Good Morning,
I absolutely LOVE this photo Anne M. Eberhardt took the other day. Here I am with my dear friends, Mario and Carmen. I wanted to mention, just in case you did not know, Mario and Carmen are MARRIED. It is so special to share all of this with them. WE WILL BE FRIENDS FOREVER! I have spent a great deal of time with these 2 lovely people. I think I’m now OFFICIALLY PART OF THEIR FAMILY! I’ve heard that photos of ME are all over their home and in their family albums…right next to those of their children and relatives!
Carmen had never been in the snow before Monday. It is so cute. When I was looking out my window, I saw them taking pictures of each other in the snow. I loved watching them!
Mario has told John countless times that THE LAST 3 YEARS HAVE BEEN THE BEST YEARS OF HIS LIFE! He simply can’t believe it! His pictures have been in magazines, newspapers and on TV with ME! Carmen feels the same way.
John was teasing Mario while they were here…’Did you ever think, Mario, that you would go into the paddock or on the track and people would be calling out your name?’ The crowd was literally chanting…MARIO, MARIO, MARIO the last time I paraded at Hollywood Park. It was GREAT to see how much people appreciated him….and all of his work with ME! While John was saying this to him, all Mario could do was smile…so proudly!
As this is the season for being thankful and reflective on one’s life…I want to say….I AM ONE VERY GRATEFUL HORSE to have been BLESSED TO HAVE ALL OF THESE SPECIAL PEOPLE WITH ME EACH MOMENT…TO HELP ME BE THE BEST I COULD BE!
I TRULY COULD NEVER HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT MY LOVING TEAM ZENYATTA!
It is so comforting to me to be able to say this…and let my friends at Barn 55…and now at Lane’s End…know how much THEY ARE APPRECIATED. Often, in life, people do not really say these things and let their FAMILY, FRIENDS (and in my case…MY FANS) know exactly HOW SPECIAL they are to you. I wanted to be sure to do so!
Things are not always easy and every single day is not always perfect…but I have truly been blessed to be in an environment where THE LOVE OF THE HORSE ALWAYS COMES FIRST!
IN THIS SEASON OF GIVING…WHAT A GIFT I HAVE BEEN GIVEN!
Have a wonderful day!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Ingrid in MA
We think alike,you and I,Zenny – this is one of my favorite pictures from the other day too! You can just see the love in Mario’s and Carmen’s eyes for you. Not to mention the love for THEM in yours. A beautiful,special moment. Thank you to you and your team for sharing it with all of us.
A safe and peaceful holiday season to you and yours,Zenyatta, and also to all the Zenyatta fans. How blessed we are to have such a special horse in our lives!
Love you,Big Z!
Cathleen
And thank you Team Zenyatta for sharing Zenyatta with us and letting us be a part of her life each day. You all are truly amazing. I can’t recall a horseracing team so giving to the fans. We all love Z like she’s our own and are very appreciative that you recognize that. Zenyatta you are so very lucky, especially to have had Mario taking care of you, Carmen walking you, Steve exercising you, John teaching you, and Mike racing you, love from Dottie and Barn 55. And we are especially fortunate that God entrusted you to the Moss’ the nicest, most generous owners on the face of the Earth. Merry Christmas everyone! And especially to you our sweet Zenyatta. I know Santa will be extra good to you! XOXO
Kathryn Cogswell
Well, to laugh & wipe tears away at the same time is getting to be a happy, contradictory habit. The stills and the movies are so full of your life. Someone wrote that about the time your fame and prowess were becoming really well-reported, and acclaimed, the people closest to you became the most quiet and humble, just saying how blessed and grateful they felt watching your success. What an honor and a gift you are, ‘Z.’. That comes straight through to us, too. Real power is a quiet thing, full of enjoyment and fun and rest. And it makes everybody around grateful and contented. Thank Goodness sooo much for you & your splendid family. What Love you all are. Khc.
Chris H
Mario is a huge reason that Zenyatta is the way she is — kind, gentle and the love just pours from Zenyatta to Mario and from Mario to Zenyatta!
Sharon
It doesn’t seem to be just me who tears up every time I read a new post. When I saw this picture yesterday I immediately clicked the “order this photo now” button because I couldn’t think of a more beautiful visual representation of the love streaming from horse to humans to horse. . .it is AMAZING!!!!!!! And Dottie, wow, what else can I say about these posts – you are the Zenyatta of keeping fans happy with words —- happy new year! hugs to Queen Z
Sandra Frey
The photo of you, Carmen, and Mario warmed my heart…love it!
xoxox
Martha in Ocala
This photo is amazing – the love and joy between the 3 of you. I hope they get to see you often!!!!
The video was a Christmas presnt to all of us.
Thanks for reminding us how blessed we all are.
<3 Martha
Marie
it’s your fans that should be grateful Queen Z. your magnificent was shared with all of us and you remind us all of what is truly important in life.
Merry Christmas to Queen Z and all members of Team Z!!!
Lisa T
The love between you and Mario is very obvious….what a great picture! This brought tears to my eyes. Yes, Zenyatta you are LOVED BY SO MANY!!! Thank you for bringing such joy to everyone. Merry Christmas Zenyatta!
Julie Ann
Zenyatta, This is a wonderful picture of you with Mario and Carmen! Esta lleno de amor y mucho corazon! It is full of love and lots of heart! !Feliz Navidad Y Prospero Ano Nuevo! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Abrazotes a todos! Juliana
Sharon Call
Mario, Carmen, Isabella, Steve W. and all of the other behind the scenes people, a special thanks for your contribution to helping make this mare such an ambassador for the racing and thoroughbred industry. As part of Team Z you, too, are ambassadors and living proof that horses, racing, thoroughbreds in general can be about kindness, common sense and ethics in handling these wonderful creatures. GOOD WORK, GOOD LIFE, MERRY CHRISTMAS! Z, could we hear about your people at LE as well. We know about Sarah, Steve and Todd. I know there must be more people than that. Could we learn about them as well? Their names, what they do, etc. It helps complete the circle of people that take care of you. Also, any plans for a visitors day for you in the offing?
Gail - CANTER MI
Thank you to the Moss’s,John, Dottie, Mario, Carmen and to the Team Z for all the wonderful care you have given her. She is truly one very blessed TB. She is loved by so many. They should all be so lucky. Merry Christmas and thank you to All!!
maryann
What a beautiful picture, you can definitely see the love between you, Carmen and Mario. They were so fortunate to be a part of your life. It was so very thoughtful that Carmen and Mario were able to see you be free for the first time. A horses’ eyes tell everything, in your eyes, Z, nothing but LOVE
love ya Z
Marci
Yay Mario and Carmen. I ditto what Alyssa said. Now, people will better understand and appreciate the very important role the people behind the scene play. Once again, you are opening the world’s eyes on another important facet of this industry. Happy Holidays to you and to every member of Team Z.
Pam
No question, you ARE blessed to have these wonderful people, who are so devoted to you, in your life — and you have blessed every one of them too! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Queen Z.
Nancy McNaul Applegate
this pic says more than a thousand words. Carmen & Mario think of Zenny as their child and Zenny thinks of them as her folks. the affection & devotion among all three transcends species…it just doesn’t matter to them.
if i were Mario, i’d consider relocating to these lovely green pastures, and Carmen could experience all the snow she wanted from Nov to March!
i love you ALL. you’re wonderful people to open your hearts to Zenny’s fans and allow us to be part of your devotion to the great Zenyatta. thank you.
Hilary
Lady Z, the love you have in your eyes for Mario and Carmen can not be hidden, nor the love in their eyes. You have made this year brighter for me, Thank you so much, You are the most amazing mare…xox
stephanie bornstein
what a sweet picture.
i loved how public everyone involved with the big Z became…it’s soo touching and wonderful to hear about the people behind the scenes. :-)
Janet Cutting
Zenyatta and Everyone- I cant think of anything else to say and in any better way– it’s all been said– with love, dedication, faith. Take care to all. janet c.
Nancy McNaul Applegate
Dottie & Zenny, everything you two do together brings tears to my eyes.
Robin
WHAT A CHRISTMAS PRESENT!!! How sweet is that picture. All of us are crying. We are so blessed to have you shared with us.
Jan
Beautiful Zenyatta,
I was so happy to see Mario and Carmen visiting with you. What a lovely photo. Wishing you and your handlers at Lane’s End a joyous and blessed Christmas and a very healthy and Happy New Year. Love,hugs,and kisses from all your fans in Cypress, Texas..
Gloria
Hey Big Mama Z! It’s funny that you mentioned Carmen and Mario being “well-known” being part of Team Zenyatta. I’m putting together my Zenyatta scrapbook and did a section on “Team Zenyatta”. I put Carmen and Mario in (along with everyone else) and thought of how they must feel that people know their names and talk to them. It must feel really weird. And it’s all because of Zenyatta. Whatever good comes to them, I’m happy for them. I was glad to see many of the Zenyatta team there when they let Z run free for the first time. God bless you all! And, thanks for sharing all of this with the fans. I’ve never seen anything like it. Love you guys!! Merry Christmas and all the best in 2011!!
Dianne
Because of Love
A brother and sister had made their usual hurried, obligatory pre-
Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt their elderly parents with
their small herd of horses.. The farm was where they had grown up and had
been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine, which topped the hill
behind the farm. Through the years the tree had become a talisman to the
old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The young siblings
had fond memories of their childhood here, but the city hustle and bustle
added more excitement to their lives, and called them away to a different
life.
The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken
their toll, and getting out to the barn on those frosty mornings was getting
harder, but it gave them a reason to get up in the mornings and a reason to
live. They sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for
joy in the morning and contentment at day’s end.
Angry, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old
folks “Why do you not at least dispose of The Old One.” She is no longer of
use to you. It’s been years since you’ve had foals from her. You should cut
corners and save so you can have more for yourselves. How can this old worn
out horse bring you anything but expense and work? Why do you keep her
anyway?”
The old man looked down at his worn boots, holes in the toes, scuffed at
the barn floor and replied, ” Yes, I could use a pair of new boots.
His arm slid defensively about the Old One’s neck as he drew her near
with gentle caressing he rubbed her softly behind her ears. He replied
softly, “We keep her because of love. Nothing else, just love.”
Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a
Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through
the valley.
The old couple shook their heads in sorrow that it had not been a happy
visit. A tear fell upon their cheeks. How is it that these young folks do
not understand the peace of the love that filled their hearts?
So it was, that because of the unhappy leave-taking, no one noticed the
insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the
first spark fall. None but the “Old One”.
In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames
were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the
old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save
their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat
drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire’s
fury. His wife back from calling for help cradled him in her arms, clinging
to each other, they wept at their loss.
By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins
were left, and the old man and his wife, exhausted from their grief, huddled
together before the barn. They were speechless as they rose from the cold
snow covered ground. They nodded thanks to the firemen as there was nothing
anyone could do now. The old man turned to his wife, resting her white head
upon his shoulders as his shaking old hands clumsily dried her tears with a
frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, “We have lost much, but God has
spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us gather strength and climb
the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair.
We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been
spared and pray for our beloved most precious gifts that have been taken
from us.
And so, he took her by the hand and slowly helped her up the snowy hill
as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his old and withered
hand.
The journey up the hill was hard for their old bodies in the steep snow.
As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they paused
to rest, looking up to the top of the hill the old couple gasped and fell to
their knees in amazement at the incredible beauty before them.
Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up
in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was
aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal
crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a
Christmas tree such as this. They were breathless as the old man held his
wife tighter in his arms.
Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy. Amazed
and mystified, he took his wife by the hand and pulled her forward. There,
beneath the tree, in resplendent glory, a mist hovering over and glowing in
the darkness was their Christmas gift. Shadows glistening in the night
light.
Bedded down about the “Old One” close to the trunk of the tree, was the
entire herd, safe.
At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle
and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never
looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping cautiously through the
snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings
looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under
them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares that were
in foal with a new years crop of babies, pressed uneasily against the “Old
One” as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And
now she lay among them and gazed at the faces of the old man and his wife.
Those she loved she had not disappointed. Her body was brittle with
years, tired from the climb, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion
as she offered her gift—
Because of love. Only Because of love.
Tears flowed as the old couple shouted their praise and joy… And again
the peace of love filled their hearts.
This is a true story.
Willy Eagle
Barb France
I saw this picture on Blood-Horse and thought is was a beautiful picture of Mario and Carmena with Zenyatta. Many of my pictures of Z are with Mario in them also. I think he has become very popular and had the most wanted job over the years. Zenyatta is a gift to ALL and I thank the Moss’s for sharing THEIR gift with ALL of us! We ALL are truly blessed!! Merry Christmas to ALL and God Bless!
Rosanne Glynn
God people! You mentioned every single thing nice there was to say about the Z Team and Zenyatta and didn’t leave anything left for me to say so I am kinda speechless. :)But you guys are absolutely amazing people and my baby girl is the most amazing creature that has brought more LOVE to people hearts than I ever thought possibly. I have never loved and adored something so much as this Dancing Queen with such a sweet personality and she loves people so much, I thank God for being able to share this with me in this lifetime. I love you Zenyatta, more than you will ever know and Merry Christmas my love!!!! oxoxoxox I hope you get lots of goodies!
Robin
Zenny, we have been blessed by your team
Allowing us to get up close and personal to you. You are truly a gift from God and you are very LOVED by all your fans. Stay warm and safe pretty girl. I LOVE you!! MUAH!!!
Lou from TX
Queen Zenyatta, you yourself bring out the best in people. You are our blessing! Your Team Z is very special in that they show soo much love and affection for you. I believe that’s why you are such a loving horse. So you are not the only fortunate one here because we are lucky to have you in our lives.
Merry Christmas to you and your whole Team Zenyatta and may the year 2011 be blessed with good health and happiness to all.
sue w
Dottie…please know there are thousands of people who visit here and do not post.
You are creating a masterpiece fo us to enjoy… a primer for all things thoroughbred. After reading this post I found tears falling again. How could they not? The picture is all about love at a time of year when that emotion really is the “reason for the season”. The Mosses have welcomed all of Z’s caretakers into their family and now we, the fans, are part of the circle, too. May everyone who reads here and all associated with the care and nurturing of our Queen have the merriest Christmas ever. As for Zenyatta…she is simply the gift that keeps on giving…over and over again.
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
May the entire Zenyatta Team (former and new) have the most wonderful and blessed holiday season. Love to you big girl.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Love you Zenyatta.