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Zenyatta. Photo Kyle Acebo.
Zenyatta. Photo by Kyle Acebo.

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

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Photos by Kyle Acebo.

Reader Interactions

2,291 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Please keep the family of one of the boys I graduated with in your prayers. It was just him and his mom and Michael died in a car accident this morning. I used to see him all the time, and now his mom will be all alone for Christmas. I can’t imagine losing my little brother/son/family member and then having to wake up and send Christmas without him/them (even though we’re ready to kill each other sometimes).

  2. / Reply

    Pati–oh, how awful. I am so sorry. Praying for his poor mom.

    @TC, GP–Well, they say Central FL is a huge school with a good team. We shall see. There’s a slim chance we might get to go, but I’m not counting on it. Thanks. We’re getting a couple of players back who have been injured, so that’s all good.

    @Kathy–you’re making me hungry for sugar cookies–lol.

    • / Reply

      They do have a good W-L record, but have not played the schedule Baylor has. Sometimes these funny teams really get up for a bowl game. Case in point is Boise State’s victory over Oklahoma some years back in what was one of the greatest games I have ever seen.

  4. / Reply

    Am in tears over here Valegro and Charlotte Dujardin have broken the world record at Olympia.I cant remember the score but it’s over 93% Yay!!!! It was a magical permformance.I wonder what our Hovis will have to say about Viagra!!!
    Sprinter Sacre is expected to make his seasonal debut at Kempton on Dec 27th in the Desert Orchid Chase. Hugs Sheena

  6. / Reply

    Here I go again you all. On Giving Tuesday, 12/3/13, Muchie’s team gave donations from his winnings to Old Friends, Race Track Chaplaincy and Saratoga Warhorse Foundation. We need more like Reeves Racing and Zenny’s mom and dad, Jerry and Ann.

  8. / Reply

    hi Zsters ♥

    sorry i havent been around. ive not been feeling well lately.
    now i am finally caught up here. yay :)

    Today, God’s message for you is don’t look back. You can only be who you are, you’ve grown beyond who you once were. Those you’ve known have done the same. Now, look forward.

    thx LE for the pics :)
    i especially luv the 1 of Z rolling ♥ too cute!

    @abigail- enjoyed the story of imp :)
    @kathy- needed the 12/14 devo :)

    love all the links shared. thx :)

    hugs/prayers to all & god bless <3, vamp

    • / Reply

      Peggy-Please forgive the delay in my reply as a new page had been started and I somehow missed your previous question. To the best of my knowledge, there have been four walkovers in racing history. Whirlaway and Citation had walkovers in the Pimlico Special, Spectacular Bid in the Woodward and Sharp Cat at Hollywood Park, I don’t remember the years for the others but the Sharp Cat “race” was in 1997. The easiest to explain of these are the ones by Whirlaway and Citation at Pimlico. The track had made the Pimlico Special a winner take all race and the other owners, I guess, didn’t feel it was worth it to race for nothing. Does seem to be a shortsighted decision on the part of the track. If someone asks me a question, and I know the answer, I will always post a reply or merely say that I don’t know.

  12. / Reply

    Dear Zenny, CoZ1, and little Secretariat.

    Just wanted to let you all know I am thinking of you in this cold and snowy weather. You are my angels and I love you forever. Have a peaceful, warm night everyone.

    • / Reply

      Dear Darlene:

      Love your reference to “Little Secretariat”. Could very well be, but I think he’s going to be “Bigger Red”. He’s a big boy. Love and Hugs, JB

  13. / Reply

    good mucho macho man, feeling of herd, good way for you, have well rest enough, zenny 13z coz kiss your soft noses, stay warm and cozy

  14. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    I have told some of you this great news, but now it’s official and I can let you all know that Hudson Township has been adopted by Amanda and Debbie, who are mother and daughter. They will give Hudson all the love and attention she needs for the rest of her life. The best part is they will continue to board her at Angela’s. Couldn’t be a better outcome for this beautiful girl. What I was praying for. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Judy B,
      Wow, this is great news, what could be better? And the fact that she will stay there where you can see her is the best yet. Prayers do get answered. hugs

    • / Reply

      Great Christmas present for all of us on the blog who consider you, Judy, to be a friend. And that is everyone on the blog.

        • Dear Suew/VA, Sue Fredrick, Ann, TC and Janet and Z Fans:

          It’s the best news. HT is a beautiful, feisty mare with an attitude, who needs patience and love and she has found both with Amanda and Debbie. Thank you to all of you who prayed for HT. Yes, Sue, our prayers have been answered. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Haven’t had a chance to catch up until now so just seeing this Judy. Wonderful news about HT!! You must be very relieved to know that she has a forever family and we join you in that.

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy B.,
      Wonderful news about Hudson T.!!
      Also, great that she will continue to be at Angela’s — you can still visit with her, Yay!
      Hugs

  15. / Reply

    December 18 Cherokee Devotional

    Writing about Christmas, E.B. White said, “To perceive Christmas through its wrapping becomes more difficult every year.” Some people have no idea what Christmas really is, though the hunt for it has been incessant. For many, Christmas means spending more money than they can afford. Others feel that people expect too much-and they aren’t going to give them anything. Still others have decided that Christmas means religion, and they refuse to be caught up in the materialism of the holiday season. All these things are the wrappings that E.B. White wrote about.
    But there is a real Christmas. Christmas is supernatural power known as love. Call it whatever we will, it is and has always been supernatural, milk that turns into the richest cream. Look at it through the eyes of any denomination, it is still love. A life given for our redemption-so that we do not have to bear the results of all the things we’ve done-is a tremendous gift. It is the best gift we could ever receive.

    The love of possession is a disease with them.
    -Sitting Bull, Sioux

  16. / Reply

    @dearest Judy B.–thank you so much for the wonderful Christmas present we’ve been given with the news of HT’s adoption. May she just blossom for the rest of her days. Praying that you personally will have a better Christmas than last year, even if just a bit. One day at a time. Hugs.

    • / Reply

      Dear Barb W:

      Thank you for your kindness and friendship. Yes, it’s the best news we could have for HT. She will be loved and cared for. Wishing you and your family a Blessed Christmas. Love and Hugs, JB

  17. / Reply

    Dear Kathy Without love,we are nothing.Ray is late today, Daddy has been busy with his snowplough again there’s another blind retriever called Dutchess,she’s a therapy dog beautiful girl.At least it’s lovely in Joey’s garden so he can do some sunbathing.Off to see the rest of the furbabies now!Hugs to you, Kisses for the Puppy Pack. Sheena

  18. / Reply

    Hi Sheena,

    Check out a new furbaby, Paxilicious-The Cat in Hat. He’s a baby and is just adorable. Will check out Dutchess. Happy Wednesday, Sheena.

    Hugs from me, kisses from The Pack. Kathy

  19. / Reply

    Terry
    Pat Valenzuela did have a long history and he did spend time in a facility.
    For all the articles in the Los Angeles Times, here is the link
    http://articles.latimes.com/keyword/pat-valenzuela

    Valenzuela Must Pass Hair Test
    September 7, 2006 | Robyn Norwood
    Jockey Patrick Valenzuela, recently released from a Pasadena facility that treats patients with mental health and substance abuse problems, met with Del Mar stewards Wednesday and agreed to submit to a hair follicle test as he seeks to return to his mounts in the Oak Tree meet at Santa Anita later this month. “He’s ready to go ride,” said Tom Knust, Valenzuela’s agent. “The big key is the hair follicle. They want to make sure he hasn’t been using drugs.”

    Patrick Valenzuela announces retirement as jockey
    By Steve Andersen Daily Racing Form 12/09/2011
    http://www.drf.com/news/patrick-valenzuela-announces-retirement-jockey
    Here are my thoughts. First, times change and ideas on how to deal with problems change. Second, there were lessons learned from the past on what worked and what didn’t. BGG

    • / Reply

      BGG-I agree with your comments on how things change. However, In the case of P Val, when does a lifetime ban become something other than that? The article does not go far enough. Valenzuela returned to ride at Hollywood Park in 2012. Is he really “retired” now? Only time will tell. The only reason I brought his name up is the rather draconian measures advocated by the CHRB in the case of Tyler Baze. Surely they knew about all that was happening at Valenzuela. But, nothing was ever done to him like what the CHRB recommends in the Baze case.

  20. / Reply

    Dear Dumplings–I have just read one of the most moving things. I know many of you follow the Horse and Man blog. Well, our friend who writes it, Dawn, is struggling to save her beloved Mama Tess. Would you please join me in prayers for her and Mama Tess? She feels so helpless on the bad days. It is an emotional roller coaster. Thanks in advance. Our Z-family is the best! Hugs to all.
    http://www.horseandman.com.

    • / Reply

      You are correct, Barbara. This is a moving tribute from Dawn to her beloved Mama Tess. I am talking to the horse gods about MT right now. Whatever credits I have built up in my life, I am cashing them in.

    • / Reply

      Dear Barb W:

      What a beautiful, heartfelt piece. Will keep Dawn and Mama Tess in my prayers. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Thank you for the update on MT. It’s been a very long road, that’s for sure. I try to stay updated on her condition.

    • / Reply

      This is so touching with the love and determination Dawn has for Mama Tess. I will certainly talk to God and St Francis for what is needed for them.
      Dawn poured her heart out writing this. Love conquers all, somehow.
      Thank you Barbara.
      Hugs,
      Maryp

    • / Reply

      This is an incredible story Barbara. I guess some of you have been following it from earlier, but this is the first time I’ve heard of Mama Tess. Prayers for her and for Dawn.

    • / Reply

      Barbara,
      Will definitely join you in sending healing thoughts and prayers to Mama Tess and Dawn. Prayers for St. Francis’ help in keeping her safe.
      Hugs

  21. / Reply

    Dear Friends I haven’t been to the site much lately. That was a terrible mistake. My dearest friend of thirty years passed away. She was only 54. She simply sat down in a chair in her living room with her beloved dog and her cat and she was gone. Her eulogy portrayed her as the loving and compassionate person her she was, requesting that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the humane society. I will miss her terribly.

    I have needed the comfort and joy that all things Zenyatta has brought into our lives. I am so grateful for the many examples of generous caring the Dumplings display. We are so fortunate for the gentle spirit of Zenyatta.

    Rest in Peace Melissa. You will be missed.

    • / Reply

      vicki-Very sorry about the loss of your friend. Sounds like she was surrounded by friends when she passed away. God bless you.

    • / Reply

      Vicky,
      I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear, dear friend. I can’t even imagine losing one of mine, and at such a young age. We are here for you, anytime, as all of us have issues and we have limped along to get comfort for. This is a wonderful group of very caring people. Hope we can make you feel a little better each day. Hugs

    • / Reply

      Vicki – My sympathy to you and your friend’s family on your loss. This site has been the place many of us gravitate to for solace in difficult times. Please stay in touch with all of us, even if only in thought.

    • / Reply

      Vicki, I am so sorry about the loss of your friend. I agree, the Z blog provides much comfort during trying times. We lost a young friend and two horses over the past few weeks and this place has provided a bit of sunshine.
      Hugs

    • / Reply

      Vicki – I’m sure there are really no words for how a sudden and terrible loss like this feels. Sincere sympathy to you and to Melissa’s family.

    • / Reply

      Vicki, I have not been on here very often but at 9:21 p.m. I felt a need to and to wish Zenyatta sweet dreams. Then I read about your dear friend Melissa’s passing.
      Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your friend, and she so very young.
      Everything happens for a reason I’ve been told, yet it does not comfort the soul unless you have friends nearby. You do here. God bless.
      hugs, Sally B

    • / Reply

      Vicki, losing your best friend is SO hard. I know how that feels. I don’t know if this will help, but for me, it was only months later, when I realized I was starting to feel better, that then I realized how bad I had been feeling, for so long. So take youd care of yourself, through these tough times, and write and talk about it with others. Many others who come here have gone through terrible losses as well, and know it feels.

    • / Reply

      Vicki,
      So very sorry about your friend, Melissa. Thoughts and prayers are sent to you with sincere sympathy. Hugs

    • / Reply

      Dear Vicki, So sorry to hear of the loss of your friend, Melissa. It sounds as if she left this world in a manner she would want, surrounded by her fur babies. I hope very soon you can remember only the good times you all shared. You and she were blessed to have such a loving friendship.

  23. / Reply

    Dear Barbara Will be keeping Mama Tess in my thoughts and prayers. God bless Dawn .I can understand her feeling of helplessness.Love and hugs Sheena.
    Dear Vicki So sad to hear of your dear friend’s sudden passing.As Terry said, she died surrounded by the best friends in the world. RIP Hugs Sheena

  26. / Reply

    Dear Judy Thanks so much for the pic of the adorable elf, Lola is just too cute!The videos of Valegro and Charlotte were wonderful, they seem to be at one with each other when they perform,it was an unforgettable night. Am surprised how they got it wrong at Atlanta Zoo at least the names suit boys and girls,they are certainly a feisty pair.Have a goodnight God bless you,Lola Mae, Charlie,Hudson (so happy to hear confirmation of her adoption) and all the Sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Glad you liked the little Elf. Yes, there is a wonderful bond between Valegro and Ms. C. Just beautiful to see.

      I know. It’s a real surprise that all this time we thought the baby Pandas were boys. The names, as you say, are fine for both boys or girls. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT and all the Sweeties

  27. / Reply

    Kate Hunter ‏@KeibaKate tweets UPDATE ON ARIMA KINEN Wed. Dec. 18 2013
    Eishin Flash is out of the Arima Kinen due to a sore right front leg.
    He won’t be attending his own retirement ceremony on Monday.

  28. / Reply

    Alan Carasso ‏@EquinealTDN tweet on Wed. Dec 18 2013
    Black Caviar’s half sis Belle Couture has the green light and
    is drawn 7 for her Sunday debut at Bendigo.

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Thanks for this info. Godspeed Belle Couture. (Same initials as her Sis) Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      I saw this on the news. It’s so wonderful that the dog will remain with the man in retirement plus there were enough donations for his new guide dog. This brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for mentioning the story here.

      Hugs,
      Kathy

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the update on this story Judy. I’m SO glad that he will be able to keep Orlando, and I hope the new guide will fit nicely into the family.

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