Zenyatta

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Rolling with Mama Z & 13z

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

Happy Wednesday!

Zenyatta and 13Z are settling into their summer routine. As you can see, Zenyatta spends her days grazing and rolling in the grass. Her colt is acclimating well to his new paddock mate. The boys can’t resist a nip & tug of the halter.

Also, at the end of this post, see a short clip Alys took of Zenyatta and her colt a few days after the birth.

Check back later in the week for updates to the Video and Photo sections along with new print additions to the Zenyatta Shop.

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



Enjoy!
-Team Z

Reader Interactions

418 Comments

  1. / Reply

    I love this site!! I have never heard anyone treat anyone else badly here, and when a question is asked, people go way beyond just giving a fast answer, and give in depth answers, glad to impart any knowledge they have. This site is truly good people brought together, first by the love of Zenyatta, continued through the love of horses, and the caring of each other as a family.
    I won’t name the site, but I was on one, that I had to pay money to be on (a horse racing, breeding site) every question I asked, I was jumped all over, like I was attacking the providers of that site. One example was a mare ready to deliver; every night she looked like she was in pain, and she was the last mare to have her foal. I stated that I had never seen a mare foal before, and the only thing I knew was about Zenyatta having such an easy time of it, and all the people in attendance; I also said I knew this wasn’t the norm, because of who she was. The answer I got back was accusing me of saying that this farm wasn’t taking care of their horses, and how much they took care of them. When I posted back that that wasn’t what I meant, and expressed again what I was trying to say, I was reminded that this wasn’t a Zenyatta site. There was one person and her friend that was on me every time I made an observation, sometimes saying almost the same thing they would say, but I was accused of saying something against the farm. Finally, I said that I was going to stop going to that site, even though I had just paid a years subscription, I actually was in tears. I was asked by a couple of people not to go, and thanked them. I got an email from this person, being very personal, saying I was a liar, because I didn’t leave, and childish because I didn’t get my way, lots of terrible personal things. She said she was sick and I was making things worse. Eventually, on the site, she apologized, and said let by gones- be by- gones. I agreed, then all of the sudden I got an email, worse than the first. I don’t know how she got my email, because when I tried to reply to her in private, I couldn’t, but she could get to me. I finally posted that I had spent my life in the health profession helping people, and didn’t want to bring her anymore pain, but I am disabled too, and in pain all the time, and this wasn’t good for either of us. I told her to privately tell me if she wanted me to go, and I would just watch the horses, but not join in any group discussions. She ended up emailing me, saying how I made her look so bad, please to erase what I wrote on the site (which was only why did she change from one moment from the next, and go back to being so mean, and that I would leave rather then make her so unhappy) of course after I erased it, she wrote a post that she couldn’t understand why I turned on her, but let’s just forget it, which made her look better (no one of course saw the emails she wrote me).
    One of the worse things that happened, was a spokesperson from the farm, was very friendly with this person, and agreed with her, that they take very good care of their horses, only apparently reading her explanations of what I said, instead of mine, saying that I was not saying anything against the farm. I was also told by this person, not to personally upset this other person. She was the one, even to the point of emailing me. I feel the spokesperson for the farm was very unprofessional; the other person should have been warned about emailing others, (but the friends are posted, and this spokesperson was posted as a friend of hers). So I have been checking out the webcam of a couple of stallions I have become attached to, but there is no communication. I know at some point I will stop doing that, before my year subscription is out. I see the postings, and it is more like “instant messaging” between this person, and a few friends, with a few just checking in once in a while; it is too bad, it’s a good idea, but not handled right; I couldn’t believe the mess I got myself into, and paid to do it. THEN I TURN TO THIS SITE, AND SEE A PERSON ASKING A QUESTION, MUCH LIKE I WOULD ASK, AND HOW WONDERFULLY IT WAS ANSWERED; ALL THE TIME PUT INTO IT. I AM SO PROUD OF THIS SITE, AND THE PEOPLE IN IT! IT’S LIKE FAMILY AND FULL OF LOVE AND GOOD WISHES TO ALL; VERY ZEN LIKE! I OFTEN SAY, IF THE WORLD WAS MORE LIKE THIS SITE, WE WOULD BE IN GOOD SHAPE!! I’m sorry I posted so long, but I felt it was important to show the difference in this site. I have only been on two sites, this one and that one, I don’t know what other sites are like; all I know is that when I came back to this site, I realized how traumatized I was on the other. I’m reminded everyday, how wonderful this one is!!! I’m sorry for the length!! GOD BLESS TO ALL!

    • / Reply

      Welcome Roberta,
      I’m glad you found your way here. I’ve only seen one negative comment here, ever. We are a friendly group who adore Zenyatta, and are known as her ‘Z-family’ or ‘Z-sters’. We get Queen Z updates from time to time, pics, and vids. Nice to have you, so post away.

    • / Reply

      Roberta – I’m happy to have found this site, too, and I agree that everyone is so very nice. I have belonged to other ‘fan’ sites (not horses) in the past. One was great, with everyone being very nice, but they had very strict rules and people that are ‘mods’ take their job seriously, and keep problem people in line. I also made a true friend over there, and one day I hope I will meet her in person!

      Another site I belong to doesn’t have mods, and sometimes a person comes along that’s just plain mean, or has serious issues. Fortunately, even that site has a way to block those types. It sounds like you stumbled your way into a community at that paid site that has a lot of not-so-nice people. You are better off without them. It’s a shame you lost money, though. I hope it wasn’t too much.

      Mary

  2. / Reply

    Fun new pictures! Watching the baby graze is so cute!
    Two things I noticed and was wondering about.
    13Z’s coat does not seem as sleek and shiny as other foals. Is this because of his coloring?
    In most photos he appears…well….rather studly…..is this normal for a young foal?

    • / Reply

      I think a lot of the roughness is an illusion from his coloring. The darker foal he is with still has all of his baby fur, but his bay coat disguises it better.
      As for the “studliness,” have you ever been around a little boy? :P Same instincts to just kind of let things hang out. He is a beautifully chunky-looking guy though. I can see quite a bit of Tapit in him, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he inherited more of his sire’s speed.

      • / Reply

        I chuckled at”studliness” and ever being around little boys. I’m a 2nd grade teacher and have 5 boys who are exhibiting way too much studliness. (Off the subject, I know.)

    • / Reply

      Lynn – when I read your post the first time, my brain read ‘sturdy’…. and I thought, yes, he DOES look sturdy… but… you said… studly! And, yes, he’s that, too! *falls off chair laughing*

      • / Reply

        Nope, rarely around little boys, I have two daughters! I had to chuckle, tho, and guess all males are the same!! And, yes, he surely is a STURDY little guy! Well muscled already. And that “high in the rear” (as we call it in dogs) is considered good in colts, right???

  4. / Reply

    OK, so three things.
    In the photo of her rolling, it appears Zen has shoes on. If so, why is she shod? for foot health?

    • / Reply

      At one point she had no shoes….then front shoes came back…it was posted here that sometimes broodmares need the extra support they provide….seemed logical to me but I am not an expert ….there are lots of folks here with much more experience …maybe one of them has more information ..m

    • / Reply

      She has had front shoes on since summer last year, there are pictures of her kicking up her heels with Coz and she has them on.

      The answer most likely boils down to her comfort.

      As the saying goes, without the hoof you have no horse and Lane’s End is very dedicated to top hoof care. They might have decided that a bit of extra support is best for a mare Zenyatta’s size, especially when she is carrying the weight of a foal and Zenyatta herself might simply be more comfortable with the added support/traction.

    • / Reply

      Lynn,

      Because of the weight of pregnancies the hooves can split.
      The shoes prevent this from happening so the mares
      don’t develop hoof problems.

  7. / Reply

    OH! My adorable Zenny, the more I look at your photos, the more I want to look at them, I never get tire…. Your babies are so gorgeous; Coz is so handsome, and sweet! Z13 is handsome and he knows it!
    Love you, xoxoxoxo!
    Ingrid.

      • / Reply

        Sign, aka Remembering and DeniseC, although an unfortunate miscommunication occurred, we all know Keta is a true lady and did not do what you are accusing her of. Please play nice. KathyR, if you read this, please do come back. You are missed.

        • Dear Trina,
          You are SO right! Those who continue to take “pot shots” (Sign, and other aliases) and try to bully should grow up and have a little compassion. Please DO play nice and learn from your mistakes.
          Lots of hugs to you, Trina!

        • Dear Keta,
          Love your posts! You are kind and one of the very best Z’sters here.
          Hugs and thanks!

  9. / Reply

    I was in Kentucky recently and had the pleasure of visiting the Kentucky Horse Park! I saw Cigar, Funny Cide, Da’Hoss, Go For Gin and Gone West in the Hall of Champions. What a great experience. These horses are so amazing. I also took a tour of three farms: Calumet, Win Star and Katie Rich (Sp?). They were all amazing. At Win Star we went into the stallion barn. We saw Distorted Humor, Tiznow, Pioneer of the Nile, Bodemeister, Colonel John, Super Saver, Drosselmeyer and others. I couldn’t believe I was right there in the barn with them. It was so fantastic. I would do anything to see Zenyatta and her colts someday. I wonder if Lane’s End and the Mosses would ever let the public meet them.

    At Calumet and Katie Rich we saw the mare and foal barns. OMG those foals were so adorable. I can just imagine what 13Z and Coz must be like in person.!!

    • / Reply

      Dear Celeste:

      What a great experience it must have been to be able to see all these gorgeous horses and visit the mares and foals. Wow.

    • / Reply

      Wow! You saw some great horses. Glad to know in particular that Cigar is still around. Miss stalking him on the Cigar cam.

    • / Reply

      I’d saved my money and got to go to the K. Derby in 2003. I made a lot of money(for me) on Funny Cide betting on his dam side-the wonderful Belle line. I thank you for letting me know where he is-I’d like to go see him and thank him.

  10. / Reply

    Loved the video! It was too adorable to see Z watching her baby and then going to check out the camera. You could already see how Z13 loves cameras just like his momma. The pictures are also beautiful thanks for those!

  11. / Reply

    Love the video. I’ve been kissed by Zenny!

    I really like this colt. There’s just something about him. Zen Power. Zen It!

  12. / Reply

    Not sure how the banter of:

    Zenyatta’s fly mask getting torn off got on this site.

    Sounds like facebook gossip and twitter trash.

    There has never been an such activity around
    Zenyatta, all of her paddock mates since she
    came to lanes end have been very gracious and
    kind to the Queen. They have been hand picked
    by Lanes End for their gentleness and abilty to
    get along with other equines.

    • / Reply

      I had Mylute in my Preakness super mainly because I ‘m a Rosie fan. She’s quite brilliant.

    • / Reply

      Denise, thx for the link. I saw Unlimited Budget this morning via my email and I think he’s and absolute knockout beauty and sure ‘looks’ like a winner. Can’t wait to see him run.

        • thx for the fyi zenyen, after i reasearched Unlimited Budget I discovered I had posted her as a he, but i couldn’t grab back my post. No wonder “he’s” so pretty. And I did see her run on utube–not as driven as i had imagined.

    • / Reply

      This is very sad – Hovis even looks sad in his photo, but what a nice poem he wrote for his brother (not used to needing Kleenex for reading Hovis). RIP Sidney.

    • / Reply

      Max,
      Gosh that was as sad as watching “Bambi”, I’ve got tears in my eyes. That poem was absolutely beautiful. RIP Sidney. hugs

    • / Reply

      Dear Max:

      So sorry for Hovis, Mum and Dad for the loss of Sidney. Lovely poem for him. RIP Sid. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Ann, Sandy and Sue. Hovis is a poet like Trina. Thought of her when I read his poem because it takes a rare kind of depth of spirit and talent to write poems. Our Hovis is a complex and sensitive guy. I think that he could relate to Z. She’s always kind.

      • / Reply

        Yes, I thought of Trina too, but hit “submit” too soon. It really is a very similar style :-)

        • Thank you, Max and Sandy, for the compliment. Hovis’s touching tribute to his big brother Sidney truly draws forth our tears with its beauty. RIP Sidney. Thank you for the link, Max.

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the Hovis link, Max. How sad about Sidney.
      What a fine poetic tribute to Sid, Hovis. Bless you and your Mum & Dad.
      Hugs

  18. / Reply

    Happy Friday, everyone!

    Another question… and it’s not about Zenny! *cringes, and ducks cyber-eggs* :D :D

    This one is regarding something I recently read about Rachel Alexandra. (Is that how you spell her name?) I know she had problems delivering her latest foal, and almost died. But, my question is more about what happened to her newborn foal. I read that they gave her foal to a nurse-mare that had recently given birth. I gathered from what I read (and I may have gotten this wrong) that they took the nurse-mare’s birth foal AWAY from her and gave her Rachel’s baby, instead! I believe someone commented they would be hand-feeding the nurse-mother’s foal. I have to confess this made me feel soooo badly for the baby foal that was removed from his/her mother. Why would they do that? Why not just hand feed Rachel’s baby instead of replacing one baby foal with another? Is it just because Rachel’s foal is more valuable? Poor, other baby…. :( :( :(

    I’m too soft-hearted and it’s probably the reason – once, a long time ago – why I ended up with five cats at the same time. :p

    Mary, from Michigan

    • / Reply

      I can’t find my original response to this but I will try to recreate it.

      Yes, RA13 was placed on a nurse mare. The nurse mare comes from a very reputable ‘professional’ nursemare farm in Kentucky that leases their mares out as nurse mares IF needed. The farm is ethically run and in fact if the mare and her natural filly were not separated until the filly had received the mare’s ‘first milk’ from her dam, so RA13 was bottle fed for about 24 hours.

      Thoroughbred race horses do not do well on the track when hand raised. Unlike other disciplines where hand raising has not significant impact on the horses’ ability to be competitive a hand raised race horse losses out on vital Horse to Horse communication cues that a foal can ONLY learn from a mare.

      The nurse mare’s filly is a very well bred quarter-horse who was bred for the purpose of becoming a reining/cutting horse. As such her bond with her human rider will be paramount in that pursuit and being hand reared won’t affect her competitiveness.

      On the race track, in a race, it is not just about physical ability. A horse must be able to look another horse in the eye and go by them, there are 100s of subtle ‘herd hierarchy’ body language going on between race horses that have nothing to do with the jockeys.

      This is (in part) why fillies don’t run against colts. It is not entirely about physical strength but a mare is designed by nature to yield to the ‘orders’ of a stallion. It takes a real ‘b****’ of a filly to look that boy in the eye and say “No way, buddy I am going by you and none of your attitude is going to stop me!”

      Without these lessons in horsey body language a racehorse is at a distinct disadvantage out on the track and we humans cannot give this to a foal in hand rearing.

      • / Reply

        Thank you, zenyen, for again answering my question! It was probably your original post that I was thinking about. I’m glad to know that the filly being hand raised isn’t losing out on something valuable by being taken from her mother. I certainly didn’t know that race horses need to be raised by a horse to be a good competitor, either. I will stop worrying about that little filly, now. Thanks for the reply!

        Mary

      • / Reply

        Thanks, Zenyen. I loved your description of the racing filly, that is how I have raised my two legged fillies! HA!

        Now, 13Z, I don’t think anyone will get by you,you little stinker you.
        Good job Zenny. Love you too,Coz.
        Thanks Team Z for the new adorable photos and video,precious.

  20. / Reply

    Roberta: I know the other site you were on; I read your messages. Truthfully, I don’t think they meant you any harm intentionally. Sometimes people can get “lost in the schuffle” as I think this was the case with you. If I’d have known thay you were that upset by your not getting the answers you were looking for, I would have tried to respond to them. If you would like to email me at nboyd-clouston1@rogers.com I would welcome all your questions & try to answer them. I’d like to be your cyber-friend & try to help you over your hurt feelings. We are all horse lovers & there is nothing more healing to sore hearts than the love of a horse. Zenyatta is an example of unconditional love for people & it that spirit, I offer you my friendship. Yours truly, in the love of horses, Nicki

  21. / Reply

    Mary from Michigan: Please be assured that Oja’s foal is being raised with the best care. It was announced that that foal will go on to become a happy & cared for Quarter Horse that may be used for barrel-racing or as a beloved pet as a trail horse. They are well looked after or Stonestreet would not condone the use of these nurse-mares if the foals weren’t cared for. The farm that utilizes these mares are above-board & play an important part of the Thoroughbred industry. Otherwise, the farms would not be associated with them.

    • / Reply

      I’m VERY glad to know that the foal is being well-cared for. I probably shouldn’t stew about things I have no control over, but I’m an animal lover in general. After I read about that foal substitution situation I was felt so sad about the baby being removed from her mommy that all sorts of ‘worst case’ ideas came popping (uninvited!) into my over-active imagination. Thank you all for reassuring me she is well.

      Thank you, and have a wonderful weekend!

      Mary

    • / Reply

      Dear Auntie Judy and Karen G.:

      Thanks for posting this wonderful video tribute to Mr. K.

      Just beautiful Karen. Love and Hugs to both of you, JB

    • / Reply

      Thanks Judy for posting this link, and thank you to Karen for the beautiful tribute to Eric Kronfeld. The pictures and the music are lovely and very touching. ♥♥♥

    • / Reply

      Hi Judy
      Thanks for posting.

      Hi Karen
      What a beautiful tribute to Mr Kronfeld. It’s so true, he did give us so much. I am so sorry he won’t see Ebby as she continues with her racing career.

    • / Reply

      Dear Karen and Judy,
      What a lovely tribute to this wonderful man. At least he got to see his genius creation Zenny reach the epitome of racing success. And his lovely Ebby won twice for him, she is exquisite too. Thank you for creating this wonderful video. hugs

    • / Reply

      Karen G. the video is wonderful. I am glad he saw, Ebby win her maiden race.I am sure he will continue to watch over her.

  24. / Reply

    Zenyen thanks so much for your posts. They are very informative and interesting I always enjoy reading them.

  26. / Reply

    Such Beautiful pictures of 13Z and momma “Z” herself. Loved the video clip at the end! What a joy it is to watch 13Z no matter what he is doing. He is so adorable and so good looking as well. Zenyatta is beautiful as ever!!! I just want to kiss them both. So happy we have this site and the pictures and info we do. Gotta Love em!!! :) XOXOXOX to all

  27. / Reply

    The question of Zenyatta’s new man in her life has given us a lot of fun guessing, right? The choices are endless. Will they stick to the Seattle Slew line? Here are some of my picks.
    1. Big Brown
    2.Curlin
    3.Malibu Moon
    4.Medgalia D’oro
    5.Minshaft
    6.Tiznow

  28. / Reply

    Mr. Besilu Nears Debut
    Novak at the Track The Blood Horse 31 May 2013 12:48 PM
    It has been 991 days since a big bay colt with a smashing white blaze hauled his handler through the ring at Keeneland’s 2010 September yearling sale, hammer falling on the winning $4.2 million bid of Benjamin Leon. You could feel the electricity and then a breath of fresh air, of revitalization, through the entire pavilion. Sold in the midst of a grim downturn in the Thoroughbred market, the son of A.P. Indy brought the most of any yearling purchased in North America since 2006 as the sale saw across-the-board gains
    Excerpt
    First under the care of Todd Pletcher, Mr. Besilu was transferred to Leon’s farm near Ocala, Fla., when Leon and Pletcher parted ways at the end of 2011. The colt is now in training with Hall of Fame horseman Bill Mott, who had Mr. Besilu at Payson Park over the winter before moving him up to New York with his Belmont string.
    http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/novak-at-the-track/archive/2013/05/31/Mr.-Besilu-Nears-Debut.aspx
    Keta Note: Terrific article & history.
    Baby Mr. Besilu looks so much like 13Z. .

  29. / Reply

    Mucho Macho Man (5-Year-Old Horse) Workout
    Date: May 31, 2013
    Track: FAIR HILL
    Distance: Five Furlongs
    Time: 59:80 Breezing
    Track Condition: Fast
    Surface: Dirt
    Rank: 1/5

    • / Reply

      Awesome. Love this guy. I think he was a June foal—wonder if racing him before he matured has been a factor in his inconsistent performance. He always tries so hard!

  30. / Reply

    Hello to Alys and Team Z, These pictures are simply amazingly awesome! The video was so precious. When Z stuck her nose to the camera, I kissed my computer screen! I hope Zenyatta felt it!! It seems that whenever I get so busy and can not get to my special Z blog, that is when a new one from Team Z is put on!!! (I am always a day late and a dollar short) It figures.

    Thank you so much, Sally B

    I am heading up to visit my BFF tomorrow and will not be here again until I return, but Z, wherever I go you go; you are in my heart and soul wherever I may be!
    lovenkisses on your soft nose; kisses to Coz and 13z too!
    Auntie Sally

    Hello All; I have missed so much again, hope everyone is doing just fine, have a special week end.
    hugs, Sally B

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