SURPRISE, SURPRISE!!
Good Morning All!
What a day I had yesterday…all filled with GREAT surprises! I now know all of my friends here at Lane’s End had a wonderful surprise planned for me…and they filled TEAM ZENYATTA in on it!
For days, as you know, I have been walking around in my new paddock. The Farm wanted me to be totally familiar with every inch of the area. This is all part of my ‘baby steps’ process. Each day, I was given a bit more space to investigate and explore with Charles, Donna and the crew here! They ultimately had me on a very loose hold during these adventures. I was also given ample time to look at all of my beautiful surroundings and thoroughly relax and enjoy my time outdoors.
After several days of this, the FARM felt I was totally comfortable with my new paddock. A plan was then developed to establish the day when I could be ‘on my own’ outside. It was organized for this to take place YESTERDAY. TEAM ZENYATTA WAS PART OF THE PLAN…and they flew into Lexington TO SHARE THIS MOMENT WITH ME!
As I was being prepared for my morning ‘walk’, David and Mike picked up Team Z at the airport. SURPRISE! Within minutes, they were all right here with me at my Lane’s End Barn! SUCH FUN! (Carrots and mints for EVERYBODY!) Yippee!
Barbara Livingston, from DRF, and Anne M. Eberhardt and Alex, from THE BLOODHORSE, were also on hand. Sweetly, ANN MOSS was going to take some of her own videos…….and MY DEAR JOHN brought his new camera to add to the fun!
When I was ready, we all walked out to my paddock together. It was crisp…but not as cold as the last time they were here. For quite a bit of time, I walked around with Charles. We wanted to show everyone how well I handled this. We walked all over this large paddock…and I checked out everything….just like I have been doing for days now. Ann, Jerry, John, Dottie, Mario and Carmen…all thought I was doing very well. I was really feeling very confident in this space and with the footing.
Then, suddenly, (and to my surprise…and delight) Charles took the shank off me. I was allowed to be ‘ON MY OWN’. Lane’s End positioned many people from their staff all over the perimeters of the paddock area as they wanted to be sure I was very logical and safe at this moment.
GUESS WHAT???? I WAS! At first, I just played around with some alfalfa they had carefully positioned in 2 places in the center area of the paddock. I moved from one patch of this to another…walking and grazing. Then I thought…Hmmmm…this is different! I don’t really have anyone right next to me. Suddenly I looked up and saw so many of my friends all standing several feet away. At that moment, I noticed Mario. I walked over to him and stood there. He hugged me and scratched my neck like he has done for YEARS! It was so special! I walked over to the Moss’. Ann and Jerry both hugged me and gave me some great treats from home.
Then I looked at my dear JOHN…and walked over to him. He gave me several loving pats and then looked down and ‘checked my legs’. (Old habits just don’t go away. This is a TRAINER kinda’ thing. John has checked my legs every single morning for over 4 1/2 years. It was like great old times!) For several minutes more, I was able to walk around and greet all of my other friends. THIS WAS REALLY GOING WELL!
Now…I thought…HMMM! Let’s see what happens when I walk farther out to the other part of the paddock. So I did. I walked around looking at everything. I was careful..and enjoyed this. I WAS ALL BY MYSELF! I stood at one edge of the paddock just staring over the fence. 2 squirrels were playing in the tree…and I just loved watching them. I walked over to see the geese playing in the pond. I then went to greet all of my Lane’s End friends standing in each part of the paddock…..making sure they knew I was safe.
This went on for many more minutes. I just walked, looked, stood…and enjoyed every single moment.
Then, the thought occurred to me…CAN I JOG OFF and RUN? No lead pony, no Steve, no Mike Smith…no equipment…JUST ME! I put up my tail and planted my feet in the snow. It felt good. I jogged a bit and felt the brisk air on my skin. I stretched my legs and stepped right out! Hmmm, I thought! This is fun…and it is really going well. I went over to the other edge of the paddock. Donna was there to meet me. WOW!!!! Am I really doing this? I’m all by myself!
I pranced to the side of the paddock where all of my other friends were standing. I danced for them…and even walked right over to Dottie and gave her a BIG KISS!
I walked back around and greeted every single person as I made my way to the far side of the paddock! SUDDENLY (my confidence now was really strong)…….. I TOOK OFF!
I stretched, I bucked, I played…and then I RAN. What a lucky girl! As I rushed across the paddock, I squealed with delight. It was my way of THANKING EVERYONE for my wonderful, wonderful life.
What a LUCKY, LUCKY GIRL I AM!
After running free for several more minutes, Charles put the shank back on me. As you know, they have to monitor my time like this to be sure I am safe and don’t get too excited at first. The crew then took turns walking me around the paddock some more. Mario took his turn…and it was ALL FABULOUS!
I HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME!
After all of this exercise, it was time to go back to my barn and have something to eat. My friends and TEAM Z followed me and stayed and visited with me for hours.
What A MOMENT, what A DAY…and what SPECIAL MEMORIES!
I hope to share more photos of this day with you soon. Thank you to Barbara for the one we are using today. This day was all very, very special to me…and I know in my heart it was also very special for all of TEAM Z. They traveled thousands of miles to share this one new stage of my life with me! They all told me…they would not have missed today for anything!
What more could a GIRL want or have…than so many people who love her SO MUCH!
With love,
HUGS to ALL~
Z
Monica Horn
Zenyatta, there is no question that you are happy! What joy we all feel for you- like thousands of proud parents all over the world are we, your fans!
To the author- We so appreciate your taking the time to write these entries. To feel “in touch” with our girl is such a delight— it’s what we all needed! — makes the prospect of not seeing her race anymore not as painful as we thought it would be.
Maria
Queen Z you look fabulous. I am so happy that you’re enjoying yourself. Look at you running and bucking. You really had a great day yesterday. Lucky girl! I love you.
Jennifer
This was more breathtaking than I ever anticipated!!! Pure poetry in motion! Dottie’s narrative, the video, the pictures and the Blood Horse video all perfectly told the story of this blessed event. To see Mario and Zenyatta together again was priceless. The smile on Ann’s face just couldn’t have gotten any larger. Thank you all for this invaluable Christmas gift!
Allie
My dear Zeny a goddess of the track, an angel by nature. You have raced to the fullest. Now may you live your new life to the fullest. my zeny queen thank you for so many Amazing races
lisa
Absolutely heaven on earth. What a gift that love can be expressed so openly! All Team Z members from birth to Lane’s End you make us proud and happy thank you!
Sophie
Zenyatta, you are such a gem! You really have a wonderful team who love you and cherish you. Thank you Zenyatta team for sharing this wonderful story with us and the beautiful video.
Franci Nelson
I shared your video with my facebook family and friends. Everybody had a comment about how beautiful you are and what a wonderful sight you were running with such joy. Thank you for sharing your day with all of us.
Alyssa
This diary post/videos/pictures made my day! It’s funny how I have horses of my own and I get to watch them in their field everyday just outside my door, but I still got excited over the fact that Z got turned out! I think she’s going to start looking forward to her paddock time just as much as she looked forward to races. Once again, GREAT job to the Zenyatta/Lane’s End team!
I truly wish that more people would let the public be this close with their horses…as much as I love horses and have followed racing, I’ve never felt this attached to a racehorse, most likely because I never really got to “know” them. Just look at Rachel Alexandra – she pretty much fell off the face of the Earth and her team has done very little to keep her fans in touch.
I hope the Zenyatta Diary continues for a LONG time!
Paula Higgins
The video of Zenyatta running in the paddock with all your family there just made my day (week)! I was so happy everyone was there with Zenyatta for her first big day running on her own. I can’t thank you enough for this posting and the video Dottie. She looks so good and happy! I know it made you all very happy to be with her again. If this was me, I would be flying out every week LOL!
Ann Maree
What a wonderful present you got for Christmas that we all got to share — just breathtaking video of you romping around, free as the breeze….so happy for you Zen. I think up until yesterday you must have thought your retirement was pretty boring….more walking with somebody holding you, just like Mario did so many times…must have been thousands. Then, yesterday, something was very different. All your friends and family from California were there to see you…even Mario was there to walk with you to your paddock. Then, almost as if by magic, you don’t have anyone standing next to you…you are free to walk, run, jump, kick, whatever your big beautiful heart desired! Such a joyful experience it must have been for you. I can tell you, I was shaking watching you…I was so excited for you and wonderfully happy for you. What a blessing you are, sweet girl! Your friend, Ann Maree
(Dottie, when I saw the photos yesterday, I was glad, they were great, and then, the short video earlier today was good, not great, but good. I was not prepared for the utterly stunning Blood-Horse production, I assume ordered by Lane’s End. I posted on Facebook, before I saw the BH video, and I jokingly said I thought Jerry Moss probably was planning a production by Stephen Spielberg! Well, I almost was right, and I don’t think Spielberg could have done it any better! I guess so many of us have been on tinderhooks for the past month, worrying about every little thing having to do with her — was her stall big enough, her nose chain or her mouth bit looked wrong, why didn’t she have a blanket — it just seemed to be somewhat depressing that she was still having to be restrained and protected. She seemed happy enough, even dancing a little bit with Charles, but I was waiting to see what she would do, eventually, when they let her go. Six weeks ago, when it was announced she would retire, I kept having a vision of her running free with the wind. Well, today, I, along with the whole world got to see magic happen. The high quality of the video makes it almost like being there. I have a large, widescreen monitor, and have watched it over and over, just mesmerized at the sheer poetry of her kicking her heels up, literally, whinnying and snorting, just so overjoyed and excited she was. She still had nervous energy on the walk back to the barn, as she was doing her little leg kick dancing moves. Can’t wait for more videos of her cavorting in her paddock. Just had to send a personal thank you, to everyone associated with her, for sharing her with us. What a wonderful Christmas present. Merry Christmas to all of you. Ann Maree Matthews)
Vickie
Thank you for sharing this moment! Robbie -excellent post! I cannot even put into words how thankful I am that I got to experience ZENYATTS and her team – what an incredible gift you all have given us. I pray others listen, see and learn – for this gift is such a treasure and a guide.
Theresa
As always, my 11 year old autistic son lit up when he saw you Zenyatta! As he says, we don’t like Zenyatta, we LOVE her! Thanks to the connections who make all of this access possible.
Fran
Hi Zenny: I loved the video. It was so nice that you got to share your special day with all of those who love you dearly. And, it is so apparent that you love them very very much. To run free! That is so very exciting and a wonderful experience for you. I am late responding to you today because I had to run to the trainer’s house to see Doozey. She had a little episode of tying up today-this is the third time in 4 years so another call to the vet and blood work and medicine. It was not too bad as the trainer caught it immediately. Doozey was so happy to see Kate and me-she wants us to be with her when she is not feeling good. She was playing with my jacket and looking for her treats but I could only give her one carrot! Not too much sugar. It is nothing too serious, but she has not been able to get out because of all of the rain we have had. So, back to hand walking for the next several days. Z I am so happy that you had so much fun! Love you and Doozey sends her love too!
Catherine Uher
I thought the seeing my horses running today was quite a site and then I got home and saw this and it just topped everything and anything else that could’ve happened to me today! There are no other words I can think of than just simply breathtaking! Merry Christmas beautiful girl and to all of the members of your family that share you so lovingly with all of us! <3
Linda in NC
Dear Zenyatta and Dottie,
Your diary post and the video on Bloodhorse are incredible gifts to all who love you, and a very generous holiday gesture. How can we thank you??
We sing of “tidings of comfort and joy” at this time of year, but I have never seen that wonderful phrase made real until today. YOUR comfort and joy, Queen Z – comfort in the presence of those of love and care for you – and the joy of kicking up your heels – are images that I will never forget.
Sometimes in this life, good wins out, comfort and joy prevail,and the story has a happy ending. Thank you, Zenyatta, everyone at Barn 55, at Lane’s End, and most especially the Mosses’ for sharing these special moments with the legions of fans who will always follow “the Queen.”
With love and holiday greetings to you, Zenyatta, and your devoted, extended family,
Linda
jahlgren
Seeing your personality really take flight on the video was a great Christmas present! It’s fun to see you having fun! Lotsa love,
Maria
To Zenyatta’s fan,
Here’s a great article written by Bill Dwyre – “Zenyatta should be front-runner for Horse of the Year”
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dwyre-20101221,0,3813452.column
Lynette Lucas
Queen Z – I was crying like a baby as I watched the video and I’m crying again reading your post!! I’m so glad that Team Z was there to see you play in the snow. I loved see you and Mario in that loving moment!!
You are the greatest and I will always love you, just keep sending posts and videos!!!
Sending more hugs and kisses from Roswell,NM!
Patricia Emery
Zenyatta-And you got to share this with Jerry, Ann,John, Dottie, Mario, Carmen & many others…was it like, “parents weekend,” for those of us who have children in college? I bet you gave Team Z the best Christmas present! I know if you were my horse, how proud & truly happy for you I would be & I would want to share this part of your journey with you…Is there any more video footage or photos of your exchange with Mario? I would love to see that! His heart must have skipped a beat or two. John, assessing your beautiful legs…he must of felt like it was old times. The joy you create for others is just unimaginable! It just gets better & better as time goes by…Goodnight sweet one…as always, may the light of peace guide you!
Diana
thank you team Z for sharing this with all of us. Seeing the video was like we could be there too. I loved it and what a special moment it was.
dunie oneil
Your Christmas gift is mine, dear Queen!
Martha
What a thrill!!! Thanks do much for sharing this very special moment with all of us. I am so glad team Z came !!!! I pray they can all come see you again. I have Thoroughbreds and I know how much this means to all of you, and especially for Z to see her loved ones. Farm life can be boring but this special day was anything but!! Enjoy and God bless you all.
Jackie
Queen “Z” It was breathtaking to see you running in the paddock. I watched the video and cried! My son sent me the link to my office and thank goodness I can’t open any YouTubes at work. My staff already thinks I am nuts, my entire office has pictures, clippings. posters and had they walked in on me watching you run free and crying, I think they would have had me committed!
You looked like you truly enjoyed yourself as did your human friends. Eveyone was beaming! Just be careful in the snow, wouldn’t want you to slip, fall or take a bad step.
Thanks for sharing this video. I have already saved it in my file. One of thousands!
Stay warm and safe.
Hugs and Kisses
Jess
WOW Zenny!! I am so happy that your California family came out to see you again.
And I’m sure it won’t ever be the last either. I’m glad that our queen is at last running free, living and loving life. See ya in KY Big Girl, Love,
Jess
luvscritters
I saw the video and was sooo happy to see YOU being soooo happy! You have wonderful handlers who are doing all the right things to help you adjust and enjoy the next phase of your life. And it’s not just because you’re valuable, it’s because they truly love you and it shows in everything they do.
Enjoy your paddock and being able to run free. I’m sure the day will come soon when you will be turned out most of the time to play as much as you want.
Cheryl
Hey there girl – just how wonderful are YOU!!! You hold your tail just like my mare when you run – proud and high! I am so thrilled that went so very well – thank everyone for me for the way they took such care to make sure you were safe. You are truly a Great Queen and our Beautiful Zenyatta. I just cant get enough news about what you are doing – LOVE YOU!!
Margaret
Z you looked like you had such fun running around. You be safe. You never know if you might slide on snow/ or ice. I know its hard to stay under control when its all just so exciting but we want you to be safe.
I’m glad that Team Z and Mario got to be there for this special moment for you. It looked just too fun. Lucky you–you’re going to have a white Christmas. Stay warm and snuggly tonight.
Maribel
Thank you so much for sharing this very special Christmas present …Luv you all so much ! HUGs to Z and a very Merry Christmas
Diana
I so enjoyed seeing that you got to run free for the first time in….well, have you ever done that? Since you were a foal, I mean? Either way, you sure looked like you had a great time!! So happy for you and so happy the your California family got to some and be there with you for this special day! Love you tons Zenyatta! Hope you get to do it again soon!!
Geneva
I’m so glad that you had fun running and exploring your new paddock. I hope you have a very merry Christmas Z! You are the worlds greatest race horse and will always be. I love ya Zenyatta!
With lots of love, Geneva