Happy Friday!
A big stack of Zenyatta Stickers are in the mail and on their way to you! We’d like to thank all of the fans who continue to support Zenyatta and this site by visiting, taking part in the discussion, and shopping with us.
We’d love to see how you are using your stickers. Send photos of Celebration Stickers and Zenyatta Stickers in action to fans@zenyatta.com. We’ll feature our favorites in a blog post.
A note on holiday orders from the Zenyatta Shop:
Orders must by placed by December 18 in order to qualify for holiday delivery. Orders placed after this date will ship after January 1st.
Here are a few new photos of Zenyatta and 13Z to finish off the week.
Enjoy!
-Team Z
Photos by Kyle Acebo.
Kathy
December 16 Cherokee Devotional
The old year is nearly gone, and if there could be one word that described it in general, it would be “complaining.”People are so unhappy about so much, and they make it known through any avenue available to them.
There’s nothing wrong with letting others know what isn’t acceptable. But much complaining is simply that, and goes nowhere and accomplishes nothing. It gets to be just grousing and it only furrows the brow.
We were given freedom to speak our minds, but the freedom to do something doesn’t mean it serves a good purpose. We could be using our voices, our words, to build and make amends, to encourage and enlighten. When we only complain, we waste a precious privilege and simply add to the turmoil.
We are all children of the one God. God is listening to me. The sun, the darkness, the winds, are all listening to what we now say.
-Geronimo. Apache
Sue Fl CPRC
Hi everyone
I had an interesting day Sunday.
I had planned to visit Mayberry farm, Skip Over rescue and another farm where a friend Stacy F. works.
Well let’s just say things did not turn out as I had dreamed.
I was to be at Mayberry around 11am per Jeanne’s request.
I could hardly find the place but managed to stumble on to it by accident.
I pulled off the road on to a side street lost looked over to my right and the Mayberry sign was right there. Just luck!
I sat at the metal gate for a bit called Jeanne no answer and said I am at the gate.
After about 5 minutes I noticed a box with a button by the gate. I got out and pushed it and Walla the gate opens. I drove down to the nice white house and sat in my car a bit. Then I noticed horses in the fields by me so I got out and started examining them to find Coz. No Coz in the front fields. I walked around the left side of the house and did not see anyone. The garage door on the house was open so I decided to leave the Christmas card and treats there. I decided to drive around back of the house as the driveway circled the house. I drove to the right and noticed some more horses down below a barn in the fields. I got out of the car and walked down again looking for Coz. Not there either drats. I decided to walk back through the barn although I felt a bit uncomfortable on the property with no one there. I checked each stall. One by one and again no Coz. At that point I got in my car and started my trip to the next stop. I was about 5 miles down the road and Jeanne called me back. I told her that I left the gift in the garage and come to find out it was Jeanne’s mom’s house. So Coz’s gift was in the wrong garage. Jeanne said she would get it and make sure Coz got his treats.
I went to Skip over equine rescue next.
Penny was out in the field with her horses when I pulled up. Penny gave me a big huge and made me feel very welcome. I brought treats for her babies too.
I brought special soft mints for Destiny that I must say is so sweet and friendly. Destiny took the first mint and smelled it then she ate it. A few seconds and her big nose was right back for more. Destiny really liked them. We walked the fields and visited with all the other horses. Buckshot was a big mint lover too. Buckshot kept pushing me with her big nose. Skippy liked her mints too. A few of the others just didn’t seem to be to interested but Penny said she would add some to their feed later. Last was Polka and Freddy. Polka loved them and was looking for more. Freddy tried one but dropped it in his hay. I took some pics of the horses and the treats and card I made Skip over. If you are a tribe member you can see them all there. It was a nice visit and I did enjoy myself.
Next stop was back over by Mayberry to Stacy F. I actually found the right drive and let me say that is the most beautiful horse country. If you have never been to Ocala it is just beautiful. Anyway I was looking everywhere for Stacy and could not find her. I called her phone left a message and we just did not connect. I really wanted to see her Beau. I think he is a mini or just a very small pony?
I decided that I would just go on back home. It still was a good day. I hope that I can go again and next time I can see Coz and Stacy’s Beau.
Sue
Coz I Can 2015
Terry Crow
Sue-Sounds like you had a great day. Hope you see Coz next time.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Sue, I can’t believe you went through all that and didn’t get to see Coz. You must live in the general area to have done all this in one day. I’m still hoping to visit my sister in Deland sometime in early 2015 – maybe we can try again!
Sue/FlCPRC
we can try to see the red prince
If we can only find the farm :-)
Ann NC
Sue, you are Coz’s holiday elf, leaving him treats.
Hope you can return and see Mr. Handsome.
Hugs. Glad you had a nice day of it!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sue:
Loved your post. Hope you get to see both COZ and Beau next time. I think Beau was in a show on Sunday. Going to e-mail Stacy and see how it went. Love and Hugs, JB
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Recap of last year’s Derby hopefuls:
Hi all,
Just stumbled on this great article by Claire Novak that reviews last year’s major prep races and what has happened to the respective winners. It’s very interesting, and I was happy to see that Black Onyx is slated for a come-back this year.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/novak-at-the-track/archive/2013/12/11/Road-to-Derby-Retrospect.aspx
Terry Crow
Very interesting. Good to see that so many are active. I think one of the leading contenders will be Normandy Invasion, who is not listed because he did not win any of the major preps leading up to the Derby.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Yes – it didn’t compute that he wasn’t on this list, but I liked him too. More to look forward to than one might have thought. Hope you can catch up with various Dumplings who are planning to be at BHP on Sunday (Vicki B, Trina, and others).
Ann NC
Thanks, Sandy, talk about a journey. I think all of these horses are champs.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy Too many lost their lives for our freedom,we seem to complain far more these days than ever,I wish we could to back in time to when we were more contented with our lives. Ray has got a new froggy! Lovely to see them all relaxing on the sofa yesterday.Even Joey’s out in his garden today am waiting for Boo’s Monday message! my furbaby list just grows and grows!Hugs to you,Kisses for the Puppy Pack Sheena
Kathy
Hi Sheena,
LOVE Ray and his froggy. Check out Zeus McGoose’s “Kiss me, you fool” pic. Too cute! It’s a good thing The Pack get me up so early. I need all that time to check on all my FB furbabies! lol
Happy Monday! Hugs from me, kisses from The Pack. Kathy
sheena.davies(wales)
Hi Kathy Just been to see Zeus they are so adorable especially Zoey all dressed up.I’ll have to start getting up earlier too!!!Hugs Sheena
Kathy
Sheena,
I think Zoey is a real femme fatale. Just like my Holly! lol
Hugs, Kathy
BECKY CALHOUN
OMG I have been a follower for years and it just makes my heart jump for joy to find your web site and see picture of Zenyata and her colt. She is just such a awesome horse that will live forever in time. Happy Holidays!!!!!!!
Bluegrass Girl
Barbaro author Alex Brown to return England
By Susan Salk on December 16, 2013 Off-Track Thoroughbreds
Alex Brown, the outspoken British exercise rider who came to the states 26 years ago to ride at Fair Hill, but wound up becoming known for the social media community he fostered, is planning to ride off into the sunset.
Brown, 49, announced this week that he intends to hang up the tack and return home to his native England to pursue a full-time teaching career centered around social media.
http://offtrackthoroughbreds.com/2013/12/16/barbaro-author-alex-brown-to-return-england/
Ann NC
Thanks, BGG.
We have been fortunate to have had him here in the US.
An incredible equestrian and friend to, Barbaro.
Good luck with your new endeavors, Alex Brown!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Thanks for this info on Alex Brown. He will be missed. He did a lot of work to help OTTBs. Love and Hugs, JB
Bluegrass Girl
Additional info
Alex Brown authored the book “Greatness and Goodness: Barbaro and his Legacy”
Fair Hill is one of the best training and rehab farms
I hope that Alex will continue his posts on Twitter after he leaves the USA.
BGG
Bluegrass Girl
Jockey Tyler Baze allowed to resume riding
The Associated Press December 14, 2013
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Jockey Tyler Baze will be allowed to resume riding in races Jan. 1 as long as he abides by several conditions set by the California Horse Racing Board.
Baze was able to exercise horses starting Saturday in his return to the saddle after being sidelined since June when his license was suspended after he failed a sobriety test at Betfair Hollywood Park.
Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2013/12/14/2988731/jockey-tyler-baze-allowed-to-resume.html#storylink=cpy
For all the conditions, please read the entire article. BGG
Ann NC
Wishing him, well and all the best. Use that incredible talent, Tyler!
Thanks, BGG.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear BGG and Ann:
Wishing Tyler Baze all the best too. Love and Hugs, JB
Terry Crow
I am not familiar with the contract Baze signed. Living in a sober house for any length of time would be punishment enough for anybody. Pat Valenzuela, who surely has had more problems than Baze, was able to resurrect his career simply by going to Louisiana to ride. What, I wonder, is the difference between these two?
Bluegrass Girl
Terry-here is the background story on Tyler Baze’s suspension. BGG
Tyler Baze should not be reinstated, CHRB investigator tells Santa Anita stewards
By Steve Andersen Daily Racing Form 10/19/2013 5:05PM
ARCADIA, Calif. – Suspended jockey Tyler Baze, who has not ridden since failing a sobriety test at Betfair Hollywood Park in June, should not have his license reinstated until October 2014 at the earliest, a California Horse Racing Board investigator told Santa Anita stewards on Saturday.
http://www.drf.com/news/tyler-baze-should-not-be-reinstated-chrb-investigator-tells-santa-anita-stewards
Terry Crow
Thank you, BGG. The CHRB is rarely right, but they may be onto something here. Still doesn’t explain why P Val has gotten so many second chances. Perhaps if that were explained, this recommendation would make more sense.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@Sandy–thanks for the article, even if I won’t remember it all!
@Sue FL CPRC–thank you for your “up close and personal” account from yesterday. Even though you struck out on 2 of the 3, you were lucky with one. Glad to hear everyone at Skip Over is doing well. We’ll be waiting for the next installment, and tell Stacy “hi” for us all when you see her. Hugs.
Terry Crow
It has occurred to me that I have not posted a joke in awhile. Here is an old chestnut that I hope you enjoy. Am old farmer is extremely sad after his dog goes missing. “I really miss old rover,” the farmer tells his wife. “Why don’t you place an ad in the paper?” asks his wife. “‘Good idea,” the farmer says, and calls the advertising department of the paper. However, after two weeks there is still no sign of the mutt. ‘What did you say in the ad?” asked his wife. The farmer replied “here, boy.”
Darlene Daniels
Haha. Thanks for the laugh Terry,
Marshall (NC broad)
Dear Terry C.,
Thanks for the laugh — very cute!
Great way to start the week. LOL
Hugs
carol in arkansas
Very good TC….never heard it before but could see the hubby doing it
Kathy
Good one,Terry!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear TC GP:
Too funny. Thanks for the smiles. Hugs, JB
Bluegrass Girl
Terry
Thanks for the chuckle. Your jokes are always appreciated.
BGG
Ann NC
Too cute!
Can always count on TC GP to brighten the day!
Thanks, TC!
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Word fail me :-) (Thanks for the chuckle TC)
Terry Crow
@Darlene Daniels, Marshall, carol in Arkansas, Kathy, Judy Berube, BGG, Ann from NC, Sandy and Sheena, that joke must be at least 20 years old. Guess its so old its new again. Glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate your posts. Guess I will have to pick up the joke pace.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Yeah, it’s got me smiling, Terry. Never heard it before, but an old chestnut, indeed.
Terry Crow
Vicki-Isn’t it about time for some relatives of rednecks jokes?
shirleeinindy
Terry, Good to see one of your jokes. Thanks for the laugh.
Terry Crow
shirlee-Thank you from a fellow MMM fan.
suew/Va
Hi Zenny, I just watched your 20 races all over again. My, what awesome memories came back to me in an instant. It was my honor to be at your 20th. when you really smoked the pack, sweet girl. I am amazed at the coverage of ground you made up in that race…you were the true winner that day. Hugs and smoochies to you.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Terry Good laugh for a dreary Monday in Wales! hugs Sheena
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Sue Have seen the beautiful card and gifts you left at Skip’s rescue. You are one special lady.Hugs Sheena
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy Hope you Lola Mae, Charlie, Hudson and all the Sweeties have a Goodnight. Moosie is wishing all his fans a Merry Christmas and have no fear, I will be back in the New Year refreshed Yay!!! Love and hugs SheenaX
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Wonderful news on Moosie. Hope he does well in his return. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT and all the Sweeties
SusanA
Dear Team Z,
Received my “Z” gym bag today! Love it and love “Z”! Thanks!
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Only 6 days untill the Arima Kinen.
Go Orfevre………………………..Love Ya Dearly, Many prayers sent your way for safety and all horses and jockeys.
What am I going to do when your off at the farm. Will miss you so much.
Prayers for many Angels with you Sunday. I will be cheering you on. Like George Bailey had his own special angel in It’s A Wonderful life. I’m praying very hard for the lord to send you some special angels to be with you. Love You, Mean It.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Peggy:
Godspeed, safe and sound Big O. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC
Go Big O.
I’m putting a word in up above for you for a safe and sound journey.
Love me a handsome chestnut……a little one too, Z13!
Sue Fredrick Happy as a lark
Peggy,
Rooting for Orfevre too, hope he has a fantastic finish to his career…….he’s a real beauty. Safe journeys to all jockeys and horses.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Judy, Ann, Sue,
So hope he comes out of the race good. I am going to miss him so much. But, the happy part is hopefully I can be looking for some little foals in the future.
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Zenyatta, Christmas is just a week away. I hope you get something special.
Goodnight sweet Z, lovenkisses on your soft nose and to your two sons
Auntie Sally B
Zsters and all the beautiful thoroughbreds, I hope you all are well!
hugs, Sally B
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Mama Z, COZ, Prince 2 and Baby Z:
Goodnight. Sweet Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Don’t know if anyone posted this DRF article already, but it’s a nice tribute to Hollywood Park. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.drf.com/news/hollywood-park-what-run-it-had
Ann NC
Thanks, JB! Will check it out.
Bluegrass Girl
Horse Racing in Japan
2013 News December 17, 2013
2013 Arima Kinen (The Grand Prix) (G1) – Preview
The 58th Arima Kinen (the Grand Prix) will be all about Orfevre, the race’s top vote-getter and former champion who is calling it a marvelous career after the season-ending spectacle at Nakayama Racecourse.
Just three horses from the fans’ top 10 – Orfevre, Gold Ship and Eishin Flash – have thrown their hat into the ring for the 2,500-meter race on Dec. 22 after the likes of
two-time Japan Cup holder Gentildonna, Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) winner Kizuna and the spring and autumn Tenno Sho champions, Fenomeno and Just a Way, all pulled out
(Later in the article)
The race record is 2 minutes, 29.5 seconds set by Zenno Rob Roy in 2004. The Arima Kinen is the 10th race on the card, with post time set at 3:25 p.m. The following are the early favorites among an expected full field of 16:
EISHIN FLASH
GOLD SHIP
ORFEVRE
http://japanracing.jp/_news2013/131217.html
This is an excellent article on the race with a profile on these three great horses.
Bluegrass Girl
Kate Hunter @KeibaKate tweet
Lord Kanaloa, Orfevre and Eishin Flash are all standing at Shadai Stallion Station
next year. Talk about stud power…
Ann NC
Thank you, BGG. It will be an exciting race, such greats. Great racing fans over there!
Terry Crow
Kinda like the way it used to be in California. I miss the old times.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Thanks for this update on the Arima Kinen. Rooting for Big O. Love and Hugs, JB
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Bluegrass Girl
Thank You so much for the wonderful article. I believe its going to be an exciting race.
Can’t wait.
Bluegrass Girl
Bendigo debut for Belle?
By Brad Bishop Racing Victoria Tuesday 17.12.2013
Racing royalty nominated for a race this weekend
Belle Couture, Black Caviar’s younger half-sister, could make her highly-anticipated debut at Bendigo this Sunday.
The daughter of Redoute’s Choice and Helsinge, who was a $2.6 yearling purchase, has been entered for the $17,500 3YO Fillies’ Maiden over 1100 metres.
Trainer Danny O’Brien said last weekend he would decide during the week whether to give Belle Couture a third jumpout at Flemington on Friday morning or send her to the races.
http://www.racingvictoria.net.au/news/rvl/n_Bendigo_debut_for_Belle.aspx
Kathy
December 17 Cherokee Devotional
What makes us believe everything we hear? So much is said to titillate, and so little of it means anything. This is the “he said-she said” syndrome, and truth to tell, none of it has any validity. Don’t pass on gossip, because it will come back to haunt you, and you will know how silly you were.
While we’re talking about talking, don’t lie to save face, and don’t hint at excitement that was never there. Avoid such foolishness. People who are wise never waste their time filling in blanks that were meant to be open and free. As the saying goes, “If you can’t say something good, don’t say anything at all.” Just hunker down and wait. Your time will come, and when ti comes (and it surely will) what you say will do good.
My brothers, the tongue of Kicking Bird is straight, and I cannot tell of all I saw.
-Kicking Bird, Kiowa
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Kathy:
Love this one. Thank you. Love and Hugs, JB
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@Terry Crow–Love it. We have missed your jokes. You mean dogs can’t read? I guess Rover didn’t have money for a subscription. LOL!
Terry Crow
Thanks, Barbara. Looks good for Baylor in the Fiesta Bowl. Central Florida?
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Terry
We have really missed your jokes.
I left you a note back a couple of pages. Did you by any chance see the Walkover back in I believe l997 by Storm Cat’s daughter at Hollywood Park. That was so interesting. I was listening to the guys on TVG talk about it.
Bobbie --- Elkhorn WI
Got my Zenyatta coffee mug yesterday. Using it this morning and it is great!
Kathy
My Grandmother’s Sugar Cookies
Cream together 1 cup butter, 2 eggs, 1 cup oil, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
Add 1 teaspoon cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt and 4 1/2 cups flour.
Chill the dough. Roll between waxed paper and cut into desired shapes or roll into small balls, roll in sugar and press with fork tines.
Bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes on greased cookie sheets.
This makes a BIG batch of cookies. They are YUMMY. Enjoy!
Terry Crow
My grandma used to bake cookies from scratch. She had a Saint Bernard named Frosty who I used to ride on. Whatever you do, tell the ones you love that you love them before its too late.
Kathy
Terry,
What wonderful memories! And your advice is absolutely true. My grandmother has been in heaven for a long time now. She knew we loved her. She lives on, though, in my memories.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear TC GP:
So true. Just found out one of my best friend’s brothers passed suddenly Sunday from a heart attack. Life is just so unpredictable. Love and Hugs, JB
Terry Crow
Kathy and Judy-Your loved ones will always be alive as long as you are.
Ann NC
So sorry about your friend’s brother, JB. I am sure your friendship has provided much comfort.
Kathy, yummy. My Mema put the magic in the holidays with her beautiful cookies, which Daddy and I delivered to friend for gifts.One night, we had one last cookie delivery to make. There was about a foot of snow on the roads, so we delivered by foot. Snowing, night time, so quiet and beautiful. Cookie magic! One of my fondest memories of the season.
Now I need a horse cookie cutter.
TC, love those dogs. Our neighbors had one, he spent most days at our house, much to Mom’delight….drool, slobber, shed! He was precious!
Terry Crow
Ann-To a little boy that dog was as big as a horse. You are right, they are precious. Maybe that is why I loved my old basset hound so much. Same characteristics.
Marshall (NC broad)
Thanks for the recipe, Kathy!
They sound delicious — hope to try them soon.
Hugs
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Kathy:
The cookies sound delish. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Hi Kathy Thanks for the recipe and the very wise words. Will definitely try those cookies or biscuits as we call them,we always used cups for measuring too. Ray is sinking his teeth into a bison bone!!lovely to see them pwaying in the snow yesterday. The Colonel and Grumpy cat got to meet Santa how cool is that! Lil Bub has been to New York and is off to Chicago.Off to see my other furbabies now. Hugs to you and Kisses for the Puppy Pack. Sheena
Kathy
Hi Sheena,
Yes, I loved the pic of Ray enjoying his bison bone and also the fun in the snow. I’m off to check on the other furbabies, too. I hope we have as much fun today as Ray and his bruddahs.
Hugs from me, kisses from The Pack. Kathy
sheena.davies(wales)
Hi Kathy Just found Martin “marty” Mouse Lol He’s a rat btw!!! The list is growing! Hugs Sheena
Kathy
Sheena,
I’m going to need a spreadsheet with all these furbabies listed. Can’t possibly remember everyone. lol
Hugs, Kathy
sheena.davies(wales)
Australia have regained the Ashes beating England by 150 runs in the 3rd test in Perth. Congratulations to the better team. This one’s for you Kathy R!!!! Hugs Sheena
carol in arkansas
no Cigar today…they are digging up his paddock…looks like a backhoe or something
Ann NC
Surely, Cigar was the Head Supervisor on the job!