Hanging Out With 12Z
Happy weekend! We went over to the yearling barn to visit 12Z this morning after the fog lifted. He was turned out with a group of lazy colts, grazing and napping in the morning sunshine. They were all quite interested in the camera, especially 12Z and his chestnut friend (Heather from Lane’s End told us they’re best buds). Enjoy the new photos! -Team Z
Thursday & Friday at Lane’s End
Happy Friday! There isn’t any baby news to report, but we’re having a great time with Zenyatta this week. The weather has been beautiful in Kentucky, and she’s as relaxed as ever. Here are a few photos from the past two days on the farm. We’ll have some new photos of 12Z tomorrow—and of course we’ll post as soon as there’s big news! Enjoy! -Team Z
Zenyatta Update
Good morning! First and foremost, Zenyatta is doing well! She has not yet foaled, and as of this morning she is relaxing in her paddock. The team at Lane’s End is keeping a close eye on her, and she is in the best hands. It has come to our attention that various rumors about Zenyatta have been circulating. Trust that Zenyatta.com will keep you up to date with official information. For the lastest updates follow us here on Zenyatta.com. We are also on Instagram and Twitter: @teamzenyatta. -Team Z
Ask The Experts #23
Q: I have a question about the colts. When is the decision typically made whether to geld or leave them intact, and what factors go into that decision? Nancy Schaffer Tucson, AZ A:Typically we will never geld a colt before it leaves the farm, either for the sales or to be broken in, unless there is a medical issue involved. We often have a good idea that they may become geldings fairly soon into their training careers though! Some colts are definitely more “studdish” than others. Buyers usually don’t want to purchase a yearling gelding, as this will often indicate they have a difficult temperament. On top of that, this is a dreamers game—when someone buys a colt they like to think they have a shot at owning a horse that will have a stellar racing career and go on to leave his legacy as a stud. Some of the… Continue Reading
Videos: Daily Routine
Happy Friday!
We want to finish off the week with a few videos showing parts of Zenyatta’s daily routine. Alys’ footage shows her in the paddock, in her stall, and eating supper: the simple moments that make up the life of a happy and healthy horse!
Ask The Experts #22
Q: I am wondering how often the mares are able to deliver the foals without any assistance from the staff. All of the foaling videos that I’ve seen show considerable help being provided. I know that horses foal in the wild without any help – are special precautions in order for TBs? Sandy Wyper South Euclid, OH A:A month from foaling mares are brought to the foaling barn, and until they foal they are watched 24/7. They are turned out in the daytime so they can move around freely and exercise, which is very important for heavily pregnant mares. Someone from the barn will patrol the fields frequently to make sure no one has decided to go off and foal outside on their own. Late afternoon the mares will be brought in and fed and have their bags (udders) checked for any changes. Wax on the teats or dripping milk… Continue Reading
Foaling Prep at Lane’s End
Happy Thursday! We have an exciting post for you today. Dr. Ernie Martinez has written a piece detailing the steps taken at Lane’s End in preparation for foaling. It’s a great example of how Lane’s End leaves nothing to chance. You can follow Dr. Martinez on twitter at @emartinezdvm. Alys also sent us some great photos of Zenyatta’s first colt playing in the snow. Enjoy! -Team Z Enjoying Late Pregnancy & Preparing for Foaling By Ernie Martinez II. DVM from Hagyard Equine Medical Institute As Zenyatta approaches the end of her second pregnancy, we begin to prepare for the arrival of Little 13Z. Very little will change from her daily routine. She will continue to be fed and checked by farm staff twice a day. They will begin to closely monitor her for any signs of premature labor. These might include early udder development or an abnormal vaginal discharge. Thankfully,… Continue Reading
Ask The Experts #21
Q: How will Zenyatta’s daily routine change as she gets closer to foaling? A: Routine is one of the most important factors to keeping all horses, including Zenyatta, happy and settled. Other than moving Z to the foaling barn, her routine remains the same. She is out all day with her buddies and in the barn at night. She and the other mares in her barn are monitored 24 hours a day—with someone checking them in their respective fields during the day and with a full time night watchman keeping a close eye on them at night. Q: Is Zenyatta pastured with the same group of mares she was with last year at this time? A: Z is currently with mares that have a similar foaling dates, that is how we “buddy” them up. This means that they will move into the foaling barn around the same time. Providing all… Continue Reading
Ask The Experts #20
Q: I consider Alys an expert! Does she have any advice for taking these wonderful photos? Not just equipment (although that is always of interest), but time of day, how to get those amazing action shots, beautiful portraits, etc. I enjoy her photography so much! Thank you, Alys. Betsy McGrath New York, NY A: Obviously good equipment does help a great deal, and you need a camera that is capable of shooting at high speed. I use a Canon 7D that was very generously given to me by the Mosses. A telephoto zoom lens helps me get close to the action when I’m shooting in a large paddock. Light is one of the most important factors. Good light can make all the difference to a photo. In the summer I try to shoot early or late to avoid too much glare. The light is softer earlier on in the day… Continue Reading
Snow Day at Lane’s End
Happy Wednesday! Alys took these great photos of Zenyatta playing in her paddock. We think she looks especially beautiful set against the snowy Lane’s End landscape. Team Z and the staff at Lane’s End are getting ready for the arrival of this year’s foals. Accordingly, we’d like to invite the next round of questions for our “Ask The Experts” column. Questions related to the foaling process will be considered first, but all questions are welcome. We look forward to hearing from you! Edit: We have receieved so many great questions from all of you! Submissions are now closed for the time being. If you didn’t get a chance to ask your question, don’t worry, there will be more opportunities in the future. Some of you have recently asked about the Zenyatta Shop. Our apologies, the Shop is closed at this time. If you have any outstanding orders or inquiries, please… Continue Reading
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