Steve Willard, Zenyatta’s exercise rider, died last week. He was a beloved member of Team Z, and he played an important role in Zenyatta’s life and career. The photos and videos below show Steve as we will always remember him.
Steve was a kind, generous, and thoughtful man. He was a great horseman with lots and lots of experience, which is something I value. He has ridden so many famous and accomplished horses throughout his career for not only myself but trainers as Jack Van Berg and Richard Mandella. He worked on the track for decades. Steve was a jockey, an exercise rider, an assistant trainer, and most importantly a guy who loved the horses and the racing business. Steve was someone I enjoyed working with and I miss having him around the barn each day.
-John Shirreffs
As a Jockey, Steve rode on the mid-west circuit. He specifically rode at various tracks in Louisiana and also at Oaklawn Park. When we went to the Apple Blossom with Zenyatta, Steve thought it would be fun if he looked up some of his old friends. He did…and he had a great time revisiting the past with them. They came out to the barn, to the track to watch Zenny graze, and several even went to the Winners’ Circle with us. This was a very special time for Steve!
-Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs
John and I spent time with Steve in the hospital before he passed away. While I was there, I revisited with Kiki all of the great times we had and the wonderful horses and memories we shared. She and I had a lovely time doing this and knew in our hearts Steve could hear us. Michelle (John’s one assistant) and Dawn (Dr. Hunkin) also stopped by to see him… his pals from our Barn 55 Days.
We have all been blessed to share a very, very unique and special gift named ZENYATTA. She helped to create a bond that will be with her BARN 55 friends forever!
In loving memory of Steve Willard
-John, Dottie and the Team
Steve and Zenyatta on the training track. Video by John Shirreffs.
Zenyatta at Del Mar, 2010, featuring interviews with Steve Willard and Mike Smith.
Morgan
RIP Steve along with Z Princess. What a beautiful tribute from Team Z.
sheena.davies(wales)
Lovely to see Master Minded at Horseheath P2P today looking so fit and well.Sheena
Judy Fraizer
Beautiful tribute to Steve. What a happy last few years he must have enjoyed with his relationship with Queen Z and the team. Thank you for sharing with us.
Judy Fraizer
tony & sue
Steve and Zenny were a true match made in heaven. They and Mario were a unique threesome. These pictures brought tears, smiles and a flood of great memories. Thank you, Team Z…rest in peace, Steve.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Thanks to Team Z for the lovely tribute to Steve. Will cherish the memories of meeting him at Barn 55 – so glad that I have some pictures or I might think that I dreamed it all up!
Rest in peace, Steve, and ride some of our beloved horses through the clouds <3
Bob Rose
As a lifelong exercise rider/trainer, I tend to recognize the value of details that combined, enabled Zenyatta to remain happy as she reached her full potential. Everyone involved on Team Zenyatta appeared Heaven sent to me, as they stood out accomplishing their chores/decisions that brought Zenyatta happiness, to the point where she enjoyed racing, and to me that meant so very much, as it is the rare horse that truly loves racing, particularly fillies/mares. God Bless everyone involved with her. I worship the Moss’s for heeding advice from Dottie and John Shirreffs as to allow this filly to mature before beginning her racing career. I trained horses for a long time and never once had an owner that would be patient as I recognized the benefits that would come forth had they placed the welfare of the horse in question in front of the greed for immediate returns, thereby forfeiting the opportunity of allowing me to bring that horse to it’s full potential. Exercising thoroughbred race horses is a fine art when dispensed properly, and I recognized Steve Willard as a master exercise rider as he applied details that enabled Zenyatta to win her first 19 starts, enjoying every stride! RIP Steve, and know your dedication and talents were recognized and appreciated by old school horseman. Oh, were they ever!
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Bob Rose,
Oh, that we had more old school horseman such as you in horseracing today. What a rare combination of everything good is Team Zenyatta, and the result was a happy, healthy horse who loved to run. Steve was a major component in this happy family.
Thank you for your beautifully written post. God Bless you, kind sir, for your understanding, love of horses and for putting the needs of the horses first.
Cheers and Hugs
Kathy
God, how I miss seeing Zenyatta on the track. Thanks for the memories, Team Z! And yes, Steve was such an important member of the Team. They are heartbroken as are we who only got to know you a little bit. You definitely had a huge part in shaping the Queen. Thank you!
candace james
WIP….STEVE
Pam from Florida
Just read that Untouched Talent is pregnant. American Pharoah is going to be a dad :-)
Nice way to end the week
Pam in Florida
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.We have had some sad losses in the UK recently especially a controversial fall at Fakenham and Marden Court’s treatment.No green screens or vet at hand the poor horse was struggling to get up.Everyone is disgusted.Someone said he had been struggling throughout the race so his jockey SHOULD have pulled him up.I appreciate Paddy behaved impeccably after the incident but….This sport can be a heartbreaker.Lovely to see a latest pic of the Fly enjoying life still living with Mullins,Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Peggy (N) South Georgia
John, Dottie and all of Team Z., Thank You so much for this wonderful tribute to Steve. May he rest in peace and be with God now.
Debbie S.
Dear Team Z
What a special tribute to Steve and a happy window into Barn 55 and the people who loved and adored Zenyatta and helped her to develop so that she truly loved racing and her life on and off the track.Steve was a key player in the Team that came together so perfectly for her.
He was a match made in heaven for Zenyatta as her exercise rider and mentor. From the times she was a handful and bucking to the dancing Queen who gave him and Mike everything they asked of her and more,he was there for her. Steve’s talent and big kind heart guided Z along the way and he and Mario were a huge part of her success and happiness.
Thank-you Steve,for loving her as you did and for the talent, experience and devotion you brought to Zenyatta. From your workouts,to seeing you pace at the side of the track while she raced to your big smile every time you rode her,stood beside her or talked about her-we know the depth of your love for Z and how much you influenced her life.
God bless you, keep Z Princess in your sights and know Zenny is forever your big beautiful girl who learned so much about racing and life from you. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Beautiful post Debbie ❤️ Thanks for finding the words that eluded many of us.
Kathy
February 28 Cherokee Devotional
Some things are not meant to be handled, pawed, or too closely examined. For instance, don’t touch a butterfly’s wings. Don’t take a fawn from its hiding place, and don’t caress a woman when she is angry. Delicate is the word. Use the light touch if it is wise to touch at all. Settle down and stop trying to force things. Maybe another person is wrong, but why rub it is? Life runs much more easily when we allow others to arrange their thoughts and actions without too much meddling. Wisdom does not come by force, but by understanding and loving-and, above all else, by keeping our mouths shut.
Before talking of holy things, we prepare ourselves by offerings.
-Chased-By-Bears,Santee Sioux
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Kathy,
Thank you for this great devotional — very wise advice, indeed. How much nicer things would be if we listened more and spoke less. Remember the little poem about The Wise Old Owl (who sat in the oak)?
Hugs and Love
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Lots of sadness, praying for all animals and people who are hurting, injured, abused, those who have lost their lives. Teary eyes, as Zoe’s Mom says. I hope you have a blessed Sabbath. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO
sheena.davies(wales)
Dark days for NH over in the UK.We lost Violet Dancer today from complications following surgery for the injury he sustained at Warwick.The 15th horse to die in as many days.As a jumps fan one has to learn to “accept” accidents happen but 15??I remember shorty saying horses were replacable.Well tell me Ruby how do you replace 15 lost souls?Jumps are for the heart they say mine is broken.RIP my brave beautiful horses your deaths will NEVER be in vain.God bless Sheena
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.Yet more sad news we have lost 2 more one at Wetherby and Southwell also one is down at Fontwell.You won’t hear this on RP It’s only since I joined FB I get this dreadful news.
On a lighter note Mr Fibbs did something “unmentionable” in dad’s sock.Was’nt he in Souff Carolina for the cactus?.I will never understand your elections!!!I heard they will be carrying out a PM on the pet goose,A lovely story (for a change)Sir Alex Ferguson has given one of his ex-racers to a charity called Pastures New to help underprivileged children He is a gentle giant called Guv.Have a blessed Sabbath.Love and hugs to you,kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO
Lynne
A wonderful tribute to Steve Willard, thanks for sharing. I got chills all over again
watching Z. race and win # 18
Linda in NJ
Dear John, Dottie and to all Team Z Connections:
Thank you for posting this wonderful tribute to Steve. I feel so blessed that I had an opportunity to meet Steve when I visited Barn 55 for the first time back in July of 2011. My visit at Barn 55 that day was so special!! I regard having had that opportunity as one of the highlights of my life. I really enjoyed hearing the great stories that Steve had to tell about working with Zenyatta.
I will always remember Steve as being such a nice person with a great sense of humor.
My deepest condolences to Team Z, his family and friends.
With love.
Linda in NJ
sheena.davies(wales)
RIP Organised Confusion who died in fall today at Navan.A previous winner of the Irish grand National under Nina Carberry.God bless Sheena
sheena.davies(wales)
Derar Judy.Binga is having an ultrasound this week.Her bloodwork was fine but they just want to be sure.She’s been throwing up a lot these past 2 weeks but is better now and had some selfies taken.The Winston Churchill drama was on tonight enjoyed it.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Linda in NJ
Dear Team Z:
Thank you again for posting the videos of Steve with Zenyatta. I was one of the many, many fans that were at Del Mar that day for Zenny’s 18th race. How exciting it all was!!! I stood right at the paddock and got a glimpse of Zenny as she came around the corner making her way to the track. I will NEVER forget it. I remember thinking that she was really, truly magical as her danced her way passed me. I was a relatively new fan of horse racing at that time. She made it so very special. I never had the opportunity to meet her, but I am happy I got to see one of her races.
Once again, thank you Team Z for posting the Del Mar video. It brought back so many wonderful memories. I will always cherish these times of meeting Steve, meeting John, and Mario and all the wonderful folks that worked at Barn 55, and of course seeing Zenny’s 18th race.
With so much love,
Linda in NJ
Mary in Boone, NC
Dear John, Dottie, and Team Zenyatta,
This is a moving tribute to the special person who rode Our Queen Zenyatta so very many times, grooming her for the successes in which we all reveled. The quote that came to mind after reading and watching this essay is “It was the best of times…” but that quote ends before the second part. Thank you for sharing the photo of Steve, Michelle, and Mario and the one of Steve and Mario in Queen Zenyatta’s stall. I appreciate seeing the photos of the flowers on Z’s statue and the wreath from The Z Dumplings. It was, is, and will be quite a ride. I do wish Steve could have seen Z2016; however, I believe deeply he will know and he will be reunited with his loved ones, Queen Zenyatta, Team Zenyatta, and ALL who love her in the presence of He who loves us best. He is out of pain, in his new body awaiting us all without impatience or loss.
Thank you,
With love,
Take care,
Mary in Boone
Donna H
Thank you for sharing these special moments with those of us who relish all the little details about our Zenny. How blessed she was to have Steve and how thankful we are for him. I hope his loved ones are comforted by this wonderful tribute to him. God bless Team Z.
Kathy
February 29 Cherokee Thoughts
No Devotional for February 29th, so here is the Preface to Many Moons by Joyce Sequichie Hifler.
Symbols of the spirit-fragrance, music, and light-float around us the way our world circles the sun. The Cherokee sees everything in the round-the moon, the stars, the curve of the earth-but also sees so many things connected to the earth as well. It is all a part of time.
We want more time, we weep for more time, and we waste what time we have. Moving, moving moving, will we never rest? Will we never learn that the American Indian’s moon is a time, a season, a moment, an hour, a day? The moon comes and goes, but the Cherokee holds his own time in his heart. He is never in a rush and he does not say he will do something when he has more time. The time is right here and now. Every new minute is a period of time.
No see in many moons, the Indian is supposed to have said. I have not seen you in a very long time. Time-the priceless possession that most of us think we have in abundance, but even while we are thinking of it, it melts away. No matter, says the Indian, there is more here now. It doesn’t matter that we have not seen you in a very long time. When the right time comes, we will see each other. If the moon affects the tides, towing them in and pushing them out, it will bring us together again at the right time.
Allen
Beautiful tribute Team Z. RIP Steve, I’m sure you and Z Princess are hanging out together.
Ann NC
RIP, Steve Willard.
Thank you, Team Z, John and Dottie for this beautiful tribute. Those flowers….gorgeous!
Zenny and Steve sure had a brillant meeting of the minds, thank goodness.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.Sadly so many of us think we have time in abundance and then we look around and life has passed.Not a moment must be wasted not even a Monday!Mr Fibbs will have a busy time ahead with supertuesday.I haven’t heard what his plans are for getting the boters out.Hillary seems to be improving but so is Trump!!
Better news over here Coneygree is out and about with Sara and I posted a pic of Willie and Faugheen on my timeline.Vautour had a Oops moment schooling on the racecourse but shorty blamed himself.The Gold cup is still his target.
I hadn’t forgotten about the Oscars when I got up thrilled to see Mark Rylance won best supporting actor and Sam Smith won too.Leonardo finally got his award .I heard the goodie bags were worth $200,000!Fubu has gone quiet again must be Kimberly’s RA.I hadn’t noticed Zoe had reached 20,000 and Felix is celebrating 50,000!Cats rule.James and Bob are over 420,000 now,Mango is having a busy weekend with friends visiting.Great news about Hovis’s new sharer she is the one he was talking about last Friday a friend of aunty Becky.The Hovite army will be watching her!That horrid couple have been trying to shut down Mr No ears page it’ll be 6months soon and they have no idea whether he is still alive.God bless him and keep him safe.Remember to turtle.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
As I’ve gotten older I’m amazed at how quickly a decade goes by. Just turn around a few times and it’s gone. CRAZY! Yes, Fibbs will be extremely busy with Super Tuesday. I doubt he’ll even be able to turtle with all the preparations. Glad to hear Coneygree is out and about. I’ll go over and check out the pic of Willie and Faugheen. Fingers crossed that Vautour will be ready for the Gold Cup. Congratulations to all the winners at the Oscars. Now that’s what I call a goodie bag! We will be relieved to hear from Fubu and Kimberly again. Felix at 50,000. That’s remarkable! James and Bob at 420,00. Yikes! I hope Mango and family enjoy their visitors. Yes, we will be watching the new sharer closely. I hope Hovis likes her! So upsetting about Mr No Ears. I will turtle as much as possible, plus we received instruction on how to hide and not come out unless we hear somebody coming. Have a good day. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO
lauraj_cincinnati
If anyone is interested, the Under Tack show is being shown live today in advance of Wednesday’s Fasig Tipton 2-Year-Olds in Training sale. There are always a few top-quality horses that come out of this sale.
http://www.fasigtipton.com/fasig-tiptontv/StreamingVideo.php
sheena.davies(wales)
Oh,I spoke too soon.Lanswade stud have announced the death of Aussie Rules after a short illness.Aged 13yrs he was euthanized due to veterinary advice.The son of champion sire Danehill had lived at the stud since 2012.Sympathy to all connections.Sheena
hattonsghost
Thank you so much for this beautiful retrospective of Steve Willard’s life at Barn 55, which was so inter-twined with Zenyatta’s that it is impossible to think of her without also remembering him. Steve gave my family the priceless gift of happy memories when visiting the Queen on several occasions. Now that one of us is gone, these remembrances mean more than ever. Always upbeat and kind, he was a source of equine knowledge which fascinated us all. He could spin hay into gold as far as we were concerned. It was a privilege to cross paths with him, however briefly. Godspeed, Steve. I am sure that you are going to be in big demand, but please visit Gate Dancer for us when you have the chance. ♡
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Beautiful, as always. Going for the tissues now . . . .❤️