Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Zenyatta News

Some New Photos!

Photo Courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End
Photo Courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Happy Monday!

Alys sent us some photos over the weekend. She caught 12Z having a good roll and Zenyatta spending some time (and sharing apples) with Donna.

Enjoy!
-Team Z

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
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


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
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


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
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

1,386 Comments

  3. / Reply

    shirleeinindy Joyful Victory ran quite a race. Hugs, Keta

    Mary Rampellini‏ Daily Racing Form tweet
    #BeyerSpeedFigures from Saturday night stakes at #SamHouston:
    Joyful Victory 100; Swift Warrior 98; Icon Ike 93; Tour Guide 83

  4. / Reply

    A Birthday Poem for Joy Kruckenberg
    (January 28, 2013)

    Dear Joy, beloved sis of Heidi Kruckenberg,
    I’ve heard
    Your birthday is today,
    So I’m sending a poem your way.
    Heidi has shared
    That your dad, loving and big-hearted,
    Deeply for you two girls cared.
    Back in the day
    When he was alive,
    He always did strive
    To be a role model
    In so many a way,
    Including of course
    Love of the horse
    Which he to you both imparted.
    Your riding days started
    Before you could toddle,
    And soon you competed in shows.
    Did that maybe include rodeos?
    Heidi does attest
    The days she does recall
    As the very best
    Of all
    Were when you a day-long trail ride
    Would take
    To a small man-made lake
    Two hours away–
    You would rise before the sun
    To begin your day of fun,
    And meet up with friends
    With whom the day to spend.
    Joy, you were so happy
    Star Trek to be astride,
    The gentle stud Appy
    Of your beloved pappy,
    A chestnut stallion sporting white on his rump
    Spangled with brilliant red flecks.
    Heidi would ride
    Star’s Mini Hi,
    A homebred daughter of Star Trek’s,
    And let us your friend Barbara not forget,
    Who would ride
    Another Star Trek daughter,
    The mahogany mare Moon Beam,
    Whose Appy tail did seem
    Scarce more than a whiskered stump,
    Which she nonetheless carried high
    When on the run–
    ”Twould appear she was waving at one
    As she would run by!
    Approaching the lake water,
    Star Trek would, I reckon,
    Feel it him beckon,
    ’Cuz he would dash right in
    For a refreshing swim,
    Soon to be joined by each daughter.
    Another favorite spot
    Which you and Star Trek both loved a lot
    Was on a large neighboring plot
    Of rolling hills,
    Where you would find special thrills.
    You would Star Trek steer
    At a gallop toward a hilltop.
    At the summit, finishing his run,
    He would stop,
    Then triumphantly rear
    And on his hind legs hop,
    Executing those leaps
    Which are known as the feats
    Of the Viennese Lipizzan!
    Oh my goodness, what fun!
    Do you think this might show
    That in his veins still did flow
    The blood
    So fine
    Of that sort of noble horse
    Brought by the Spanish invaders,
    Some four hundred years ago,
    Cousins to the famed Lipizzan.
    As history took its course,
    Some Spanish chargers did get loose
    Which would contribute down the line
    To the Appaloos’.
    First the escapees ran
    Wild and free,
    Enjoying only each others’ company,
    And soon the West
    With their numbers did flood.
    Those that from the Spaniards fled
    Lives of freedom led
    Till many a native tribe
    Them captured and began to ride.
    Those equine’s descendants
    Acquired by Nez Perce traders and raiders
    Two hundred-some years later
    In the far Northwest,
    Were by the Nez Perce selectively bred,
    The best to the very best,
    To produce,
    Most resplendant,
    The Horse of the Palouse,
    Known today as the Appaloos’.
    The Nez Perce many horses did lose
    When they made their truce
    With the U.S.
    Many horses were killed, but some did survive,
    So there was still a chance
    To keep the breed alive,
    And today the breed does thrive,
    As it did through Star Trek on the Kruckenberg ranch
    In the growing-up days
    Of Heidi and Joy,
    Each a tomboy
    With Horse Whisperer ways.
    Joy, as images from then
    Of bareback rides
    Through your mind flicker
    Once again,
    And you hear
    In your mind’s ear
    The horses neigh,
    And snort and nicker,
    Remember that now as then,
    Though at times one sis may with the other bicker,
    Heidi to you
    Will forever be true.
    She’ll be right by your side,
    She will you not fail
    As you now face medical travail.
    Joy, all the Z-sters, too, do you invite
    To join us here on Z’s site,
    And we hope Zenyatta’s spirit just might
    Give you added strength in your fight.

    We wish you a happy birthday, Joy, and many, many happy returns!

    • / Reply

      Dear Trina:

      Wonderful. Hugs, JB

      Dear Joy:

      Wishing you a very Happy Birthday and improved health. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Trina, this poem made my heart smile, remembering all those times we went to the lake and rode through creeks and streams. I know Sis would love this and if she feels half as much Joy from this that I do, she’ll cry too! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!! Now, if I can just get her over here. :)

      • / Reply

        Heidi,
        Happy Birthday to Joy!
        May this new year bring all good things!

        Trina, another journey shared through poetry. Beautifully done!
        Hugs, Keta

    • / Reply

      Awww my heart does indeed smile ♥♥ LOVE THIS! :)

      For you Joy – feel better soon and kick your sis’s ass!

    • / Reply

      Trina, thankyou so much for the beautiful poem. As being Joy’s Mom & Dad, we really appreciate your prayers and concern for Joy. We love all of you, thankyou again.
      Mom and Dad.

      • / Reply

        Dear Rose and Bill,
        It’s nice to meet you. Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so glad you liked the poem, and I pray that Joy will soon have a good resolution of her medical problems. Please all stay in touch and keep us Z-sters in the loop. There will be Zenyatta news here to look forward to too–in another month or two, she’ll have her second baby. I hope you’ll check in to see. Love in Z-sterhood, Trina

  5. / Reply

    Thank you from the bottom of my heart . The birthday poem was the pirfect way to start my Birthday . I dont know you , but today I felt I did , as thougth you were thier . Thank you so much . From both me and my sis heidi . Thank you Heidi I Love you very much ! And yes I cryed too…

    • / Reply

      Joy. All of the best on your day. Happy Birthday. Hope that you are feeling much better soon. Best wishes to Heidi too.

    • / Reply

      Happy Birthday Joy. We are a great group, and I’m glad that you were able to stop by and see Trina’s spectacular poem (history lessons on many fronts) and receive the good wishes of Z’s family. Best wishes for a much better year ahead.
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      Dear Joy,
      Happy birthday wishes again and best wishes for the year ahead! I’m so glad that you liked your poem and that you joined us here on Z’s site. I hope you’ll continue to join in here on the Blog. I also recommend checking out the great Zenyatta and 12Z photos and videos—they’re always a pleasure to see–and take a look at the Forum too. Don’t be a stranger, now, you hear?
      Love in Dumplinghood (Heidi will explain it!),
      Trina

      • / Reply

        Now, that I can say this. I told my Mom what you were doing and she was so eager to get her hands on the poem. I told her how to get here but, she’s not at all a computer person. So, I sent them a copy via email so she can print it there. I also had Cindy print a copy. I’m sure that Joy’s already printed it out. That was just sooo wonderful of you. I can’t Thank you enough and tell you how much it truly means to myself and for Joy. Now, the surprises haven’t stopped here. I have “something” planned for mid week. Some already know what that is but, shhhhhh.. Last thing I need is to have the “beans” spilt now that Joy knows how to get here. LOL
        Love and hugs in Dumplinghood!

    • / Reply

      @Joy– today we honor you on your special day and came to know you better through dear Trina’s poem. Many, many Dummplings are praying for you and sending you heartfelt support.Sending massive Z-hugs. Power up, Joy!!!

    • / Reply

      Dear Joy:

      Your sister Heidi is a beloved Z’ster and Dumpling to all of us in Z’s Family. Having a sister of my own, I understand the special bond. Hoping and praying that you feel better soon. Love and Hugs, JB

  7. / Reply

    Jackson Bend Won’t Stand in 2013
    By Blood-Horse Staff Updated: Monday, January 28, 2013 4:03 PM
    Journeyman Stud stallion Jackson Bend , a dual grade I winner who was retired from racing in October, will not stand his first season at stud in 2013 after it was determined that he would require more time to recover from a training accident suffered last August.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75892/jackson-bend-wont-stand-in-2013#ixzz2JJ8tr3oa

    • / Reply

      Well it is sad news, I am very glad they are taking JB’s
      health in consideration. To try and continue could risk his life.

      Thanks for the post Keta.

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta and Z Fans:

      Thank you, Keta, for this update on JB.

      I was so worried that Jackson Bend might have lasting effects from a concussion he suffered as a result of a collision with another horse while training at Saratoga. Now it turns out he sustained a back injury as well. Love this Boy and praying for his complete recovery. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy B,

        Any animal or human that sustains a head injury, the pressure goes down
        the spine so they often occur together. It seemed that initially it was the head,
        but, with the position he has to assume breeding, the pressure was increased
        down the spine from his head striking the ground. The spinal vertebra are
        pushed together so there can be back trauma. Same with humans, so often do
        head CT scans as well as neck x-rays and even down the spine after a head
        trauma.

        So glad they found it as he could have permanent injury with the pressure on
        the spine breeding takes.

        So glad they are taking care of this wonderful horse.

        • Thanks for commenting on color/temperament connection. What is a ‘V’ in horse breeding? Does temperament effect speed, or is it intelligence & a large gait/lg heart? Being able to take in a huge amount of air.
          Also on concussions, on the Denver Post a participant in the on- going X games, was involved in a horrific accident, after which he actually got up and was escorted to the hospital where things got progressively worse, I guess his heart was bleeding and they had to to emergency heart surgery, and that put extra strain on his brain and it is in real trouble. His father is expecting him to die. Concussions are the news in sports now.

        • Dear Sign:

          Makes perfect sense that type of injury could travel affecting the spine. I hope he can be made comfortable and recovers fully. Hugs, JB

        • Dear Sunny B and Z Fans:

          Do you remember actor Liam Neeson’s wife, Natasha Richardson. She sustained a concussion when she fell while skiing (no helmet) in 2009 and sadly she passed away. So sorry about the X-Games athlete. Hope he pulls through.

          As far as temperament in horses, I personally think it’s rather like in people; part nurture and part genetics that makes up temperament, not color. I think John Shirreff’s training methods are nurturing to horses so if they have inherited a sweet temperament, JS just encourages that.

          Horses who have been mistreated have to learn to trust again and when they are treated with kindness most do and their personalities change; they become more gentle, calm and do know humans are trying to help them. They begin bonding with humans and other horses. It’s there nature to be social. So if it’s not in the horses makeup to be bad tempered, even mistreatment won’t make them mean. They will shy away from people; a certain object, or noise or whatever caused them stress in the past.

          Sometimes just the move to new surroundings and the loss of a best buddy will cause real anxiety in some. In time and shown kindness and patience, they adjust. I’ve seen all of this first hand on the farm where my Charlie is.

          I think a long gait, large heart, good lung capacity, intelligence and just overall soundness and good conformation are in the genes. Some horses inherit those genes and some do not. It’s like a box of chocolates (as Forrest Gump would say) you never know what your gonna get. Hugs, JB

        • Dear Sunny B,

          “V” is Zenny’s abbreviation for her “mom” “Vertingineaux” sorry for the
          confusion. Temperment is like “personality” is for humans. For horses
          it is if they are kind, gentle, bite, kick, rear up; stubborn, opinionated (constantly have something to day “in horse language” about what you are doing or what is going on in their world), determination; will to win;
          have an attitude (turn their back when you come to their stall); curious
          (stick their head out and watch everything); sulk in the back of their stall
          (unhappy, not sociable), those kind of thing.

          You may hear trainers, when they have trained a “family” like Personal
          Ensign and her daughters; or even Zenny and “E”. They talk about
          temperment or characteristics that are the same. John says “E” is like
          Zenny in that her head is always out and she is looking around,
          very curious when people come up; kind etc…

          As Judy B mentions; how horses are treated will affect their temperament,
          but the basic temperment in bred or genetic.

          Interesting comment about the participant in the X-games. I had a very interesting patient, a young may in his 30 with a back injury. When he was
          in his early 20’s he was in a high speed motor vehicle accident, and
          ruptured his aorta (which is the bleeding you are talking about) fortunately
          no head injury, but had emergency surgery and survived, very unusual and miracoulous.

          He continued to have pain too long after his injury so he was sent for
          x-rays. The radiologist reading the x-rays noticed a fracture in his lower
          back vertebra and thought it was “new”; after telling him the history we
          figured out it was an old fracture from 10 years ago that is now causing
          him problems. He was mad because no one told him about the fracture.

          Horses have very long backs so are very vulnerable to back issues.
          That is why many trainers have horse chiropractors that work on their
          horses to keep them aligned and comfortable when they are being ridden.

          One of my friends at the barn had a back injury herself, and because of
          that she would sit “crooked” on her horse and rode him stronger on one side than the other. Therefore, the horse was stronger on one side than
          the other like she was. She often had to have others ride him or have
          the chiropractor out for alignment so he would be comfortable.

          Very interesting question Sunny B.

        • Judy berube,

          I would never disagree that fair handling of any animal is very important in the development of that animal’s attitude and interaction with humans.

          That said, there are also a lot of ‘nature’ aspects at play as well and it is unfair to assign purely human emotions to a horse and ignore their unique ‘horse-ness.’

          Some instances that immediately come to mind:

          Hastings. Hasting’s dam was a mare named Cinderella who was quite famous in her own right for her temper and she passed it right along to her son. There is a saying in the horse world that you can not get a good colt off a bad mare, meaning (among other things I’m sure) that if the dam’s temper is sour, she is going to teach that negativity to her foal in those formative months the foal is on her.

          As we all know, Hastings was a very dangerous stallion, he made Dynaformer look like a teddy bear. Hastings temper was as much a product of nature as handling. He was from a mare with a vicious temper and he was an entire, breeding stallion.

          Breeding stallions (particularly thoroughbreds) are due respect every time you handle them. Some of them, keep the distinction of ‘human’ and horse clear and they are professional about their business. For other stallions that ‘nature’ of territoriality and the aggression to dominate the situation overrides every other imperative and the human handler is seen as a viable threat to that dominance and thus to be ‘taught a lesson!’

          It takes a very skillful and experienced stallion handler to keep situations from escalating to that point. Something that drives me a little crazy is when people constantly complain in You Tube video commentary about the stallion handler, ‘jerking’ the chain out of the stallion’s teeth or giving little jerks on the shank as they stand and talk.

          People complain about how mean it is to the horse and making the horse anxious, etc, etc. What they do not understand is that you cannot give a stallion or a stud colt an inch, because an inch, quickly becomes a mile. The grabbing of the chain in the teeth is a dominance play on the part of the stud. As we all know, these horses are NOT stupid. He gets that chain, he has leverage against his handler as the shank becomes USELESS to the human.

          The shaking of the shank, ‘jerking’ of the line is an unspoken communication between handler and stallion, a near constant conversation of “Hey, pay attention to me. No, we’re not going to check out any mares, stop looking over your shoulder for someone to show off for, lets not have any of that rearing nonsense, this is a nice little photoshoot, lets keep all four on the floor buddy.”

          The shaking of the shank, the quick removal of the chain from the teeth, while it looks like playfulness to the layman is actually an experienced stud master cutting off any avenues of escalation to a GENUINE confrontation. It’s not that any of the stallions are mean or mishandled, they are BREEDING STALLIONS. Their instincts tell them to subdue any challenge to their utter dominance of their surroundings and when you’re talking 1100# of muscle and hoof against 180lbs of human, the advantage must be maintained.

          So you have your Hastings and your Dynaformers, horses who were always treated with respect but who had tempers that demanded handling strictly by professionals.

          Storm Cat’s offspring were known to be particularly hot when they were on the track. I remember well a video of Empire Maker getting ready for one of the TC races and while on his gallop he decided he wanted to go for the cut and blew across the track, nearly plowing through other horses. His trainer mentioned dryly that EM’s dam Toussaud used to pull the same stunts in training.

          Remember, for all her sweetness around the stable, Zenyatta was a handful on the track. http://www.drf.com/news/zenyattas-people-exercise-rider-steve-willard

        • Thanks,Zenyen,
          Wonderful information.
          Yikes…Hastings!
          Steve Willard,my hero,the master. Almost every horse is pretty much born,honest and with guts. Training, riding, and keeping that spirit intact is to be admired and very much respected!

          Look at our Fabulous feral Filly ( FFF ), Miracles of Life! Wooza.

        • Thanks very much Zenyen – really fascinating info. Loved the handler’s mental “talk” with the horse.

      • / Reply

        Man ‘o War can be traced in Zenyatta’s pedigree. Hastings is Man ‘o War’s grand sire. Hastings was known to bite other horses on the track. Off the track handlers needed cubs to control him. Zenyen is right. Compared to Hastings, Big D was mellow. Hastings and Big D, love them both.

        • Yikes! Thanks,Max!
          I remember riding an OTTB,mare,named May. We had our end of summer show and nobody wanted to show , May. Well, Mr. A looks at me and says…one left and she’s yours!
          During the show,May got even. She was reaching over and biting the others that went by on their mounts. I mean,she was biting LEGS of riders.
          At that point, I had my hands full and did not rebel against May. i grew to love the ole girl,May.

        • Max,

          I’m trying to recall the details of … Display I think it was who was a horse of two moods.

          His groom made it clear, every morning he would go up to the stall with Display’s breakfast and as “And how’s our beautiful Display today?” If Display came over, interested in his breakfast and his ears up, handling him was going to be fine. If instead, he kept his head in the corner and smashed his hind feet into the stall door, everybody knew to keep their distance and not bother him that day.

          There was never any rhyme or reason, would happen during breeding season and off breeding season but the message was loud and clear; you handled Display on the days *he* deemed a good day.

  9. / Reply

    dear trina thanks very much for the news about judy glore I had put a post up asking how she was(we had’nt heard in a while)barbara kindly told me she was better I often think of her and how the horses need her a wonderful woman full of spirit hugs sheena

  10. / Reply

    Happy Birthday, Joy! I hope you have a fabulous birthday and that you’re feeling better real soon.

    Awesome poem, Trina! I don’t know where you find the time to write these beautiful poems. You are a true treasure.

  14. / Reply

    Tessa Update: Tessa had a not so good day yesterday. She didn’t want to eat her feed but did enjoy being out in the sunshine, she did nibble at her hay a little bit. Today she did eat her feed, she is not over the hump as we were hoping and ask for the prayers to continue.

    Maybe she wanted sunshine instead of food. If I was stuck in one place for the longest time, I would want to move around a bit too. At least she is snacking though. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than not eating at all.

    -Pati

  15. / Reply

    Happy Birthday, Joy, and all the very best wishes to you and Heidi!

    Thanks, Trina, for another wonderful work of poetry!

    Pati,
    Continuing prayers for Tessa and lighting of candles, too. Power up, Tessa!

    • / Reply

      Heidi,

      Thank you, thank you so much. I was having a very stressful morning until I sat down to the blog and looked at that video. I have seen it before, but so needed it this morning. It made my face and my heart smile, and tears of joy streaming. Never gets old.

      Happy belated birthday to Joy. Trina, fabulous poem again. It just amazes me how we can learn and feel like we know so much about these wonderful people, through your wonderful poems.

      Have a great day everyone. Zenny and 12Z, I love you forever my angels,

    • / Reply

      Heidi,
      Thank you SO MUCH for this wonderful video. I remember hearing about it when it was first posted, but then it disappeared before many of us got to see it. I’m so glad that it’s “back” – truly the highlight of the week.
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      Yes, I read it, thanks for going thru all the trouble, btw, the young man I mentioned yesterday, is from your neck of the woods.
      How many of the Triple winners were Reds? Besides our most famous one, Secretariat? And who & what were the other colors ?

      • / Reply

        Dear Sunny B,

        A Texas, in gorgeous Colorado. A wonderful time of year to be
        their, white snow and crisp mornings, lovely mountains.

        That is a great question about Triple Crown winners and their colors.
        Will have to take a look a that. Guess you like those Chestnuts !!!!

        We know Seattle Slew was a brown horse, Affirmed was a chestnut,
        to be continued …..

        • You will probably discover the majority
          of the winners were chestnut. I looked it up
          when I’ll Have Another was making his bid.
          I had them written down, but misplaced that
          list somewhere.

        • Sunny B and Sign,

          I knew my darn list would show up after I post.
          Here is the horses and color. Correct me if I am wrong.
          1919 Sir Barton- chestnut
          1930 Gallant Fox-bay
          1935 Omaha-chestnut
          1937 War Admiral- Brown
          1941 Whirlaway-chestnut
          1943 Count Fleet-brown
          1946 Assault-chestnut
          1948 Citation-chestnut
          and the other two that Sign has listed. That makes 6 out of 11 being Chestnuts.

        • Janet. I have never seen a color photo of Whirlaway. He must have been a glorious sight with that long, long chestnut tail.

  18. / Reply

    BLOODHORSE: WAR EMBLEM SIRES A CHAMPION IN JAPAN

    (so very glad for the Japanese; he has been a handful and they
    will have something special)

    War Emblem Represented by Champion in Japan
    By Blood-Horse Staff
    Updated: Monday, January 28, 2013 3:07 PM
    Posted: Monday, January 28, 2013 1:50 PM

    War Emblem, the 2002 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner who has had a limited number of foals due to his selectivity in the breeding shed, has been represented by a champion in Japan.

    War Emblem-sired Robe Tissage, campaigned by Silk Co., was honored as champion 2-year-old filly for 2012 when the Japan Racing Association held its awards ceremony Jan. 28. The filly, whose victories included the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (Jpn-I), is one of eight stakes winners for War Emblem, who has been represented by 48 winners from 80 starters. In all, War Emblem has sired 89 foals through December 2012.

    War Emblem won the 2002 Derby and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) before being shipped to Shadai Stallion Station in Japan to stand at stud. His low number of foals is attributed to his selectivity in which mares he chooses to service, and in 2012, none of the three mares he covered were pronounced in foal.

    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75890/war-emblem-represented-by-champion-in-japan#ixzz2JN3ZtdZa

  21. / Reply

    Dear Zenny fans, Dumplings and All,

    We thank you for waking up once again to see and to hear this morning.
    Please keep us safe from all dangers and harm, through the day.
    Help us have a positive attitude with plenty of gratitude for what we
    have in our lives.
    Let us make the best of each day and every day to clear our minds and be
    open to your words.
    Please help us expand our mind so that we can accept new things and people
    into our lives.
    Let me not whine and whimper over those things we have no control over.
    Please help us respond and push ourselves beyond our limits so we see
    shades of gray rather than black and white visions.
    Keep us strong so we can help those weaker.
    We believe that you can change people and you can change things.
    We pray for our friend, family and equines this day for safety and soundness.
    We pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that
    seems them and confession are made willingly.

    This is our prayer for this wonderful, blessed day.

    Amen

    • / Reply

      Marty R, thanks for the reminder to check the LE’s site.

      Janet, it does seem like the first foaling came late.

    • / Reply

      Dear Marty R.:

      Thanks for this link. Checked on LE’s site just last week and there was no 2013 foal listing. Will save this in my favorites. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      What a cool horse Ann! He looked so graceful (maybe it was the music). What would you call the type of place he was running in? Thanks :-)
      Sandy

      • / Reply

        Sandy,
        Now w/ our knee deep mud,ice and rain,we would call it riding heaven! Ha!
        I guess just a very nice enclosed riding/training arena…to die for! Riding and training year round,no weather delays.

        • Dear Ann: I want one! Will have to consult my financial adviser! Hugs, Kathy R. (and thanks for the post)

    • / Reply

      Ann,
      Thanks for this video of a stunningly gorgeous horse. Painted Freedom is lovely.
      Great to see a two-toned TB!
      Cheers!

  25. / Reply

    Dear Anne ( Honey ) in Paramont,
    I am sorry about your guy,Rightful. Always a tough pill to swallow. Know I have been thinking of all of you and hope Righteous will continue on w/ a new career.
    Now, was in the local Agri supply store yesterday and saw the best pair of mud boots, with horses all over them. Immediately thought of you and am proud you “sloshed on”, fulfilling your duties as a GREAT owner, seeing your guy!
    Take care and if had seen GS,like you again,they would have to peel me off of the floor,lucky you and how sweet of him to be so kind about RI.

  26. / Reply

    Hello Again Everyone!! I started typing this a few minutes ago and suddenly it all disappeared! Will try again and see if I can make it work.

    I was going to wait until I had caught up with all of today’s posts but,couldn’t resist commenting on something I noticed above.

    I saw the mighty Citation (as well as his stablemate and running-buddy,Coaltown) in the pasture at Calumet eons ago. They both looked shiny,glossy black–I had always thought they were,but,knowing what I know now about how horses colors are classified,they must have been really dark brown–and just looked black. They surely did not look bay.

    Isn’t it so fun to hear about how well Rosie N. is doing?? I was so thrilled seeing her up close at the paddock at the BC,and to get a picture. Surely hope she DOES get to ride Bobby in the Derby!!!

    Will write a little later about Barnaby and Traveller–it’s getting busy here at work!! Love to all!!

  27. / Reply

    ♥ On behalf of Queen Zenyatta – I’m wishing Princess Rachel Alexandra a Happy Birthday ! In my ♥ i know they would have been friends off of the track :-)

    ♥ Happy Birthday to EBLOUISSANTE – who shares her birthday with Penny Chenery, 1/27 ! :-) I hope Ebby got my birthday card!

    ♥ Love, Auntie Judy to ALL horses!

  28. / Reply

    Joining Auntie Judy in HAPPY BIRTHDAY RA!
    Stonestreet Farm‏ tweets
    It’s her birthday & she’ll stay dirty if she wants!
    Springlike in #lexky for Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra’s bday!
    She is expecting a filly by Bernardini in mid Feb this year!
    https://twitter.com/StonestreetFarm/status/296322629088980992/photo/1

    For our Saratoga & NY Z-strs Spa Infield Goose‏ aka SaratogaGoose tweet
    It’s Rachel Alexandra’s birthday! I loved her.
    I used to fly past her barn at Saratoga just to see her.

    • / Reply

      Thanks,Keta.
      Happy B-day,RA…you look gorgeous in the photo,mud and all. Love the wisps of mane catching the breeze,beautiful.Enjoy the day,RA.winter to spring to winter…help! perfect horse gift…MUD!!!

      That silly Saratoga Goose! I love the Goose!

    • / Reply

      Too cute! Love the pic, and the tweet from the Infield Goose who “used to fly by her barn just to see her.” Thanks, Keta!

  29. / Reply

    FOREGO REMEMBERED Glen Todd‏ tweet
    This Day-1973 Forego, eventual 3-time HOY Year, 1974-76, broke his maiden by eight lengths in his second career start at Hialeah Park
    KY Tbred Assoc.tweeted a response
    Forego was an amazing thoroughbred. Born here in Central KY, excelled on the track,
    and lived out his days at the @KYHorsePark.
    Keta Note; It is nice to have a happy ending!

  30. / Reply

    horseracinghl‏ tweet CALVIN BOREL STILL OUT
    Calvin Borel still a week out from returning from broken wrist per @OaklawnRacing

    Mary Rampellini‏ DRF tweet
    Jockey Calvin Borel could return the second weekend in Feb.,per agent Jerry Hissam. Borel was sidelined by wrist injury; is at 4,999 wins.

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