on what he is doing. These hoods are custom made for Henry Cecil in Europe. The monogram is Cecil’s initials.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max:

        To cute. Didn’t know that NM wore his hood at home too. Maybe he likes being mysterious. Who is that masked man? Hugs, JB

  29. / Reply

    Great pictures of Zenny and 13Z. He has quite the presence. Just saw on Lanes foal list that Zenny’s old stablemate, Life is Sweet, had a filly by Tapit yesterday. have been looking for her name to pop up!

  30. / Reply

    I just keep coming back to the pics of 13Z and Mom. Thank you, Alys, and thanks so much to Team Z for remembering how much we all love her and her babies.

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