Happy Friday to All~
I can’t believe another week has gone by…and so quickly! Lots of different things have happened during the course of this week and I’ve heard lots of good news. We’ve certainly had fabulous health updates for several people including our friend, Dawn Conrad! All of this news is so, so special!
Remember the HAT GAME I used to play with MY JOHN? Well, apparently it is still going strong at Barn 55. I guess because MY JOHN always wears a baseball type cap (and I do mean always) that the horses he works with each day just love to play with these hats.
Yesterday afternoon, while Mr. Commons was outside grazing, relaxing and enjoying the California sun, he decided it was his turn to play my game. Bruce was there with him! He let Bruce sit on the saw horse bench, scratch his neck, hug him and play with him. In return, Mr. Commons decided he would ‘tease Bruce’ and started playing with his cap! Within moments, Mr. C was playing the HAT GAME with him…and totally took off his cap and handed it back to Bruce!
It was all TOO CUTE! Everyone at Barn 55 was laughing…and Mr. Commons was really proud of himself for getting Bruce’s cap. I know this feeling. I loved to play this game with MY JOHN.
There are so many FUN THINGS like this one that happen each day in our lives. The experiences are so sweet, yet extraordinary, and most importantly they make us LAUGH! I’ve been told that there is a very famous saying which describes what I’m trying to say…..TAKE TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES! It is really so much fun to truly appreciate the joy and beauty of these special moments.
Lucky US!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Charlotte Farmer
@Judy Berube – I loved your response to Terry Crow and I heartily agree, “Everyone will have their own favorite(s). It’s all good.”
@Neva Rae Powers – I couldn’t stop laughing at your post, “I adore being a groupie.” I was great!
@To everyone that posts – We have our favorites, but the common thread to this site is our love for Zenyatta and the Team.
@I have re-read the last two days of posting and I can’t say that I found any of it nasty, just passionate. From the moment a saddle was put on the back of a racehorse, trainers along with owners and their fans have debated who is best. It will continue that way long after all of us and thank God, for in those remembrances the great ones lives again.
@Zenyatta – Maybe you should share some of your Guinness with all of us. Love you!
@Dawn Conrad – I have no words for what you got to experience there at Claiborne. Reading what you posted gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes. You should write more. Did you ever read Bill Nack’s book, Secretariat? In the book he recounts the death of Nasrullah. Bold Ruler, his son, was in the pasture next to the great stallion. By the time the people at Claiborne got to him he had pasted on and Bold Ruler we berserk (my words). I cried so hard after reading that for you see Nasrullah was my Noor’s sire when owned by His Highness the Aga Khan III. Again, I love what you say.
Karen Gogue
@Trina
Good morning sunshine! It’s 4:30 am here in Cali (no sun yet! We get what they call ‘June Gloom’ in June, almost all month) Can’t wait to call you! Don’t know if you are up yet your time. Do I call now, later, don’t want to keep you from what you have to do today waiting for my call! (That’s what I’ve been asking myself! Not for your response! LOL!) Will wait a little bit longer – ok? Talk to you soon!
Elizabeth
Loved hearing about and seeing the pics Bruce and Mr. commons playing the ‘hat game’! All of your daily updates are special moments in our day that bring us joy and encouragement. Thanks for making us smile. Happy grass munching today, Z!
Elizabeth
Oops – just noticed that I did put a cap ‘C’ on Mr.Commons, which of course he very much deserves!
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, Mr.Commons just makes me smile. just like you with the caps. It must be a game you horses talk about. That is absolutly TOO CUTE! Mr. Commons is so beautiful standing in the sun and looking so magnificent. Your John & his Team certainly has all the right moves down in transforming a TB into a beautiful picture. Z you are so RIGHT! Life is a GIFT that should be enjoyed by really understnading and soaking in the the present moment. Just to live in the moment. That is a Blessing and really hard to do with this fast pace life we all live. We are horses & humans and we need the rest to enjoy what we are. I love you so much Zenyatta! What a awesome love you inspire that is imprinted on my heart forever. Sending Hugs & Kisses From Albama With Love, Amanda G.
suew
@Bonnie, actually two of Zenny’s best races were on dirt in Arkansas. However the track there was “dry” and she didn’t have to deal with those nasty clumps of dirt being flung at her…especially in her beautiful face.
tony and sue
Trina, We’re “IN” for Operation “D”, too. Just let us know the details. :-)
evy
There are always roses to smell….even if they are not always obvious. Taking the time to smell them is important for humans as well as horses. Zenny, thank you for the reminder.
Jenna
How sweet!!
Shari Voltz
Dear Zenyatta Happy Belmont Day. I will bet yes bet on Stay Thirsty. I am enjoying this even if I don’t win. It is fun. I will watch all the coverage later. I did not post yesterday I had a couple of Dr appointments. I got carried away with my running and my leg got sore again. I was a little down. I have to scale back again. I just love to run like you sweetheart. I know it must sound silly but that running helps me to stay calm in my sometimes crazy life. I love the pictures of Mr. Commons playing the hat game. That is too cute. Bruce looks like he is having fun too. Well sweet girl I hope you have a great day with plenty of sunshine. I love you. Hugs and Kisses, Shari XXXOOO
@ Dawn your post made me cry. I love Secretariat so much. I am hoping (this summer) to visit where he is buried. I know I will cry but he was my fist love. I cherish my picture of him with the Queen :) Today I will wear my pink Secretariat shirt. I feel like I am honoring him. I mean his Belmont was out of this World. Like my Erin said, “He looks like he is flying.” :)
Abigail from Montreal
A safe trip to all the jockeys & thoroughbreds in today’s Belmont. Now we just need to see if “Big Sandy” will shape a third superstar, or if AK or Shackleford will deliver THE performance of their young lives! WOW! It should be exciting!!!!!
Anna Wiley
How beautiful, darling. Good luck to Mr. Commons in his races. :)
GOOD LUCK, SHACKLEFORD!!!! Come home safely.
Happy Belmont Day, all Zenyatta Posters!
Hope all the horses have a safe trip, and may the best colt win!
Have a great day, Zenny and soon-to-be Baby Z!
Luv,
Anna
Anna Wiley
@Trina Nagel: Yes! Finally! Another person who knows about Kincsem! I have a friend who is all about horseracing 24/7, and she had no clue who Kincsem was! Seriously?! I believe she was a truly great horse and deserves more honor than she is given. GO, KINCSEM!
Terry Crow
@LauraJ–Well said and amen. I want to thank you for bringing the exploits of Kincsem to the attention of all who post here. A truly remarkable horse.
Dee
Hi to Zenyatta. We love you so much. Happy Belmont Day to all. May all the horses come home safe and sound.
OraJean Stevenson
Dear Zenny & Team-Z,
Reading your Diary Entries brightens my day and brings a smile to my face…and my heart. Thanks for your reminder to take time to live in the NOW!!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend “smelling your roses”.
God’s speed and a safe trip to all the horses running and jockeys riding this weekend.
Hugs to you all. Fondly, OraJean
Elaine Connors
Wow! What a job to have!! It would be awesome to play with Mr. Commons! He’s a beauty and I bet a really sweet guy. Bruce looks like he’s having fun, too. Playing this game with Zenyatta would be beyond awesome!!!! Hugs, kisses and much love to you Zenyatta! Have a wonderful day and enjoy watching the Belmont!!
Barbara Wood
Good morning Zenny–we’ll all be glued to the tv all afternoon eagerly awaiting the outcome of the Belmont. Praying for safe trips for all. Love you always.
linda
Reading this diary is good for the soul.
Hayley
Too cute! Gotta love he hat game! Me and my Ruby would play tag! I would be on one side of the fence and she would be on the other, I’d tap her on the shoudler and run and she would follow me whiel galloping. The way she tags is too cute! She would grab the aprt of my tee-shirt sleeve for a tag! (But she would never run! xD) Well, now she’s in a happy retirement farm! :) Hope retirement is a breeze for you! <3
~Hayley from Kentucky! :)
D.Lawson
Mr. Commons too cute!
judy berube
Happy Belmont Day Z,
Wishing safe trips to everyone. Love you and love to all of you. Judy and Russ
To Charlotte Farmer:
Thank you. I always look forward to your posts. You, Terry Crow and so many other Z Fans write such informative and knowledgeable posts about racing and wonderful horses from the past. The stories and discussions are so much fun. I’m so happy to be part of this Z “family”. Hugs, J.B.
Katie Clawson
TOO CUTE ZENNY!!
Love, Katie(future jockey)
Flashfire Min Pins
You have definately set alot of traditions…Hats off to you….my little Zenyatta is doing some good winning to…she won an Award of Merit at our National Min Pin show in Minnesota. We were so proud. We had our Team Zenyatta shirts on and everyone talked about you Queen Z…..You are the BEST…
LauraJ
@Signofthetimes, I apologize if it sounded like I was denigrating the brothers. I am fond of all of them, and am really looking forward to Margano’s career. I’ve read that he is a very nice-looking horse. Who knows? Maybe they will catch lightning in a bottle again. We can hope. Think Pink in 2012!
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@Maggie N, that’s a whole lot of dog!
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@Dawn Conrad, lovely travelogue. Eddington is my horse’s sire. My boy looks nothing like him, though. (He is bay and on the small side, like his momma.)
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@Judy Berube, I got an email this mornng saying that Step will be scoped today or tomorrow morning. Hooves crossed!
LauraJ
@Charlotte Farmer, I was wondering–have you ever contacted the Kentucky Horse Park as a possible final resting place for Noor? Many great TBs and other horses are buried there, so it would be perfectly appropriate.
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@Dawn Conrad, that reminds me. There is a lovely sculpture of Secretariat at the Horse Park, at the entrance to the Visitor’s Center. People leave flowers there, even though it’s not a grave marker. They also leave flowers at the grave of Man O’War, who is buried at the park.
Hana
Aww! <3
Kari Bussell
Zenyatta- I do remember your “hat game”…so precious that Mr. Commons is continuing the tradition….I love you all….Tell MR. Commons I look forward to seeing his next race….Please tell your “Dear John” thanks for the picture’s and all the great shared memories…
as always Thank you Dottie for doing this diary~ Joy to All-Kari
Lynn ..... (nearby Hwd Park) California
Hi Z. I’m glad the topic is Mr. Commons.
……..As my 1st visit to barn 55 this year to see your stall, I was fortunate to see Mr. Commons grazing outside. I now have a picture of me and Mr. Commons. I’m so thrilled about that! … He is cute, sweet and gorgeous! Thanks Zenny for a cute photo of him, playing the hat game!
…. Much LOVE to you Zenny. Smack!(a kiss for you), and a HUG .. :)
Marilu V
Zeny, thank you for sharing. This is an adorable picture of Mr. Commons and Bruce. Wish I could be part of the game!
Hugs and kisses to you! Marilu