Good Morning Everyone!
I’m back….and so happy to be able to visit with ALL OF YOU again! Yesterday was a very, very exciting day for both TASTY and I. We were moved to the FOALING UNIT of Lane’s End…and when we are not outdoors enjoying ourselves, we now reside in the FOALING BARN!
Above, you see the guys walking us to our ‘new home and paddock area’. We are truly embarking on a brand new adventure in our lives.
It is quite exciting! We will still have our same wonderful grooms and caretakers. Everything in our lives as far as the people around us will remain exactly the same.
I must say, we are being very closely monitored all of the time…just to see if there is even the slightest change in our bodies.
What an exciting time!
Here we are getting to visit our new HOME and get acquainted with it! LUCKY US!
I know MY TEAM is planning some very loving things for ME to do during the next several weeks. It will be a great way for ME to productively use my time while I’m waiting to become a MOM!
We’ll keep you posted.
With Love,
Hugs to all~
Z
ZENYATTALOVERAMY!!
OMGS!!! so exciting!!! Cant wait for that baby to arrive!! hope you and tasty are happy and healthy! LUVYA!!! oxoxoxox FROM YOUR BIGGEST FAN AMY.
P.S i didn’t know you had a bridge!! thats awesome!
Selene McCarthy
I love this picture of the two of you walking across the bridge..very symbolic don’t you think? You and Tasty are entering a new phase of your lives. You girls are so beautiful in the family way!
love to you both,
Selene.
harriett (Oklahoma)
I must say YOU and Tasty both look marvelous!
Note to all: With Zenny in the foaling barn, it is time to keep vigil with our candles at http://www.gratefulness.org (Group Name: ZENNY)
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
I will be sure to light some more today, Harriett. Thanks!
Jan S. in Houston
Zenyatta,
You two mommies to be look wonderful crossing over the bridge to your foaling barn. Sounds like everything is falling into place for you and Tasty. Stay healthy and happy Big Mama. Get some rest. xoxo
Jeanne from Texas
I just want to double-triple everything everyone has said in your behalf dear Zenny. Tears welled up in my eyes as I read your blog just now. Am so excited about your little baby that’s so close to making its debut! Keeping you and Tasty, Dottie & John, the Mosses, everyone that’s involved with your care and well being in my prayers today and every day. Just love you all …. sending you a huge hug from me here in good ole Texas!
JeAnna from California
@Abigail from Montreal . . . Thank you so much for the links to Samantha Clark’s blog and YouTube. Super information!!!
Hi Zenny,
You look so good and healthy. Can’t wait to see your little prince or princess arrive.
Love to you and Tasty,
Tairaterces
linda
Zenyatta’s team has done more to spark interest in thoroughbreds and the racing industry than the biggest PR firm in the country could. And they’ve done so in the most natural and engaging way, clearly growing from their love of the horse and the sport.
Thank you for giving us these wonderful glimpses into the life of Zenyatta – and keep ’em coming!
Jan S. / Houston
DITTO…..
Susan Carothers (in TN)
Couldn’t agree more! Well said!
Marty R / Colorado
Linda, Perfectly said!!!
Pam Homeier
Totally agree!!! I’m from Kansas and horseracing just isn’t on everyone’s mind around here. But everyone had heard about Zenyatta. This blog is wonderful for me so I can keep up with all the news. I really appreciate hearing who won over the week and other interesting news, and especially how Zenyatta is doing! Thanks!!!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Perfectly said, Linda!
sharon in seattle
amen!
DMCQ in AL
Amen and Amen!
Cindy M. Ottawa, Canada
I totally agree!
SHERRY DRISH WV.
Hi ZENNY and friends..The farms in Kentucky are so very beautiful. We are all so excited about the time getting close for you and TT . I want a colt for you and a filly for TT. they would have a great time playing. Love to all, SHERRY
Cheryl Heath
So beautiful. Will be thinking of you during this very special time. Love you. Take very good care!!! Hugs
Judy from South Carolina
Welcome back Dottie and Good Morning Beautiful Momma-To-Be,
Finally! The foaling barn! The time is really getting close now!
You know what I think might be fun? What if all of us would pick one mutually agreed upon day and declare it “Submit A Name Day” and everyone submit their ONE favorite name for your baby? I know we all have tons of names that we’ve had racing through our brains ever since your pregnancy was announced and I think it would be interesting to read some of them. Just a thought. Any comments?
I saw a poll on either Equibase or the Daily Racing Form where they asked people to vote on whether they wanted you to have a colt, a filly or had no preference (just a healthy foal) and it was an overwhelming win for you having a colt. I thought that was interesting.
Hope you and Tasty have a lovely day; enjoy the pampering. Love you!
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
We need to be able to submit two names–one for a filly and one for a colt. Also, the names should have to follow Jockey Club rules.
I bet the voters who wanted a colt are anticipating a Triple Crown winner, and/or a good rivalry with Rachel’s little boy.
I’m in the “healthy” camp myself.
Terry Crow
Couldn’t agree with you more. Even when you breed the best to the best you can never be sure of what kind of runner will be produced. However, a healthy foal would be a godsend.
Liz Carlin
Lady Z, I’m so excited to hear this news. I can’t wait to meet yours and Tasty’s babies. Stay healthy and enjoy this time of your life. Hugs and kisses from Tennessee!
Shannon From Cool
You know when you’re a die hard Zenyatta fan when you know the number of every post that comes up! All your aunties are getting so excited for YOU because YOUR baby is on it’s way.
We are all now on FOAL WATCH!
stephanie from san diego
We are all so excited for you dear Zenny! Your little one is going to have so many aunties ( and uncles) :)
Special prayer for our dumpling friend Catherine today.
Joanna
I am looking at the latest picture and thinking what are Zenny and Tasty doing at Cheltenham (Best jumps course in UK) it looks to me as though they are going over the water jump – could this be possible for mares in the Foaling Unit – it would be one way to bring on labour!! I am going to look at the picture again before I post
It still looks the same to me!
So excited about the latest development !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
xx
Keri Mattingly
Your temporary place is beautiful and we are all hoping that everything goes very well for you during this journey! Can’t wait to meet your little one, and Tasty’s little one too!!!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Dear Z– what a great picture of you and TT marching to you new spots. Everything is happening so fast that I bet the little one will be here before we know it.
@Dottie– I have a topic that I would liek a lesson on. If you are too busy, maybe you could deputize another Dumpling to do it. I would like to know more about the naming process. I know the Jockey Club is in charge (as in the Secretariat movie). I know that there are some names that cannot be repeated in a certain number of years. I know that there can be only so many letters. But the rest I don’t know. Some names combine the name of the sire and dam, but not always. There seems to be a lot to it, and it seems that names are never announced in advance. Is that considered bad luck? Or is there another reason? Please pardon all my questions, but I guess it’s the former teacher in me ocming out.
@Darlene D.–left you a message at the end of the previous diary. Hugs.
Julie DuVall / Ontario, CA
Here is a link to the Jockey Club rules on naming http://www.jockeyclub.com/registry.asp?section=3#six
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Thank you, Julie. I’m printing this out so I don’t forget.
DMCQ in AL
Thanks for asking those questions. Ms. Curiosity Pants wants to know too!
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
The inspiration for names comes from different sources. Names that combine elements of, or are suggested by, the parents’ names are common. Some of the resulting names are quite clever; e.g. Native Dancer (Polynesian X Geisha). Some are unfortunate; e.g., Mine That Bird (Birdstone X Mining My Own). (I love the horse, just not his name.) Other common inspirations are people (for example, Rachel Alexandra was named for her original owner’s granddaughter), places (Williamstown), popular culture (Uncle Mo, a slang for competitive momentum), and work/business (Cigar, named after a flight navigation point and not a tobacco product, was owned by the founder of Gulfstream). Zenyatta’s own name combines elements of Jerry Moss’s business, popular culture, and friendship. Some owners are inspired by their interests in art, literature, or science. And of course, many names are chosen because they sound good or have a nice meaning (Ta Wee). Some people go for humor: Arrrr and Mywifenosevrything are both real names. Some owners try to circumvent the Jockey Club rules against risqué names. The names Peony’s Envy, Hoof Hearted, and Honor and Offer have been accepted for registration. Say them fast and you’ll understand. Even very good horses have been saddled with bad names: “Isitingood” was a G2 winner and millionaire. “No Class” (Nodouble X Classy Quillo) had a lot of class; she was stakes placed and the blue hen dam of champions Sky Classic, Regal Classic, and Grey Classic, plus G1 winner Always a Classic.
Most horses are not named as foals, since many of them will be sold prior to racing. The new owners usually like to name their horses. It is permissible under JC rules to change a horse’s name prior to its first start, but many people consider it bad luck to do so.
sharon in seattle
Laura – you are such a great source of good information – however, I love the name Mine That Bird!!! : )
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Thank you, Laura J. We can always count on you. I think anyone who names a horse with a crude name is saying a lot about himself. Every horse deserves a lovely name, but no one asked me.
DMCQ in AL
Your knowledge is so appreciated, Laura.
Jan S. / Houston
And Havre de Grace is named after Havre de Grace, Maryland.
Ben
Good luck Zeny!! Both my friend Donna and I can’t wait to see your foal. When is your due date?
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Forgot to mention–praying for Catherine Hicks right now.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Catherine, we’re all pulling for you. Prayers and HugZ.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Catherine, my positive thoughts and prayers are with you!!! Love and hugs, Dawn
DMCQ in AL
Catherine, you are being thought of and prayed for by your many Z friends.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
A Birthday Poem for Robin in Ventura, CA
(February 2, 2012)
Our dear Robin
In Ventura
May not find her heart throbbin’
For every ploddin’ dobbin,
But Z lends her life zing,
And Robin’s happy heart
Does joyfully sing
In coloratura
Of the great Zenyatta’s bravura!
Dear Robin,
For you it’s our wish
That this day to you bring
Many a thing
That gives you bliss!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROBIN, AND MANY MORE!
–from a fellow Ventura county resident
Susan Carothers (in TN)
Happy Birthday, Robin! Hope it’s a great day!
@Trina- wonderful poem!
Robin - Ventura CA
Thank you all for the Birthday wishes, you all are such wonderful Z-lovers!!!!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Your birthday poems are such a treat!!!
DMCQ in AL
You did it again Trina! I love your poems. Happy birthday Robin!
Robin - Ventura CA
Thank you so much for the wonderful poem!!!!
Diana
That’s great news Z! So excited for you and can’t wait to meet your foal! You are going to make a great Mom! Hugs!!!
Carmela B
waiting for that filly, on March 1…so my crystal ball says….
hugs to you & tasty
Stella Bagwell in South Texas
Dearest Zenyatta,
Welcome back! This is such exciting news—You and Tasty in the foaling barn! Oh my, how time flies. It doesn’t seem that long ago that you were just arriving at Lane’s End and getting used to the farm. Now Baby Z is nearly here. You and Tasty must be getting anxious to have your little ones by your side and all your fans are anxious to see them!
I hope you’re enjoying your new surroundings. Please tell us all about everything. In the meantime, have a happy Thursday!
Love and kisses,
Stel
Rosemary McCauley - So. Cal.
What an exciting time for you and Tasty and for all of your fans. The time is almost here. Zenyatta – keep February 25 in your thoughts.
Lauren
Dear Zenny and Tasty and Dottie – I can’t wait to see pictures of the babies. It has been such a long wait and I am so glad that the babies are almost here. I am sure you and Tasty will be great moms. Out of curiosity I am wondering if there is a chance that your baby could be gray since Bernie’s mom was gray (I didn’t know that until recently). Anyway, anxiously waiting in NJ for two beautiful new babies.
Love and Kisses everyone!!!
Judy from South Carolina
Lauren……….in order for a foal to be gray one of it’s parents has to be gray. At least that is what I have always understood to be the case.
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
Judy’s correct. Bernardini’s gray offspring have gray dams. Bernie himself carries no gray. He also doesn’t carry chestnut. His foal with Zenyatta is almost certain to be brown like its parents.
Wendy
Looks like you will be in fantastic hands, Mama Z. Foal watch time on my farm was such a exciting time. There is nothing more beautiful than helping a new little life enter the world. Thank you and your team for sharing this exciting time.
Debbie
hi Z! I’m sooo happy YOU’RE back, I missed YOU! And how exciting that YOU and Tasty have moved to the foaling barn!!! It is going to be a nail biting next few weeks, waiting to hear how things are changing and then the birth of BABY Z/B!!! I’m so hoping the birth is on my BD March 5;) Enjoy YOUR new surroundings with Tasty! Love YOU gorgeous mama xoxoxo
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Where are you, Debbie?
Steph
I cant wait to see your foal Zen. I bet he/she is going to look a ton like you, maybe even have your dance moves.
Just a idea: You guys should set up a foaling cam, I know so many people would love to see the birth of future champion unfold before them.
Keep us posted Zen
Lisa in TN
Can’t wait. Even after foaling mares for 26 years the excitement never gets less, even when it is not your own!!! I wonder if TT will be a grey??? I hope yours has your blaze or some if it. To excited!!!! Have a great day everyone!!!!! Glad you are back the not knowing was awful.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
What amazing experiences you must have had and what joy to see the miracle of birth and those beautiful new little lives!!!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
You lucky girl! Although I know it’s not always easy or a good outcome. Our Army is mourning the loss of a foal just yesterday.
I know Team Z has it all well in hand.
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
@Lisa, Tasty’s foal has a 50% chance of being gray. We’ll see! I love the grays.
Cheryl
Sweet Sweet girl, I have been praying for you to have a safe delivery with a healthy little Z. We all love you SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We love Tasty too and pray for her as well. You will make a FANTASTIC mom beacuse you are so loving and gentle.
God Bless You ALWAYS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joanna from TX
I saw a comment on Facebook about all the new little foals coming now, and that this particular person was so excited thinking about how these kids may grow up to be competitors on the track someday! They are so right! And that makes seeing all the pictures and/or videos of all of them much more fun to see.
Zen and Tasty….we’re with you all the way. Take care, ladies….