Happy Tuesday!
YEAH…THANK YOU TOM AND JOHNNY!
I am so busy here with my new friends. Each day I am feeling more and more confident in my new surroundings and I get to stay outside longer and do a bit more. The lads here are getting me ready to be ‘free’ in the paddock soon. Each day, we are making headway towards this goal! It is exciting! I’ll keep you posted when it happens.
This morning a helicopter flew overhead while I was outside…and I did not even blink. I am used to BIG AIRPLANES flying above me. They flew in and out of Los Angeles International Airport all of the time while I’d be outside grazing at Barn 55. So this was a very normal occurrence for me!
Several of you have asked questions about MY SHOES. So I asked Dottie if we could give you an explanation about this to help everyone have a basic understanding of the process. She and I consulted with John so you would have the proper information.
When I left the farm and went to the Keeneland Sale as a yearling, I had on what is called TRAINING PLATES. These are shoes made of steel. They are a heavier, larger type shoe that is used to help a horse do basic training. (I also wore them at Jeanne Mayberry’s farm when I was there as a yearling and a newly turned 2 year old.) They handle the wear and tear of basic training very well…especially in the early stages. A thoroughbred race horse normally gets new shoes one time per month. Of course, individual differences do apply…this is just a baseline.
When racing, John would have me use ALUMINUM SHOES. This is a lighter-weight type of shoe and it can be tapered to a horse’s foot. Tom Halpenny was my blacksmith while racing. He is a lovely Irish gentleman who has worked in this field and been around many very accomplished race horses his entire life. Tom would work with John on my feet…and they would constantly be reviewing how my shoes would be customized just for my needs. This is a real skill and a blacksmith is extremely important to a horse!
After my last race, John had Tom take off my Aluminum Shoes (the ones I wore in the Breeders’ Cup Classic)…and put Training Plates (Steel shoes) on me. As I was still at the barn and doing some light exercise each day on the training track, the steel shoes were the best ones for my feet. They were perfect for this stage of my day to day activity. Additionally, they were another baby-step in getting me ready for farm life. I wore them to KY last week.
After a couple days at the farm, last Thursday to be precise, my shoes were taken off. NOW…are you ready for this…my blacksmith here at Lane’s End is the same person who took care of my feet years ago when I lived in Kentucky! His name is Johnny Collins. He is the same man who put on my shoes when I went to the Keeneland Sale in September, 2005! He took care of my feet when I was a little girl! Now, here he is taking off my shoes at the farm several years later. This is absolutely adorable! Johnny told me he’d been keeping track of me and all of my progress since then! It was so great to touch base with him, my first blacksmith, after all of these years! We had a blast sharing all of the FUN times since we last saw each other!
Now, I’m BAREFOOT (no shoes)…which is great for a horse at the farm. You are outside playing in the field, thus, no shoe issues/problems can develop! It is very safe! That is why I commented the snow felt so good beneath my feet…no shoes! It is fun! From this point forward, Lane’s End and Johnny will monitor my feet. My darling ’4 hooves’ will be constantly checked…and ‘trimmed’ as needed. FYI—-Trimming a horse’s feet…is like you trimming your nails and keeping them properly groomed and cared for as needed. The objective of ‘trimming’ is to keep the horse’s feet nice and healthy!
I hope this information is helpful.
Now…HOW CUTE IS THIS! Johnny is back taking care of MY FEET! I am still smiling about this. Isn’t it amazing how so many things in life go FULL-CIRCLE! I am so fortunate!
With love,
Hugs to ALL!
Z
Sarah Powell
First thing I do when I come in from my barn at night is check to see if the next diary entry is posted – the information is great and serves to promote increased interest in horses and horse racing. Thanks to all of Queen Z’s connections – special people have special horses and she’s a direct reflection of her special people – hope these extend to all of those working with her at Lane’s End.
Kathryn
Hi Z!
Please thank everyone at your new home, Lane’s End, for continuing your Diary. Your pictures and videos in the snow are beautiful.
Tami
Good for you, Z!! I check on you every day. My thanks to the folks that keep us updated on you. Best…..
Linda Shull
Love these updates. Keep them coming.
Vickie
This is quite an education! Excellent stuff and positive reinforcement – THANK YOU – I sure do miss you Queen Z! Be safe warm and happy – hugs to you, Dottie and all of Team Zenyatta!
Leslie
Happy Feet!! You are such a hoot Z!! I love your writing style! I’m glad you are enjoying your bare feet. That’s so nice of you to ask Dottie and John to help explain to everyone how and why you change your shoes! Every girl has to have new and different shoes from time to time! That’s amazing that you have the same blacksmith! Yes, full circle. I’m so glad you have David too who picked you out to take home. It’s great you have a few people who have been part of your life from the beginning.
Thanks for writing Z!! Love you!
DG McCall
I think about you almost every day. You were the greatest. You’ve ruined my enthusiasm for racing however (at least temporarily) because no one can ever take your place. Also, my search for the greatest race horse of all time is over for good. It makes it all so hard:( Nevertheless I still love you and wish you well but I do and will really miss seeing you cruzing down the stretch beating any horse in your path like they’ve all been tied to a post:)
NDfilly
Getting ready for barefoot and pregnant!
Gerrie P.
Thanks to you Zenyatta, I continue to improve my equine education. Thank you so much!
You look majestic as always.
Kim Curtsinger
Hi Zenny-nothing like feeling the snow beneath your feet. Glad you enjoy it. I wish the snow would go away for your sake, and mine BTW. I hate snow. Glad you’re getting out longer each day and look forward to when you’re turned loose to romp like you did when you were just a kid
Anita
Wow, Zen. You have natural hooves now! I am so excited for you. This is what nature (God) intended for horses. That’s great that Johnny is back to take care of your feet. It is very wonderful how God brings people back into our lives at times. I can’t wait to see you run in your new pasture! You are gonna have a blast. Thank you again so much for keeping us abreast of your daily progress, and please thank Dottie & John. I love you so much. You are my inspiration.
Karrie Bischoff
I was wondering if you would get to go back to being bare foot! Glad to hear that you get to be a natural horse again. I am glad that your team has allowed your admirers to follow your progress, and you will continue to be a great ambassador for your sport. Looking forward to video of your first free run in your paddock!!
Jerry Pat Bolton
Zenyatta! You are teaching me things I didn’t know. Although born and raised around horses I was never involved with any except my grandfather’s pride and joy, Prince. A beautiful horse and I don’t even remember what breed he was. I do recall he had a blazing white star right in the center of his forehead. I enjoyed this very much.
Julie DuVall
I just watched the video of you in the snow and it occurred to me that I was sitting here watching a video of a horse nibbling grass (not a very exciting subject, when you think about it) and smiling from ear to ear. I hope more people learn about horses and racing because of you; maybe we can get some more FANS in the stands like in the “good old days.” Thank you so much, Dottie and Zen, for sharing with us!
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi – I wait each day to read your daily diary. You are so cute and your writings are so enjoyable. I just went today to CVS to develop some pics of you. I was so fortunate to see you up close in your paddock on Zenyatta Appreciation Day. I love you so. You are truly an angel in disguise.
BrilliantPamela
I knew this was coming. Gotta have Zenyatta’s point of view. That’s my girl!
Sunny Boyd
Good Evening, Zenyatta,
wow, I did not know horses could be without shoes, at least domesticated ones. And you’re a real GlamMare:)Mustangs have only their hooves I guess, and now your barehooved.Ha. I bet the grass & snow tickle you now.:) These updates are swell, and a person learns so much. Thanks for lettin’ us into your private life.
Kristen
Zenny, I am so glad you are BAREFOOT!! My horse is BF too. it’s the most natural way for a horse to be. After all, you were born barefoot!!!
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, now your pretty feet can breathe naturally, and soon, very soon you will be free in your paddock. You have done amazingly, not surprised, look who you are. I love all in the info about the shoes. You told us some of that earlier, when changing shoes when you were still at HP. Since there is so much to learn about your life racing and not racing, do you think that John and Dottie might explain why you had to leave California to be on a farm? I wish I knew. You look so beautiful in your videos, you are really, really a perfect creation. I still am in awe when I see how perfectly beautiful you are. Hugs and forever love, Lisa g.
Cheryl
Hey there pretty girl – you look very restful in your video today. Maybe being barefoot makes you feel relaxed!! haha – just like humans! The grass that has frozen in the snow is crunchy and sweet isnt it. Kind of like a sweet grass slushy! I cannot even imagine how fantastic you will be when they let you loose in your paddock. Just thinking about you running free and happy without a care – well, there just wont be words to describe it I guarantee you! Love you so much! I think about you a lot and your song is STUCK in my head!! They need to get that on the charts! Beautiful Zenyatta, I will be checking on you every day! Love, Cheryl
Denise Bailey
OMG–I love this horse. She owns my heart!!!!!
Kathryn Cogswell
‘Z’ Lovers Galore: A Christmas donation honoring Zenny, might lead you to TROTT [Training Racehorses Off The Track . [*See: ‘J.SMITH`S’ note above]. TROTT permits youngsters on a tangent work under approved supervision in their program for the horses. ~ One quote: “The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man,” includes youngsters, too. Good rescue groups work for horses in danger of slipping through the cracks down a cruel spiral. Finding the reputable ones that appeal to you is an education in itself. Thanks for thinking of this. Khc.
Shannon
Zenyatta. We simply can not get enough of you.
Mr. Farish hasn’t seen anything yet, just wait until the spring and summer. Your fans will be flocking to see you at Lane’s End. Everyone will be saying “Oh, the boys, they’re nice but where’s Zenyatta? We want to see Zenyatta!”.
Catherine Uher
OMG I just love you Zenyatta! You are the most precious thing! This is so awesome about Johnny being there to take care of your feet again! After all, you have 4 of the most special feet in the world! Thank you for putting yet another smile on my face! I hope you are getting to visit with Life is Sweet! I also hope she is doing well! I will have to send both of you a gift basket that you can share with your new friends in your barn! Stay warm precious girl! Lots of hugs and peppermint kisses! Catherine
Kari Bussell
Queen Zenyatta- I am so glad to hear you are bare foot. I wonder how great that snow felt beneath your feet. You are forever in my heart and always on my mind. I told Santa all I want for Christmas is for you to be full of joy with your new life. You mean the world to me. I can’t wait to see you free and running around your huge paddock. I agree with all the other fans…we are here to stay…we will always want to know how you are doing….and begging for a audience with you…..tell Dottie thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping you with your daily post…You and all of your loved ones remain in my prayers. God bless you all.
Sunny Boyd
@ Ensign
why does it have to be this way.
That’s almost like she’s being raped. Why can’t she & her suitor trot off somewhere, horses have been breeding on their own since the species’ existence. Won’t she be traumatized? She’s a sweet gentle mare, why does she have to be forced this way? Feb. 15, day after Valentine’s day. If it happened on Valentine’s Day, you could call the foal Zenyatta’s Valentine.
Anne Faulconer
I’ve known John Collins for a long, long time and he is a fine, fine man and a wonderful blacksmith!! Your feet are in good hands ;) beautiful mare.
Cathy P
Wow that’s great Zenyatta, having an old friend come back in to your life. Thank you for sharing how the shoe thing works. I bet it feels so good to have your shoes off, and be able to feel the snow under your bare feet. Sweet dreams, Big hugs, and I love you sweet girl. Talk to you soon.
Ann Maree
Hey, Z-girl, I’m trying to learn all your new friends’ names. Let’s see, there’s Andrew, Todd, Charles, and I think, Donna? You know there’s one other person I bet we should thank, and that’s Sarah Campion, David Ingordo’s assistant. Her videos are so appreciated, and I know she probably has enjoyed getting to know you, too. I am just amazed at how many people check in to Facebook to watch your videos and make comments there, as well as here. Some days, I have counted anywhere from 500-nearly 1000 people who hit the “like” button on anything that is posted about you. You certainly do have some loyal fans, and I think your fame is growing! Tell Dottie that she’s really doing a great job teaching us so much about what it takes to keep a famous racehorse properly shod! And now that you are barefoot, well that’s really something! Pretty soon I will get my wish, which is to see you running around your paddock, mane and tail flying! I read something somewhere, I think it might have been the interview with your first farm manager, Don Robinson, but I could be wrong. Anyway, they said it was actually good for horses to run around in a pasture, that it strengthens the legs and keeps them fit. I guess if you haven’t done this in a while, it takes some getting used to, though. That’s really something that a helicopter flew around and you just took it in your stride! Guess they are finding out how really smart and savvy you are. You are used to people yelling your name, crowds of people trying to just touch you. You have always been gracious and kind, and gentle, Zen. So glad you seem to be adapting to your new home and life there. Tell Dottie thanks, and also Sarah. Your friend, Ann Maree
jim
i hate everyone whose doing this to you.