Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End
I work around horses myself. Herd dynamics have always been an interesting thing for me—the way certain horses interact with one another and the hierarchies they establish can be fascinating. Sometimes horses who show a certain personality around their human caretakers take on a completely separate personality among their own kind. My question, then, is how does Zenyatta fit into her herds, past and present? Is she a definite alpha mare no matter who she’s with, low (wo)man on the totem pole, or somewhere in the middle, and how does this compare to her personality around her human handlers and caretakers?
Kelli Clark
Toms River, NJ
A:There is definitely a hierarchy and a pecking order established in herds, and once that is established we don’t have too many issues. Surprisingly, for a horse that was so dominant on the racetrack, Zenyatta is not aggressive or competitive in any way whilst in the herd. She is a lovely mare to be around with a very kind temperament that transfers to both horse and human contact. It is quite common to see her hanging out with more than just her own foal!
One of the most important aspects of farm management is keen observation and making the necessary adjustments to keep the horses happy in their environment. This in turn leads to fewer health issues and injuries. Mares that are older or are less mobile are placed in smaller groups so that they are not competing for feed in any way.
Expert: Alys Emson
Q:
Is there a deadline for naming Baby Z or any Thoroughbred baby? I know there are guidlines as far as the actual name goes, but I’m wondering if there is a time limit.
Katie Speake
Topeka, KS
A:Selecting names for Thoroughbreds is surely one of the most important (and rewarding) aspects of ownership! Most owners name their horses between their yearling year and February 1st of the horse’s two-year-old year. After February 1st of the two-year-old year, a small naming fee must be paid to The Jockey Club. The Jockey Club Registry website (www.jockeyclub.com) lists The American Stud Book Principal Rules and Requirements. Rule # 6 in the American Stud Book, relating to naming, lists all of the requirements and rules for submitting names for Thoroughbreds. An actual time deadline for naming is not stated, but all Thoroughbred horses must be named before they can enter a race.
Expert: Martha Heckerman
Our Experts
Client Management, Lane’s End
Alys has been at Lane’s End for fourteen years. She has worked in every division of the farm and is now in charge of client management, keeping owners up to speed about the lives of their horses.
Service Certificates/Registration, Lane’s End
Martha Heckerman has worked in the Lane’s End office for 16 years. She began as a stallion booking secretary in 1996 and currently coordinates the foal registration process for all foals born at Lane’s End, and related duties. Martha also has the happy task of administering the annual “Name Game” in which Lane’s End employees submit name ideas for horses that will race for Mr. Farish.
Facebook
Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
Instagram
July 13, 2012 at 12:22 pm
Dear Max, The Kennedy’s and Z Fans:
Left a note for you on the previous page (Ask The Experts #3) regarding War Emblem. Posted a link of yearling sale in Japan last week listing two of his babies; Hips 349 and 480. There are videos of them too. Hopefully, he is doing well. Hugs, JB
July 13, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Here it is again just in case you can’t find it. Have to click on Sire Index to get to the listing and scroll down to July 10,2012 sales list. Hugs, JB
http://www.jrha-selectsale.com/selectsale/catalogue.html#
July 13, 2012 at 1:12 pm
JudyB. Thank you so much for this. I just noticed that War Emblem has Brigadier Gerard in his pedigree.
July 13, 2012 at 7:48 pm
Dear Max, Marilu, The Kennedy’s and Z Fans:
You’re all welcome.
Max, did not know BG was in War Emblems pedigree. Wow.
The Kennedy’s, yes I think WE is very choosey. What unique and amazing individuals horses are. Hugs, JB
July 13, 2012 at 2:29 pm
Thank you Judy B for the link again. Hugs, Marilu
July 13, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Thanks, Judy. That is reassuring. I know they did not give up on him because he produced some winners even from a limited number of successful covers. He apparently is very choosy to whom he is bred.
July 13, 2012 at 9:52 pm
Stallions are quite interesting, they say Seattle
Slew would only breed the ones he knew were
Going to get pregnant and were fertile and ready
For him in the shed. What a sense!!! That is why
He had such a high rate of sucessful breedings.
He did not breed the others.
July 14, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Sign. I believe it. Good thing that Weekend Surprise was accepted. Otherwise no A.P. Indy.
July 14, 2012 at 10:55 pm
Great point, Max.
Me, too
July 13, 2012 at 12:24 pm
Thank you for the info above….very interesting. It is not a surprise that Zenyatta is so sweet in retirement. When not on the track she was that way with everyone. She is so special and seems to keep getting more special as she ages. What a wonderful special amazing mare!!!!
July 13, 2012 at 12:35 pm
♥ Zenyatta and John Henry both got stakes races in their honor. However, I’m disappointed that John’s is a Grade II – he won more Grade I races – this is an insult to his racing career :-(
http://www.santaanita.com/press/pressrelease/2012/07/santa-anita-renames-14-stakes-including-six-grade-i-events-upcoming
The Lady’s Secret was re-named Zenyatta.♥
Auntie Judy
July 13, 2012 at 12:59 pm
I’m sure Sharon in Atlanta will be interested in this. At least “the guy” didn’t lie to me. He was, indeed, working on it.
July 13, 2012 at 1:01 pm
Dear JAG:
Thanks for this info. True, John’s should be a Grade I too. Hugs, JB
July 13, 2012 at 1:24 pm
Lava Man got his race too…
July 13, 2012 at 12:37 pm
Zenny is a beautiful creature inside and out! She is sweet to all around her. What an angel from God, she is! Thank you, again, Lane’s End, for sharing such endearing information with us. She is such a blessing!
July 13, 2012 at 12:59 pm
Dear Z Fans:
Some wonderful photos of Holy Bull. Happy Retirement Beautiful Boy, Hugs, JB
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/Bull1_SH.jpg
http://cdn.darleystallions.com/sites/default/files/news/Holy_Bull_in%20paddock-1592.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2063/1889584249_36189757f4.jpg
July 13, 2012 at 7:01 pm
Judy thanks for posting the terrific pictures of Holy Bull. Isn’t it something that Mike Smith not only rode the Bull, but won on his son (Giacomo), and now his grandson (Mucho Macho Man). Mike rode the Bull almost 20 years ago. And when he met John Sherriffs and was offered the ride on Giacomo, he promised redemtion for the Bull by winning the Ky Derby. The Bull had supposedly been “gotten to” before the Derby and was listless. Isn’t it something that Mike goes to visit the Bull. Then Ramon Dominguez gives up the mount on Macho and Mike rides the Bull’s grandson. What a nice retirement present the great win at the Suburban Stakes was for grandpop (Holly Bull).
July 13, 2012 at 7:41 pm
Dear Terri Z.:
You’re so welcome.
Yes, Mikey has had a wonderful career and has ridden some great horses. It’s amazing how it worked out his riding three generations in Holy Bull’s line. Of course, the frosting on the cake; he becomes Z’s regular rider. Hope he writes a memoir some day. Will be quite a read. Hugs, JB
July 13, 2012 at 9:41 pm
I thought Holy Bull did not like the muddy track
On Derby Day, that is what Mike Smith said.
July 13, 2012 at 9:54 pm
Love these links of Holy Bull, he is gorgeous !!!
July 13, 2012 at 1:22 pm
Got thinking about this “leader of the pack” thing….Z is so very secure in herself that she does not have to prove herself …if anything were not to her liking she could assert herself with a look..it speaks volumes to me that the babies choose to hang by her…
Obviously she makes them feel secure ..hmmmmm
just a thought
July 13, 2012 at 1:28 pm
carol-I agree. When you are secure with who you are, you have nothing to prove to anybody or anything.
July 13, 2012 at 9:43 pm
Being “secure with your self” a human characteristic
Does not really figure into herd mentality. Self confidence
Does, which is a horse characteristic.
July 14, 2012 at 3:50 am
Sign. Don’t you think that the real reason that Z was looking after the other foal was so that Spooky would in turn babysit Baby Z for Big Ass Beer Tuesday? When that picture was taken, Spook might have been getting her mane done and just needed a little break.
July 14, 2012 at 4:27 am
Oh yes it definately seems that she was doing SM a favor in turn for
a Tuesday babysitting by SM.
So maybe Zenyatta is really “baby sitting” because
she knows and is committed to weekly visits for Big Ass
Tuesday and it not her :wonderful” personality. JUST A MARE
WHO WANTS TO HAVE SOME FUN TIME. She just wants
to have time to party on BIG ASS TUESDAY !!!!
July 14, 2012 at 6:41 am
Yous guys are funny!!!
Every new Mom needs some ” Me Time ” !!!!!
Also….Sign…..Zenny really was impressed w/ your styling gel. Enough so,she used some,w/ out you knowing ,on the friend of young z. Being the “‘go to” Mom that she is,for her herd,she wanted to make sure the young lad had a good looking” spiked ” forelock. Seems to work.
BA Tuesdays and Herd Dynamics will never be the same. P.S….the girls over in pasture 3 have been watching this and are ready to write the tell all book about Zenny and her antics!
July 14, 2012 at 8:22 am
Sign. Z is clearly a magnet for the other foals because she is the best as a mom and mentor. She probably gives racing advice to the youngsters as well as doing their “hair”. I recall that Dottie may have said that this could be a second career for Z.
July 14, 2012 at 10:58 pm
Love the comment about styling gel,
She did a great job with his pinky do.
She has been doing the conservative
Moss do for awhile.
Glad paddock 3 is getting some lessons.
July 14, 2012 at 10:59 am
It was a metaphor.
July 14, 2012 at 11:30 am
Terry C. Was that metaphor with or without duct tape?
July 14, 2012 at 12:22 pm
Maybe, with the tape?
As long as the thatness sticks to the this,or the thisness sticks to the that.
Dunno….TC,can ya help us here?
July 13, 2012 at 1:36 pm
TGIF!!!! Happy Weekend to all!!
For those interested in Barnaby John,I posted at the end of the previous Question session,just before the new one came up!! It’s on Page 7.
July 13, 2012 at 1:37 pm
I am heading out and probably will not post until Monday Here are today’s redneck jokes. You might be a redneck if one wall of your home is a tarp. You might be a redneck if you have ever eaten anything out of a vacuum bag. You might be a redneck if you have ever given a happy meal toy as a Christmas present. You might be a redneck if your pillow has ever crawled out from under you. You might be a redneck if you ever patched a hole in your wall with salt water taffy. For our Wisconsin rednecks-You might be a Wisconsin redneck if you only have to drive 10 minutes to get away from it all.
July 13, 2012 at 4:38 pm
No salt water taffy but what about that all in one duct tape?
July 13, 2012 at 5:25 pm
Terry C and Sue. Without duct tape, life as we know it would end or would not be worth living. LOL.
July 13, 2012 at 8:17 pm
Laughing out loud on that one. It takes so little to make you happy! Too funny! And don’t forget the WD-40.
July 14, 2012 at 3:51 am
Barbara. Yes, WD-40 is also an essential.
July 13, 2012 at 7:49 pm
Dear GP TC:
Love today’s jokes. Hugs, JB
July 13, 2012 at 9:44 pm
Have a great time, TC, whereever you are going !!!
Great jokes today.
July 14, 2012 at 7:00 am
Funny TC !! Thanks.
July 14, 2012 at 6:37 pm
Terry Crow; Ha ha ha, these all are just too funny. We once while building a tiny living quarter above a garage Up North, put a tent in a semi-finished garage. Could not stake it so ran rope to to the rafters! ha I did not sleep for a couple hours, when I heard something walking about outside this garage. A black bear? Still don’t know what it was. Washed in the lake and hung things to dry over a line in the balance of the garage. But, managed to connect a small dorm size frig to electric, so hey there was the essentials, and good ole beer & wine. One has to be hospitable if someone stops by! ha ha So happy to read your redneck jokes! hugs, Sally
July 13, 2012 at 2:23 pm
Thanks to Lanes End for the photo and the information. I don’t think any of the other mares would mess with Zenyatta since she just oozes power and strength. The babies know she will protect them.
Is that Prince Z in the front of the photo? Sure looks like those wonderful ears. When he grows into them he is going to be a really really big boy.
July 13, 2012 at 2:42 pm
Now that you see both foals next to each other, Prince Z is clearly bigger. It’s lovely to see Z as such a wonderful mom to Prince Z and “stepmom” to the other foal. I think her foals will go forth and be very accomplished. The friend may rub off some of the talent and accomplish something special too. LOL
July 13, 2012 at 3:30 pm
Just heard on the news that three horses were lost in those dreadful chuck wagon races at the Calgary Stampede. I wish they would put a stop to them. Fortunately I was able to cover my eyes so didn’t have to watch it, can’t imagine why the TV station would even show it.
Vic and I are looking forward to the Prince of Wales on Sunday. The weather forecast is for hot and humid. Have a good weekend everyone.
July 13, 2012 at 4:07 pm
Brenda S. I can understand how you feel. They should however show these so called “accidents” on tv so that there will be more support to people like Bob Barker who have called for the shut down of these events. Too many horses already have died. Horses should not be put at this kind of risk. Very very upsetting to see these beautiful giving creatures, who are mostly former racing TBs, treated in this way.
July 13, 2012 at 7:52 pm
Dear Brenda S.:
Makes me so sad to hear about yet another way these beautiful beings are mistreated. Heartbreaking. Hugs, JB
July 13, 2012 at 8:19 pm
I hate this–animals die when they have no choice in what they are forced to do. There are enough freak accidents that just happen without engaging in dangerous behavior.
July 13, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Not surprising that our show girl is laid back, easy going with a bighearted mind set.
I know Lane’s End takes care and pride their horses, but Zenny is one of those horses, once you have her, you can’t image how you ever got along without her.
I do love 12Z’s ears, I hope he doesn’t out grow them, I think that will be one of
his trademarks.
July 15, 2012 at 8:07 pm
We love those ears, too!
July 13, 2012 at 3:44 pm
Thanks for the interesting questions and answers on this “Experts” post. Wishing all in
the Zenyatta Nation a safe and happy weekend! :)
Peace & Blessings,
Kathy from SoCal xoxo
July 13, 2012 at 4:13 pm
Thank you for this, Lanes End. It’s always good to hear about our girl. I’m not surprised one bit that she is so easygoing. She is just perfect in every way!
Ann, yes, we did take John Wall, but we were very good to him! I just love him.
Terry, even though these don’t qualify as redneck jokes, I’m going to share a few more of my puns anyway.
I did a theatrical performance about puns. It was a play on words.
They told me I had type-A blood, but it was a Type-O.
PMS jokes aren’t funny; period.
Why were the Indians here first? They had reservations.
July 13, 2012 at 6:59 pm
Good ones Debbie (the previous batch were great as well). Have you collected these or do you have a “pun source”?
Sandy
July 13, 2012 at 8:56 pm
Dear Debbie:
Too funny. Thanks. Hugs, JB
July 13, 2012 at 6:13 pm
Thanks again Lane’s End!
July 13, 2012 at 6:52 pm
She really has no flaws!! FROM ZENYS BIGGEST FAN AMY.
July 13, 2012 at 6:55 pm
Karen Grogue, a regular contributor on this site, has been ill and has been admitted to the hosptial. Many of us are sending prayers and get well wishes her way. Thanks in advance to the Zsters.
July 14, 2012 at 9:35 am
Karen Gogue is back home now, thank God, and needs to rest up, but will post soon. Hugz and prayers for continued improvement always appreciated!
July 14, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Dear Trina:
Thanks for posting this update on Karen G. Continue praying for her good health. Hugs, JB
July 14, 2012 at 10:59 pm
So glad for the update Trina !!!
July 13, 2012 at 7:21 pm
A big thanks to Team Z for the new info stuff.
Wouldn’t it be sthg if Mr. Smith were to win all three crown races w Zee’s WeeZee. :)
July 13, 2012 at 7:29 pm
So sorry to hear about Karen hope you recover soon love all of the videos you have posted on your Forum page at Zenny’s site. Hope you get back soon.
July 13, 2012 at 7:42 pm
Thanks again for the great questions and answers. The consideration Lane’s End shows us is just phenomenal.
I’ve wondered if because Spooky Minister has had several foals already, maybe she isn’t so into being a “hooves on” Mom like Zenny is. Just a thought.
I see the baby fuzz is gone and boy, didn’t 12Z color out like his mom. He will be a head turner.
I hope everyone has a good weekend. Stay cool.
July 13, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Dear Marty R.:
You’re so right. Baby Z is going to be soooo handsome. He’s already stunning. Good weekend to you too. Hugs, JB
July 14, 2012 at 4:37 am
Oh, yes Marty R.
An experienced broodmare is much holds a much looser rein on her foals
than a new mom.
Zenny is just getting more experience caring for two doing her baby sitting
so she can attend BIG ASS TUESDAY, and drink her Evian water and dance
for us Texans.
July 14, 2012 at 7:59 am
Sign. Fiji water is the stated drink of choice for Zenyatta. I am not certain if she would accept Evian water. John Sherriffs said that he once tried another brand of beer than Guinness, and she would not drink it. She wanted only the Guinness. She’s the Queen and knows what she likes. Gotta love her!
July 14, 2012 at 9:55 am
Dear Max, Sign and Z Fans:
Our Z is very particular about her beer, so not surprised she would be so about her water. She is something else. Just love her. Hugs, JB
July 14, 2012 at 11:03 pm
Max
It also has to be Guiness stout and no
Other Guiness. A woman with her own mind
Just like Tasty !!!
July 13, 2012 at 8:20 pm
Good night, all. Have enjoyed reading everyone’s comments. Have a wonderful weekend, and I’ll be praying for safe trips for all those racing.
July 13, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Dear Barb W.:
Have a great weekend. Hugs, JB
July 13, 2012 at 8:58 pm
Dear Z Fans:
Goodnight and thanks for the great posts and links. Always enjoy them all. Hugs, JB
July 13, 2012 at 11:57 pm
Thank you for another great questions and answers. Zenyatta we love you so much. You’re such an angel.
July 14, 2012 at 4:01 am
FYI
Not sure how the rumor was spread, Nereid owned by Eric Kronfeld, is in foal.
Here is the link that she was recently raced in 7/12 in the Gamely and Royal Heroine
Stakes. No written article on any breeding or in foal status. Don’t think her owner
runs his mares when they are in foal.
http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Nereid
July 14, 2012 at 4:23 am
Wonderful article about Holy Bull, his injury and all of the people who cared for and about him, even a concerning statement from Bill Mott, Cigar’s trainer, at the time as HB faced Cigar for the first time.
http://articles.latimes.com/1995-02-12/sports/sp-31184_1_holy-bull
July 14, 2012 at 4:35 am
The story of Holy Bull and the 1994 KY Derby, unable to prove he was drugged, as he was not tested after the race, muddy track, slow break were Mike Smith’s comments.
There are other interesting issues in this link.
Thanks Marty R for bringing it to our attention.
http://articles.latimes.com/1997-04-29/sports/sp-53562_1_holy-bull
July 14, 2012 at 7:14 am
Sign,
You’re right about this being a very interesting article and wish I was the one who pointed it out, but it wasn’t me. I don’t know who deserves proper credit. Marty R.
July 14, 2012 at 4:38 am
Dear KG,
Thinking and praying for you and some good news on your tests.
Really miss you, your videos and posts.
Looking forward to hearing from you again, soon.
July 14, 2012 at 5:53 am
It’s a new day and I’m getting over the horrors in Calgary, so I can now properly thank Lane’s End for another great episode of “Ask the Experts” Zenny has always seemed to enjoy children, as well as adults, so I guess her nature has just naturally transferred to all the horses in her current group. She is amazing in how good natured and friendly she is.
Max, I hadn’t thought about how the TV coverage could be a good thing – if enough people see the horror then perhaps the pressure to ban the event will increase. Today, the “spin” is that one horse had a ruptured aorta which the vets could not detect pre-race and so the whole “accident” was not caused by chuck wagon racing. Sounds like a lot of BS to me. (My initials come in handy sometimes)
Ron Turcotte was the guest of honor at the post position draw for the Prince of Wales so I’m hoping that he’s stayed around for the race. I would love to meet him. I’m hoping for a good run from Colleen’s Sailor to give Roger Attfield his sixth PoW win.
July 14, 2012 at 8:12 am
Brenda S. I see what you mean about this spin on the deaths of these lovely horses. I cannot understand how anyone could justify making thoroughbreds or any other horse race by pulling heavy chuckwagons in confined spaces in 90+ weather. Those deaths were preventable by not racing these horses at all.
July 14, 2012 at 10:01 am
Dear Brenda S. and Z Fans:
There is a petition on Care.org to stop the Stampede races in Calgary and also another one to stop Horse Tripping in Oregon. I signed both of them. Will try to find the link and post it for you. Cannot believe the cruelty. Hugs, JB
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/936/362/999/do-more-to-prevent-horse-deaths-at-chuckwagon-races/
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/186/699/964/ban-horse-tripping-in-oregon/
July 14, 2012 at 12:48 pm
Judy, I’ve signed both, thanks for posting the links. Hugs to you, Brenda
July 14, 2012 at 12:56 pm
Dear Brenda S.:
You’re so welcome. Let’s hope enough signatures will get their attention and stop the cruelty. Hugs, JB
July 14, 2012 at 3:26 pm
I signed the petitions. hope we get some positive feedback on this horrible event. Carole
July 14, 2012 at 6:15 am
Always a treat to hear how the great Zenyatta and her foal are doing. A very thoughtful question about the heard hierarchy. Thank you to all involved for your continued information.
July 14, 2012 at 7:11 am
Last week we went to Magali Farms and got to visit Giacomo and get a tour of their farm! Here’s the link to pictures from the trip! Giacomo is looking GREAT!
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.495277000498616.130681.100000489627965&type=3&l=54f93db701
July 14, 2012 at 7:51 am
Jane. Thank you. I loved the photos of the farm, the foal and Giacomo. He is looking exceptionally handsome. He poses like a pro.
July 14, 2012 at 9:45 am
Thanks, Jane, for the wonderful photos. Giacomo is as handsome as ever. So happy for you and your little girl that you got to spend time with him and at the farm. Looks as if the deer herd is happy at Magali Farms also. God’s blessings to you and your family.
July 14, 2012 at 9:51 am
Dear Jane:
Thank you so much for these wonderful photos. Madison’s joy was so evident in her beautiful smile. She has a way with the horses. Giacomo look great. Hugs, JB
July 14, 2012 at 10:04 am
Thanks much Jane and Maddie for posting the pixs with Giacomo. I missed the chance a couple of months ago to drive up and see him so these photos are well appreciated! He’s quite the handsome stallion.
July 14, 2012 at 12:51 pm
Jane, Giacomo is looking wonderful. He also looks whiter than he was last year when we saw him in Kentucky. Thanks for posting your pictures.