Zenyatta

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Sweet Moments with Zenyatta

Photo by Kyle Acebo
Photo by Kyle Acebo

Happy Wednesday!

2016 has been off to a chilly start in Kentucky. Last week we spent a few days at Lane’s End with Zenyatta. We braved cold weather that didn’t seem to phase The Queen, and we even got to play in the snow.

Zenyatta is looking gorgeous with a healthy winter coat and growing belly. Her veterinarian says that momma and foal-to-be are both in excellent health. She has bonded with her paddock mates and she even shared her treats.

It won’t be long before foal watch begins in March! Scroll down for photos.

Enjoy!
Team Z

Photo by Kyle Acebo
Photo by Kyle Acebo


Photo by Kyle Acebo
Photo by Kyle Acebo


Photo by Kyle Acebo
Photo by Kyle Acebo


Photo by Kyle Acebo
Photo by Kyle Acebo


Photo by Kyle Acebo
Photo by Kyle Acebo


Photo by Kyle Acebo
Photo by Kyle Acebo


Photo by Kyle Acebo
Photo by Kyle Acebo


Photo by Kyle Acebo
Photo by Kyle Acebo


Zenyatta gives hugs... Photo by Kyle Acebo
Zenyatta gives hugs… Photo by Kyle Acebo


...and kisses. Photo by Kyle Acebo
…and kisses. Photo by Kyle Acebo


Photo by Kyle Acebo
Z is always happy to see Ann. Photo by Kyle Acebo


Zenyatta gets one last carrot before dark. Photo by Kyle Acebo
Zenyatta gets one last carrot before dark. Photo by Kyle Acebo


Sunset at Lane's End Farm. Photo by Kyle Acebo
Sunset at Lane’s End Farm. Photo by Kyle Acebo


Photo by Kyle Acebo
Photo by Kyle Acebo

Reader Interactions

447 Comments

  1. / Reply

    hi zsters :)

    todays devo:

    Raindrops scatter across my windshield as I drive home from a speaking engagement and the thoughts within my mind feel much the same. Questions haphazardly come: Should I have said that? Was I helpful? How did it really go?

    I pull into my garage and the sound of the storm lessens. It seems a stillness begins to settle within me, too. I picture the corner of my room where I curl up to spend time praying. And these words come to my heart: “When all is said and done I get to go home to Jesus.”

    In the moment I mean that in the most literal way. I’m thinking of a cup of tea, warm blanket and time for Him to bring my still-racing heart back to its usual rhythm. But I smile as I realize the words are true for eternity, too. No matter what happens in this life, when all is said and done we get to go home to Jesus.

    That reality gives us the strength and courage to serve:

    Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet. John 13:3-5

    We are called to be foot-washers and holy risk takers, too. To step outside our comfort zones, face the storms, even walk on water {or speak in public–which feels harder to me sometimes}. We can only do that if we are sure of where we’re ultimately headed and Who will be waiting for us. If you’re not yet, you can be today.

    I open the door of my house and it seems to invite me in like an old friend. I find my quiet spot in the corner. I close my eyes and all the questioning stops. I remember again that I am loved not because of what I do but because of Who I belong to. Home is where my heart is and I’m not in heaven yet. But I’m learning this: Home is also Who’s within my heart.

    And as I whisper a prayer while the storm subsides, I know Jesus is there.

    XOXO

    Holley Gerth

    mega hugZ/prayerZ, vamp

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue,
      Wonderful and inspiring words. So true – especially loved
      “…loved not because of what I do but because of Who I belong to.”
      Thank you for summing up what most of us go through so many days of our lives.
      Pray God’s blessings for you and everyone on Zenny’s website everyday,
      with love, Elizabeth

  3. / Reply

    Foal Watch: Preparing for New Arrivals
    Melissa Bauer-Herzog in America’s Best Racing Monday Jan. 25 2016
    Every year starting in early January, pregnant mares lose all privacy at farms around the world as they go under strict 24/7 surveillance. January is the unofficial start of foal watch season, marking a time when social media fills up with foal pictures as the next generation of racehorses arrive in the world. For those unfamiliar with what exactly foal watching is, let me explain.
    When mares get close to foaling at many farms, they are watched carefully all day and night. Since most mares foal at night, there is always at least one person there to make sure a mare doesn’t try to sneak out a foal without someone there to assist.
    Take a look behind the scenes as I give you a tour of what a typical night of foal watching at the farm I work on looks like. –
    http://www.americasbestracing.net/en/the-latest/blogs/2016/1/25/foal-watch-preparing-for-new-arrivals/

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Thank you for this really informative article. Shows just how much is involved in foaling at the farms. Love that little “Buckaroo”. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG,
      Great explanation and website! Thanks so much for posting. So many people pour their heart, time and soul into caring for all of these wonderful horses. Thank you for what you (and they) all do. God’s many blessings to everyone whose life is called to serve and protect all of God’s wonderful equine family. What would the world be like without our beautiful horses?! with love, Elizabeth

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG,
      Thanks for this really interesting article. There are lots of things to be on alert for during the night in the foaling barn and the other barns, too. Very informative piece.

      Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      BGG,
      Thanks for the post. These folks work so hard to take good care of the mares and foals. The rewards must be great but not in money.

  5. / Reply

    someone here likes Gold Ship…I think….he is at the Big Red Farm now….that’s where IHA lives…they posted some great pictures of him on their fb page….sorry I cant remember who…senior moment

    • / Reply

      Dear Carol:

      I think I remember our Peggy from Georgia posting about Gold Ship? He’s joined I’ll Have Another at Big Red Farm. Wishing him a healthy, happy life.

      Hope you’re doing well. Love and Hugs, JB

  6. / Reply

    Faugheen has been named as the best hurdler since the mighty Istabraq with a rating of 176 Istabraq is 181.Leopardstown are planning a retirement party for the incomparable Hurricane Fly.Istabraq says he’s too old for partying now!Bless him!Sheena

  8. / Reply

    Dear Mama Z, ZI, COZ and Montey (Muskateer):

    Goodnight. Happy Dreams all. Sweet Baby Dreams Z. Love you. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.

  9. / Reply

    Thanks to all of Team Z, Kyle and Lane’s End for the beautiful photos of Zenny, her paddock mates and lovely Ann. :) You can see and feel the love between Ann and her
    Zenny! Brings tears to my eyes, but happy tears. God’s continued blessings for all of you. ;)

    And, also, thanks to Sue Colvin for the beautiful and spiritual post from this morning.
    (Mon. Jan. 25th) Very nice and very true words! Blessings to you! :)

    Sending out all good thoughts and prayers to everyone of you out there in the Zenyatta
    Nation! You are all a wonderful group of people, which is so fitting, since Zenny was a gift sent down from Heaven to Ann and Jerry. A gift for all of us, really. ;)

    Peace, Love & Light,
    Kathy from SoCal (San Diego)

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy,
      Loved your post – all you said is so true. Hope you have a wonderful day,
      with love, Elizabeth

    • / Reply

      Judy,
      Thanks for the picture of the beautiful Lea. Nothing like a photo of one of your “loves” to start off a dark dreary cold morning. Always come to the Blog first thing as the pictures of Zenny brighten my day. Of course, those of her and Ann together bring some tears.

      Hope you and Lola Mae are warm and cozy.

      • / Reply

        Dear Shirlee:

        What a gorgeous Chess Club Boy he is. Hoping you are comfy and cozy too. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Judy,
          Thanks. I am warm and cozy since the storm did not come as far north as Indianapolis. Family in Kentucky had quite a time and daughter in the Baltimore area still has not seen a plow in her neighborhood. Hurry winter and go away!

  12. / Reply

    Dearest Zenny,
    You are beautiful in all seasons in every year, pregnant or not. We’re starting to count down now. Can’t help wishing for a filly. Love you always.

    • / Reply

      BGG,
      I do think that the racing industry does not understand the importance of female fans. When I go now, or ever went to the track, it was not to shake my booty or show off my hat. I went for love of the horses. They should also take a look at the people who post on this blog and on the Facebook of the farms and horses. I would venture a guess that women are in the majority.

      Miss Rosie!

      • / Reply

        Dear Shirlee:

        You’re so right. I do believe that most of us became enamored of racing, not because of the betting part, but because of our love of horses. Love and Hugs, JB

  14. / Reply

    Thank you so very much for this Monday morning visit with Zenyatta and her paddock friends and her human Mom Mrs. Moss. The photos are gorgeous. Ms. Z looks really amazing. She is truly a gift from the Gods and so nice of her caretakers to share her with her forever devoted followers.

  15. / Reply

    Dear Judy.Some of my links do work!!!!Do you remember the tale of Bear Witness Lady’s Secret’s son?His story has gone viral.His breeders were devastated to find out about him.They finished with racing 10yrs ago and gave him to what they thought was a good home.He was well looked by them and looked a picture.Jessie is determined to fight for unwanted TB’s who are left on the scrap heap.Hope the snow has cleared a little.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      I don’t remember the story of Bear Witness, but it unfortunately is a story that’s repeated over and over again. I checked his Equibase chart and he’s a son of one of my all time favorites, Skip Away. I hope he’s safe now. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy.Sadly Bear Witness died after years of abuse and neglect in October last year.He was found in a dreadful condition at an auction by Jessie Kunz and had 3months with her but he just failed to recover and died in her arms.A very sad tale given his connections.Love and hugs Sheena

        • Dear Sheena:

          Oh, I’m so very sad to hear this news. I am grateful, though, that he was well loved at the end of his life.

          This poor baby boy tried 16 times in MSW races to break his Maiden and never did. He last raced in May of 2005. Crying as I type this. Rest In Peace beautiful boy. Love and Hugs, JB

  16. / Reply

    I am sure glad I returned from up North to see this new post.
    I have never seen such a sweet beautiful and precious face as Zenyatta’s!
    To see Z with Ann; that is love.
    hugs, Sally B

  17. / Reply

    Goodnight precious Zenyatta
    love you with kisses and to your sons
    loving Z princess and my dear Sir
    Auntie Sally B

  19. / Reply

    January 26 Cherokee Devotional

    One of the keys to getting what we want is to be thankful even as we ask. If we can see something, we can do it-but we must acknowledge that we have spiritual help. It is the Spirit who gives us our dream or vision and helps us bring it into being. The Spirit stretches us beyond our present capability to accomplish what we do not think we can do. Expressing our gratitude to the Spirit can turn the key, allowing the door of our dreams to open. If we have the eye to see beyond present circumstances, we should use it, and use it gratefully. Without such vision, not only the dream dies-but the dreamer as well.

    What the Great Spirit made and planned, no power on earth can change it.
    -Hopi

  20. / Reply

    John F Kennedy has been in California since October and has been bought by an Argentinian bloodstock company for stallion duties but may race first.Ol’Man River sustained a fairly serious injury while in quarantine last November(he was due to travel to Australia)He is still in training and is recovering.Sheena

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Thanks for this info on JFK and OMR. Wishing both of them well and long and happy lives. Love and Hugs, JB

  21. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.I often wish my dreams would come true!The stormy weather has arrived very wet and windy.It didn’t look as Ray had too much snow in Boston he was enjoying his morning cuddles with daddy.The case has been dropped concerning Joe the cat (not enough evidence)Thank god he is with a good family now and happy.Sad story on Mango about a cat called TC who was shot by a neighbour and badly injured it took 26hrs to find him and he had his right leg amputated.Lucky that wasn’t my neighbour he’d have gotten a heck of a lot of amputations!They are gun crazy!Just because he was lying down by his hedge.
    It was good to see the little kitty living with the lambs in the barn and has made his home there now.Yes I noticed Zoe had 19000 friends and the ratties have over 23000
    now.I spent most of the morning on the phone trying to get a parcel delivered these call centres drive you up the wall!Hope your bruises are healing well the pups will miss you when you return to work.No news of Fubu hope they are coping.Have a great day.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO

  22. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    Stay safe in the storms. I’ll have to check out the pic of Ray cuddling with Daddy. They share a marvelous bond. Good news about Joe the cat. Amen, thank God he’s with a good family. That’s horrible what happened to TC. Poor baby. LOVED the pic of the kitty and the lambs. Lovely story. I’m so pleased for Zoe. And the ratties…WOW! Oh no! A call centre! You’d better do some turtling after that. We’ll all feel better once we’ve heard from Kimberly and Fubu. My bruises are healing gradually. I still have 3 nurses taking care of me. Have a good Tuesday. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO

  23. / Reply

    hi zsters :)

    todays devo:

    He told them, “Go into the middle of the Jordan,
    in front of the Ark of the Lord your God.
    Each of you must pick up one stone and carry it out on your shoulder –
    twelve stones in all, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel.
    We will use these stones to build a memorial.
    In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’
    Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing
    when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.’
    These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.”
    {Joshua 4:5-7, NLT}

    The Things That Remind Us . . .

    A souvenir reminds us of a trip we went on.
    A photo album reminds us of a holiday we celebrated.
    A yearbook reminds us of the classmates we went to school with.

    These keepsakes serve as reminders. Because it’s important to remember special moments.

    In the Old Testament, we read about the Israelites’ journey. From slavery to the Promised Land. God parted the waters of the Red Sea as they walked out of Egypt. And He parted the waters of the Jordan River as they walked into Canaan.

    And here, the moment they step foot onto the Promised Soil, God tells them to take up twelve stones from the dry riverbed and build a memorial — a memorial to serve as a reminder of their deliverance out of bondage and into freedom.

    God is still in the business of delivering His people out of messes and into beauty. And when we call to mind what He’s done for us, we can’t help but thank Him and praise Him.

    Some people write special dates in the margins of their Bible. These dates serve as reminders of when God brought them out of one thing and into something far better.

    Mementos and keepsakes can come in many forms. They can be simple things that remind us of God’s goodness to us.

    Today, let’s remember what God has brought us out of and into. And let’s give Him thanks.

    hugz/prayerz, vamp
    cont prayerz for my z family <3

  24. / Reply

    Frankel fever at Karakava .His first southern hemisphere foal has been sold for 1.3 million and goes to Sydney.A mouth watering clash between Solow and Maurice is on the cards for the world cup meeting at Meydan.Sheena

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Saw that in the TDN this morning. Godspeed to Solow, Maurice and all the horses’ safe and sound. Love and Hugs, JB

  25. / Reply

    Great photos of Zenyatta! And such touching shots of her and Ann. Made my day!
    I have spent most of the past few days on the road. Brook (my vizsla female) has been in season and became breedable on Saturday. So I loaded her up in the 4Runner and headed for Livermore, 2 hours. Rainy and windy, a nerve wracking trip. Her intended, a handsome older gentleman (12 years) was VERY glad to meet her but just did not have the strength to complete the deed. So we had an AI done. Needless to say the 2 hour trip home (still rainy) was a bit depressing as I had hoped for a live cover breeding. Yesterday, she was still fertile (I did not need a blood test to prove that, my own male was telling me) so I again loaded her up and headed for the Love Nest. Once again, Robi was just not up to the task, so we headed to his owner’s vet, another hour drive. But a very successful AI was performed, the vet saying it was an excellent draw. So another hour to owner’s house, then 2 more hours to home. Pulled in at 5:30. Exhausted. So it is now all in Mother Nature’s hands. Or God’s hands, if you prefer. (as I do!) Now the longest 28 days, waiting for the ultrasound to show puppies. If she is pregnant, pups are due March 26. Isn’t that close to Zenyatta’s due date?
    I am so excited. And hopeful!

    • / Reply

      Dear Lynn,
      Vizslas are so graceful and friendly – beautiful as well. Does Brook have lots of energy? All V’s we have known are very energetic and sweet. Hope this ‘took’ and the pups are already on the way. Am excited for you.
      with love, Elizabeth
      PS we have a 4-runner also – ours has a 170k miles and still going strong. Our other vehicle is a big 1 ton Ram pickup – it’s 4-wheel drive also – we have to have that ‘out here’ in the boonies – it’s 16 years old and we’re hoping to leave it in our will, as all the boys in the family would love it. … of course we hope not for a long time, as we still think we might have 30+ years at least to go – not the P-Up, but ‘us’.

  26. / Reply

    How can anyone stare into the eyes of Zenyatta and doubt the intelligence of this special horse. I was hoping that the course set out for California Chrome would be altered. That looks very remote now. The money grubbing owner, Perry Martin, will hopefully get what’s coming to him.

    • / Reply

      Dear TC GP:

      I was hoping, too, that CC would race right here at home. Praying he stays safe, healthy and sound. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Totally agree about Zen’s wonderful eyes, and her obvious intelligence!

      As for Chrome, I love that horse so, despite money-grubbing owners, I hope he wins big in Dubai.

      Then I hope he comes home where he belongs! He’s a beauty and a truly fine racehorse and it’s hard not to worry about him.

    • / Reply

      Dear TC GP,

      Zenyatta is beautiful inside and out.
      CC served the beauty of the racing world to Martin and hopefully Martin will pay it forward.
      Stay safe and sound, CC.

    • / Reply

      Dear Max.I hoped you’d get to see this excellent article .I read it earlier on one of our FB’s we have an American lady posting there.He may have been tiny but he certainly knew he was special and lived his way.All horses are intelligent really even more so than us.I left you a post about Istabraq he’s still living on JP’s estate and having a great life.I hope JFK will be safe with his new owners.Sheena

    • / Reply

      Dear Max:

      Wonderful article and you’re so right, still can’t comprehend what happened to Ferdinand. Tears. Love and Hugs, JB

  28. / Reply

    Dear Carol:

    Peggy texted me today and I asked her if Gold Ship was one of her favorites and she said yes. I told her about your post and she said to thank you for the info. She is traveling right now and will post when she gets back. She said that I’ll Have Another should beware that Gold Ship likes to kick. Should be interesting. Love and Hugs, JB

  29. / Reply

    Dear Judy.Poor Jessie is getting trolled by posters from the Lady’s Secret page and she is so upset. She did her best for Bear. His breeder’s are devastated. they finished with racing about 2005 and gave him to what they thought was a good home God knows how he survived those 10yrs.I often worry about all these new foals that arrive year and year they can’t all be champions I wonder what life has in store for them.It can be a heartbreaking industry.CC is having his prep race in a handicap on Feb 25th.That was the pic of Noble Mission I was trying to post his 2nd filly no signs of his first yet.Some owners like privacy.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      I know how hard it is to deal with the negative comments, but Jessie should know in her heart that she did the very best for Bear. Just like Dubai and Flash, Angela had to make the difficult decision to put an end to their lives to stop their pain. I cry even now when I think of how difficult it was. Sadly, sometimes the damage to the horses bodies is irreversible and the most loving thing you can do is to say goodbye.

      Godspeed CC; stay safe and sound.

      I have the same concern that all the foals born will live happy, healthy lives. OK, the photo I posted is NM’s second foal. I’ll keep looking for one of the first born. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties

  30. / Reply

    I LOVE looking at these pictures of Z! Thank you Alyis, Ann, Lane’s End and all Z’s connections. I just can not get enough of Zenyatta.

    Goodnight sweet Zenyatta
    love you with kisses and to your sons
    loving Z princess and dear Sir
    Auntie Sally B

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