Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Special Events

Spotlight on Thoroughbred Rehab Center

Blackfoot Mystery with Leigh Gray and rider Boyd Martin
Blackfoot Mystery with Leigh Gray and rider Boyd Martin

Visit the 2016 Zenyatta Celebration
Friday, November 4 — Sunday, November 13
Each Celebration Sticker purchased is a $20 donation to Thoroughbred Rehab Center (plus automatic entry to win an invitation to meet Zenyatta!)

Donate to Thoroughbred Rehab Center with the purchase of the 2016 Celebration Sticker.
Donate to Thoroughbred Rehab Center with the purchase of the 2016 Celebration Sticker.
Dear fans,

The 2016 Zenyatta Celebration is in full swing, and we’re raising money for Thoroughbred Rehab Center, Inc. TBRCI is a non-profit Thoroughbred rehabilitation and adoption facility in Southern California run by founder and President Leigh Gray.

Year after year we choose to support Thoroughbred Rehab Center for their dedication to giving so many horses a chance at a second career. One of their greatest success stories, OTTB Blackfoot Mystery, represented the U.S. Eventing team at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, placing 16th overall.

You, the fans who contribute each year, play a meaningful part in funding this organization. In 2014 we helped TBRCI purchase a new trailer.

Earlier this year Paulick Report profiled Leigh Gray and Thoroughbred Rehab Center. An excerpt is below. Read the full article here.

Since its inception, Gray estimates that Thoroughbred Rehab Center, Inc. has had 585 retired racehorses pass through its program. With Gray’s background and connections in the world of combined training, many of the program’s horses have enjoyed successful eventing careers, but Thoroughbred Rehab Center, Inc’s graduates have also gone on to be trail horses, hunter/jumpers, Western competitors and more.

“My role is to find the right horses for the right job,” explained Gray. “There are so many out there like [Blackfoot Mystery] that just need the right opportunity to show what they can really do. I’d love to see him make it to the World Equestrian Games or to the next Olympics.”

Before Blackfoot Mystery, Gray’s organization had transitioned another internationally recognized horse, a son of Cutlass Reality who competed in the World Cup Eventing qualifiers as Kipling with rider Lauren Whitlock.

“We transition 20 to 40 horses a year to non-racing homes. I’ve had people tell me ‘thank you for allowing me to adopt. I would never have been able to afford a horse like this.’ That’s what it’s all about – creating new value for these horses after they no longer have racing value.”

Join the Celebration! We have so much gratitude for everyone who contributes to this great cause.

Team Z

Reader Interactions

121 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Dear Judy.Seville hasn’t posted on the blog tonight.Hope all is well with them.Summer had said the whole world was sad because of your election.I had to tell her we were carrying on quite happily in Wales.I know a lot are upset but it’s only politics!!Max the dog is healing very slowly but little Ariel the kitten died of kidney failure.her injuries were catastrophic.RIPGoodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

  2. / Reply

    Dear Sheena:

    I fear it remains to be seen just how the lives of people here and around the world will be effected by this election. I pray for Better Angels to prevail. Time will tell. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Don’t overestimate the power of the executive. The US government is set up to ensure that political influences cannot be concentrated. Countervailing forces always prevail. “There is nothing to fear but fear itself.” FDR.

        • Dear Judy B., Max, and Sheena,

          Me, too. Our checks and balances will certainly be tested now that the executive branch and the legislative branch are all poised to stack the Supreme Court now. True, this isn’t the first time that one party has held sway, but unfortunately these days, there are no moderates to lead the way.

          Keep calm and stay positive (with fingers crossed).

          Hugs and Hope

        • The US Supreme Court is historically independent. Appointments are made in the expectation that judges will interpret the law in a certain predetermined way. Once appointed judges usually boldly go in their own direction. Liberals can go conservative and vice versa. Don’t worry about politics. Stay focussed on Zenyatta and the horses.

  4. / Reply

    Thinking of you Judy and sweet Dubai,run free beautiful boy.

    On the eve of Remembrance Day in Canada, my 92 year old Dad is thinking about what the veterans fought for and very concerned about the state of the world today.
    Our family will be with him at the service at the cenotaph tomorrow.

    Goodnight Zenyatta,you are pure love and everything good that we all long to feel and see. Sweet dreams, remembering Z Princess and Little Boy.

    • / Reply

      Dear Debbie,

      Very nice post recognizing Remembrance Day in Canada and Veterans’ Day (formerly Armistice Day) in USA. I think a lot of us are concerned about the state of the world today.
      Bless your father and all who kept us safe.

      Remembering Dubai, Sir, Zprincess, little boy Z, and all those we have lost.

      Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Dear Debbie:

      Thank you. I’ve been remembering Dubai too.

      God Bless your Dad. Must be sad for him to see the derision now. Didn’t think we would be witnessing some of the same bigotry and hatred that he and other veterans fought to overcome so many years ago. My Russ would have found this time very troubling too.

      As Marshall and Max said, we must stay calm, think positive and have hope in our ability as a Country and People to preserver.

      Remembering your veterans and ours tomorrow. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      We honor the brave men, women, and animals who have given their all for our precious freedom, also those who currently serve. We can never thank you enough.

      • / Reply

        Dear Kathy, Sheena, Marshall, and Judy,
        Agree wholeheartedly. So many, many have given their lives, and will and are. I join you all in thanking all of the people and the animals and their trainers who make sacrifices for us daily and those who have given their lives. So many men and women, and the dear beloved horse and canine ‘soldiers’. A statue of SSgt Reckless of the 5th Marines, 1st Marine division is on my desk, and often think of her also. My brother left behind his canine companion and ‘soldier’ in Bagdad. The Buffalo Soldiers were so heroic and their horses were their brave and best friends. There are so many great histories of those who sacrificed so we can have the freedom we do. I am so grateful to them and all our ‘troops’ stationed across the world. Daily our prayers are with them. with love, Elizabeth

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      Thank you for our Hovis update. His new shoes sound wonderful. I hope he has a wonderful time this weekend, and all that scrubbing is worth it!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      As always, thank you for our weekly visits from Hovis!
      Hope our handsome hunk enjoys a fine weekend at Your Horse is Alive and that they raise lots for the charity.

      Hugs and Love

  8. / Reply

    November 11 Cherokee Devotional

    We can go inside our minds and close the door so tightly that we can’t get out and nothing good can get in. It is not a good life when thought and attention are so riveted on what is wrong that nothing good can be seen.
    Do you want a full life? Then let go of negativity and claim the Living Words of life. Do you want a full life? Then let go of ingratitude and give thanks. Do you want a full and victorious life? Then close the door on trouble and say, “I will reach for the all that promises fullness of life.”

    Now that I am to speak, the sun, the moon, the earth, the air, the waters, the birds and beasts, even children unborn shall rejoice at my words.
    -Chief Cochise, Chiricahua Apache

  9. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.Far too much negativity about now.The sun is out today and we are at jumping HQ Cheltenham.I shed a tear as they paid tribute to Vautour I will always remember his JLT novice win.A joy to watch and a great loss.Barters Hill was pulled up sharply and has a tendon injury but not career threatening.
    A really heartwarming story on radio 2 today some man called Mark put a messge online that his dog Walnut is getting euthanised tomorrow.He invited people to join him on their last walk in Newquay,Cornwall and he has had messages from all over the world thinking of them.A lot are going to join them.He will be PTS at home and is 18yrs old.He has had a wonderful life.God bless him.
    Nina Carberry has announced her first baby is on the way.She is married to shorty’s brother Ted.She has won the Glenfarclas at Cheltenham 4 times. XC specialist.Mango is doing a meet and greet in Alberquerque.I put a message up on Fubu’s page 3 months now.The UK fell silent today as we paid tribute to the fallen.Because of them we are free to protest.Always remember folks!
    We are rather annoyed the Donald got in touch with so many countries before us maybe he remembers Call me Dave and Bojo’s remarks.We all know the cardinal rule is never get involved in another country’s elections but of course who thought he would have won.Rachel (speedy’s mother) put up a ridiculous post last night about women getting tied to the kitchen sink again.marital rape,the gay community.I really thought IS had invaded!My mum was a proud housewife/mother in the 50 and 60’s and never considered herself tied to the kitchen sink.This modern generation would never have coped with a war.Max kindly set me straight about CA.You weren’t always liberals I remembered then Reagan used to be your governor.I well remember flower power and 1967!Hope Hovis has a great time and keeps his feathers clean!Have a lovely dayLove and hugs to you,Kisses for Angel Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO

  10. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    Oh, enjoy Cheltenham and cherish all your wonderful memories of Vautour. I hope Barters Hill will be okay. The story of Mark and Walnut is heart-wrenching. I felt the same way the night before w had to take Holly in. God bless them both. Congratulations, Nina! I know Mango will enjoy meeting people but I hope she doesn’t get overly tired. I’m very worried about Fubu and Kimberly. Can’t be good news there. We are forever indebted to those who serve to keep us free. Don’t get me started on the Donald. I think I’ll have to take up some kind of vice to get me through! It’s true…Reagan was our Governor. As I said before, Orange County is a Republican stronghold, has been for years. Also, many Democrats for pro-Reagan. Many people vote for the person, not the party. Yes, I hope Hovis has a wonderful time. Look forward to hearing all his news! Have a wonderful day. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Angel Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO

  11. / Reply

    Please enough with the politics! Has it crossed your mind that some people may be happy about our election results? We need to give our country and new leaders a chance before we condemn.

      • / Reply

        I’m sorry, but seeing President Obama in the Oval Office yesterday sitting with a man who was endorsed by the Ku Klux Klan and elected by the electoral college, not the actual voter’s votes, was very upsetting to see. And my heart goes out to the two Muslim young women who were physically attacked the day after the election. As I said before, God help us.

    • / Reply

      Half the country is happy with election results, in response to someone’s query; however,
      I agree Linda, this is not a political forum and political discussions have no place in Zenny’s world.

  12. / Reply

    Today is Veterans Day, Remembrance Day & Armistice Day!
    Lest we forget
    Breeders’ Cup ‏on 11-11-2016 Veterans Day
    Today we honor those who have bravely served our country.
    Thank you, Veterans. #VeteransDay #ThankAVet
    https://twitter.com/BreedersCup/status/797061750352990210

    TVP Mounted Section ‏on 11-11-2016
    Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
    At the going down of the sun and in the morning.
    We will remember them.
    https://twitter.com/TVP_horses/status/797016108473679872

  14. / Reply

    RIP Robert Vaughn who has died 11 days before his 84th birthday.Well known for his role in the”Magnificent Seven”and Napoleon Solo in the 60’s .He also starred in our popular series “The Hustle”.Sadly missed.

  15. / Reply

    Dear Sheena:

    Goodnight. Going with some of the girls to see Hudson and Amanda compete Sunday at the Springfield Equine Fair. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties

  16. / Reply

    Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI and DC:

    Have a peaceful, restful night and Happy Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.

  17. / Reply

    To Zenyatta and all her fans. I want to thank all our veterans who have served and those who gave their lives for their country. Thank you to their families who all sacrificed so much. So very important to honor our serving soldiers and those who have served and are currently serving in the military. Today is opening day at Del Mar for their Autumn meet and I’m sure they will have ceremonies honoring our veterans.
    Safe racing to all. Rest in peace TooWindytoHaulRox and to the wonderful Leonard Cohen. A great loss. I don’t know how many renditions I have of his Hallelujah, but I love each and every one.
    Dear Z have a wonderful day.

    • / Reply

      Dear Delrene,
      Thank you so very much for your thanks and remembrance to all our veterans. Very personal to me as my Dad, my husband’s dad, my brothers, and my husband are all Veterans of wars fought and peace trying to be gained. Life is very different for all of the men and women and families who have given up so much to protect our country and many countries. We have all lived overseas. My husband has rendered medical aid to many refugees from other countries. It is not the easiest life. The men and women all risk their own lives to protect not only our country but the lives of others in many other countries to gain peace in the world. We have all lived in many places here and overseas. I went to 9 schools before I graduated from high school, and then moved several times while my husband served in the Navy. When people say ‘may God bless America’, I am grateful.
      Again, thank you. with love and prayers for all people and the families who serve and have served and sacrificed to protect freedom both for us and for everyone who prays for peace.
      with love, Elizabeth

  18. / Reply

    Thanks for sharing the article on Thoroughbred Rehab. Many of us don’t know enough about this wonderful Rehab Center.

    I hope 2016 will be another successful Zenyatta fundraiser.

  20. / Reply

    Dear Judy.Hovis looks to be having fun at YHL and behaving himself.Batch(of Nobby fame)is there tomorrow.and they hope he can meet him.Have a fantastic day sunday Good luck to Amanda and Hudson.Great to see the English and Scottish teams wearing their poppies tonight.Very disappointed with the Welsh and NI teams.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules and all the sweeties Frank Bentley.Love and hugs SheenaX

  21. / Reply

    Dear Zenny,
    Wishing you and everyone in your family (human and equine and in your fan family) a wonderful evening. with love, Elizabeth

  22. / Reply

    Dear Marshall and Judy
    Thank-you for the post, yes we are thankful to all our veterans and today was a very touching service to remember those who have served and the fallen. Dad managed to march with the pipers, police band, RCMP, cadets and little girl guides and scouts … to the cenotaph and said it was the best turn out ever with many children and young families as well as us seniors.
    Tully (my golden) sat beside a man in a wheelchair and would not leave his side.
    He loved dogs and his hand was in her fur for most of the service- that and the last post and seeing my Dad still standing, well you can imagine-very special day.

    Judy, catching up abit,enjoyed the video of the cream retreiver and the cat! As you know my Chase is a young pup who looks just like that. I loved it!

    Goodnight Zenyatta, love you, sweet dreams.

    • / Reply

      Dear Debbie,

      So glad your father was able to participate in Remembrance Day events. I know you were so proud and grateful for his being there. A very special day for you and him.

      Dogs are so sensitive to human needs — Kudos to Tully for staying beside the gentleman in the wheelchair. Typical of her species: Unconditional love, pure and simple!

      Hugs and Love

  23. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta, your boys, Vixana, Team Z and LE,

    Goodnight and very sweet dreams to all.

    Hope you have been enjoying this fall weather, beautiful girl.

    Hugs and Lots of Love

  24. / Reply

    November 12 Cherokee Devotional

    The reason we are so afraid of not having government funding is because we have no confidence in being able to take care of ourselves. When the first help came, it was met with gratitude. When the second help arrived, it changed something inside us. We began to say, “If we can get someone else to do it, why should we?”
    All our lives we have looked for someone to take care of us, someone to lean on, to use as a packhorse, a caretaker, an unpaid servant. The thought of being responsible scares the daylights out of us. But once we commit ourselves to being responsible, what an amazing change it makes in our spirits. Strength comes along with independence and happiness. We are worthy.

    We never did the white man harm, we don’t intend to.
    -Tall Bull, Cheyenne

  25. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    I get to work today! I hope you have a delightful Saturday and Sunday. I’m glad I’m off tomorrow!

    Love and hugs from me, kisses from Angel Holly, Nikko and Sugar. XOXO Kathy

  26. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.Enjoy your day at work!I have posted some photos of Hovis on FB.Our boy is having a great time even Geoff Bil-bong has ridden him!Very mild over here today after overnight rain.Damp for the Lord Mayor’s parade this morning but always an amazing spectacle.Mud splattered at Cheltenham and a loose horse brought 3 down in the last race.Mr Fibbs has signed his first executib order and they are waiting the officshul photos!Have a great day.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Angel Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO.
    Thinking of dear Walnut as he is PTS this afternoon at his home and the thousands who are walking with him in their different time zones.After all the negativity this week it was good news.RIP WalnutX

  27. / Reply

    Hello All of You All, I am back. Almost 3 weeks since surgery and am getting around fairly well. Have an awful lot of reading to do. Making myself crazy by how slow I am to do things. Trying to use a walker and a grabber at the same time causes some really funny situations.

    Am a Songbird fan but am delighted that Beholder retired a great champion and the sweet little bird has nothing to be ashamed of. Was so sad that Chrome lost but he has a happy future at Taylor Made. Think if they ran the Classic 10 times there would be different results in each one.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee,

      So glad to have you back among us! Happy that you are improving, too — remember, slow and steady wins the race. You will be back up to speed in good time!

      Take care.

      Hugs and Love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.