Good Morning,
I think it is so special that ALL of you wanted to wish US a HAPPY BIRTHDAY on January 1st! TASTY and I were so busy…..we literally forgot to send wishes to each other! So, we took some time this morning to do that. As many of you already know, thoroughbred race horses have two birthdays… the actual one stating the day he or she was born that is recorded on his/her Jockey Club Papers….and then the ‘technical’ one which has ALL thoroughbreds celebrating a birthday and becoming one year older on January 1st of each year.
Thus, I am ‘technically’ 8 for industry purposes…..but I am still 7 per my real birthdate of April 1st. I must say, I do feel I look terrific, have maintained my glowing coat no matter what the weather conditions, and my body is still quite ‘fit’ and handling this ‘baby weight’ very well! Blush, Blush!
TASTY was born on March 26, 2006….so she turned 6 on the 1st. If our foals are cooperative, and are born ‘on time’…(they say first foals can be rather independent and do their own thing, so we’ll see)…then TASTY and I will both be MOMS before our actual birth dates.
In reading the DIARY comments, you are ALL becoming VERY ASTUTE at what is going on with our ‘in foal status’ and the foaling process. I was commenting to TASTY this morning that we are 2 very fortunate horses. Our foals are going to have about 180,000 feet pacing about in different communities around the country when we get ready to have our babies…and about 95,000 plus NANNIES!
LUCKY US!
On another note, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to each of you who may have celebrated a birthday over the holiday! Also, in reading the comments, I’m so happy to hear that so many of you who have had some health concerns or been dealing with them with members of your family are ‘doing better’. ALL BLESSINGS to you and your families!
Have a terrific day! Don’t forget….RAPID REDUX is entered today at Laurel in their 6th race…going for #22. I’m sending him a big HIGH HOOF and wishing him the best!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Allen
HAPPY BIRTHDAY QUEEN Z and TASTY. You girls look marvelous!!! Can’t wait to see BABY Z. Does Tasty know if she is having a colt or filly? I hope Rapid Redux has a safe trip. You girls have a good afternoon.
Mary Margaret Thompson
Pregnancy becomes you two BEAUTIFUL BIRHTDAY GIRLS!!!. Stay happy, healthy, and safe.
Zenyatta, have you heard anything on Pirate’s Queen, how is she doing? She has been on my mind.
Luv ya both.
Trisha
Happy birthday to all TB. I was concentrating on April 1 and Jan 1 slipped my mind. If, Lane’s End ever needs anyone to baby sit or whatever, I am available. Maybe we could all get a day to do whatever. I would muck stalls, feed , bath, comb etc. That would be a good working vacation. Just to be near her.
Ho, hum. just a thought. Maybe one day!
Love hugs and kisses
Mary Margaret Thompson
That vacation would definitely be the best ever—to clean the Queen’s stall, etc.
Sharyn - Vermont
Such a beautiful picture of you and Tasty!! You both are carrying that “baby weight” perfectly!! So you girls get to celebrate twice…….pretty neat!
Yvonne and Maurice
Good morning Zenyatta. You and Tasty look so beautiful. Yes, we will definitely be pacing, awaiting your arrivals. Can’t wait!!! We just came back from Lone Star to put in our bets, and, of course, $2.00 win bet on Rapid Redux. HRTV and DRF will be showing the race. Best of luck to him; hopefully, after this race he can retire sound. Can’t wait to see where he will reside, Kentucky Horse Park? Old Friends? Good for him. I just heard that he will be receiving the Eclipse Award of Merit, so well deserved. Love you big girl. Stay toasty, eat well for two and have a great time with Tasty and all of your friends, human and four-legged. Love you, Angel.
sue and Tony
Zenny, you and TT carry your baby bumps well. Such a great pic by your John…he has given so many. Yes, everyone will be counting the days till little Z/B hits the ground!
It will be a day to remember!
JAG ~ Mommy Zenny's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Zenny ~ I forgot to send you Internet {{{HUGS}}} and kisses ~ I was so busy doing typos! XOXOXO to you and Baby B/Z
Maryp (New York)
Zenny, you make my day. Hope you and Tasty have a good day outside in the fresh,crisp air. Get a little exercise and just love each other’s company, but don’t miss any goings on over the paddock fence!!
Linda M
Sorry if this is a repeat – I keep receiving my comment is awaiting moderation?
Happy birthday to all; horses and humans alike! Here is some info on TT – she is out of Medaglia d’Oro and sold at Keeneland Association September 2007 Yearling Sale for $170,000.
http://www.pedigreequery.com/tasty+temptation
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/tasty-temptation/2006
This link has a video of her Hill “N” Dal Race: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/57565/tasty-temptation-too-tough-in-hill-n-dale
TT is TOO CUTE and so glad, Zenny, she is your BFF!
Tonya Reems
Happy Birthday “technically” to both you Momma Z & Tasty! :) Birthday wishes will get to be made not once for you but TWICE! How cool is that?!
You sweet girls simply look LOVELY!! Such a wonderful & exciting time for two friends to be sharing together ~ and lucky readers…err…nannies…like US, get to hear about your adventures too :)
The new site is fantastic, Dottie! You do a terrific job with EVERYTHING “Zenyatta” :)
Love & hugs to you Z ~ TT also
Linda M
Wow – just realized Tasty’s sis is Rachel Alexandra!
Kelly, Allentown, Pa ^-^
I didn’t realize that either. Pretty cool. Who ever thought Zen would be best friends with Rachel’s sister. Small world. ^-^
Pam Homeier
Wow! That is something!
Linda M
I know – isn’t that interesting! It is a small world!!
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
Cigar is out! He is wearing his blue blanket.
Holly ZEMBA
Happy Bated Birthday Zenyatta and Tasty! I too share a birthday with all thoroughbreds!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Oh, good golly,
Ms. Holly!
January First
Was the day of your birth?
We all hope it was jolly!
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY WUSHES FROM YOUR Z FAMILY!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
MAKE THAT “WISHES!”
YVONNE LENTINI IN NJ
Good Afternoon Zenyatta and Tasty. What a great picture. I’m hoping you are as happy as could be. Good Luck to Rapid Redux today. May he come home safe. I can’t wait for the babies to be born. It will be an exhilerating day. Please be safe and warm and enjoy the company of you friend. Best wishes and all my love Yvonne
Pam
You two are looking fabulous. Thank you for the photo, Mr. Shireffs! I can hardly wait to see the next diary entry and the next picture.
I see that I’m going to have to wait my turn to babysit your baby and Tasty’s baby! Everyone wants to spend time with those precious babies when they arrive. Won’t that be a happy day? I can hardly wait to turn on the computer early in March and there’s a picture of both of my favorite girls and their newborn babies! I’m not pacing yet but I am getting nervous and excited!
Take care of yourself! Sending hugs and love to you, Tasty and your Team! Thank you for all that you do for Z’s fans.
Sierra
Z my horses birthday is also April 1st! He was a TB and he died yesterday at the ripe old age of 29! He coliced and we think it was a tumor that was obstructing it. So we made the hard decision to put him down. He was loved by many people just like you! R.I.P Spike you will never have to wait for bran mash again!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Condolences, Sierra, on the loss of your beloved Spike. He had a long and happy life with you, and a kind send-off. Blessings to you both.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Sierra,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear Spike. 29 is quite a milestone, and I’m sure he got the best of care.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Sierra, I am so sorry for your loss. It is never easy to say goodbye, but you made a very brave decision in what was best for Spike. You must have had a wonderful life together for all of those years.
sharon in seattle
Sierra – May your dear Spike rest in peace. and may you find some comfort in this difficult time of loss
Terry Crow
No person or horse ever had a better epitaph. Spike and Cloud Man will be great friends.
Especially Horses / Southern California
Sierra, I know how hard it must have been to say good-bye. How lucky Spike was to be loved and now to be missed. Lucky Spike….he was loved by Sierra.
Going Home:
Sierra didn’t know it at the time,
But Spike’s ailment was heaven sent.
For it gave her time to reflect,
And to say good-bye with respect.
29 years to calculate and then came fate,
The pain of old age was too great.
So one last trip would they make.
Good-bye old friend, good-bye race-mate
Softy now, one last breath take.
Sierra whispered quiet as a mouse:
“You’re home Spike,
You’re home dear friend
Your peace old man never to end.”
Trina Nagele in So Cal
What an exquisite poem, Especially Horses! Well done.
Especially Horses / Southern California
That means a lot coming from you…thank you Trina.
Sue Colvin -NJ
what a beautiful poem. it brought tears to my eyes.
i’m sorry for ur loss sierra. hugs/prayers <3
Sierra
Thank you so much for the lovely poem! Thank you so much to everyone for all of the support! He had a great life and I know he is happy running around in the sky.
Sharon in Atlanta, GA
What a hard decision that is to make but a necessary one. We can’t let these kind souls suffer when we can help them be at peace. Many tears are shed and those are the price of loving. Many memories are kept and those are the benefits of loving. The memories last longer than the tears. RIP Spike.
Keta
Sorry for the loss of your beloved Spike.
My daughter lost 2 show horses last month–one was a 4 year old to an aneurysm,
So, I do understand what you are going through.
Keeping you in my thoughts & prayers.
Debbie G/Kentucky
@Sierra – I’m so sorry about the loss of your beloved Spike.
Celeste in TX
I am so sorry for your loss, Sierra. May he rest in peace.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Awwwww. So saddened to hear about the loss of your 29 yr. old Spike.
Deborah Richman from So. Cal.
Sierra, my sincere condolences on the loss of your dear Spike. My thoughts are with you and all who loved him.
Eveline / Maryland.
Sierra, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. It’ll be a long time before you can look at a branmash and not miss Spike terribly.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
To Helen from Michigan and Darlene Daniels—I left messages for you on y#410.
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
Pretty Picure of pretty ladies on a pretty farm!! You girls are truly soft on the eyes and a joy to behold. Can’t wait to see two babies frolicking along side, just wonder what colors they will be.
@Helen Donnelly MI prayers go out for your husband, I hope he is home soon.
@Jamie Smith congatulations on being a Great grandma that is really something!
@ Terry Crow let me know if this rises to your standards, you might have a redneck girlfriend if you slip on a banana peel on her floor while getting into her front seat!!! True story actual happened to me as I tried to get in Sally B’s car. There are more where that came from.
@Congrats to RR on his Eclipse award what a bread and butter worker.
Luv you Z and kisses on your nose
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Can’t speak for Terry C., but I think your joke is worthy..lol!
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
Sierra Just read, have to add, condolences on the loss of your grand old man, he was sure one of the lucky ones, now running at the rainbow bridge.
Ida Lee
Happy New Year Mommas to Be!!! As usual, you look lovely. I love the new design. Take care Girls.
Delrene in Carlsbad, Ca
Dear Sierra – My sincere sympathy for the loss of your beloved horse, Spike. It sounds like he had a wonderful life and he was so loved.
I posted this article about a broodmare, a name I’m unfamiliar with, but sounds like she was a beloved racehorse, broodmare and companion …… She was so well loved by many…http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/breeding-news/2009/january/07/toussaud-dies.aspx
A warm day in Carlsbad and I like the idea that the “surprise” might be an announcement of Ebby’s first race, that didn’t occur to me, I was focused on the plushes stuffed animal. Either would be wonderful. Patience, patience…..
Kelly, Allentown, Pa ^-^
Rapid 22!
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny,
You look absolutely wonderfull in the photo with Tasty T. She is such a great friend.
So glad you are doing well with your pregnancy. An 8 year old in the “regular” horse riding world, is but a “baby” and you have come full circle a career woman and now a
mom in just 8 short years. Many horses never start training until they are 4 yo. TB have 2 years on that even if they don’t start. Congradulations on two wonderful careers.
XXXXXOOOO
signofthetimes
Rapid Redux just won the 6 race at Laurel Park !!!!! YIPEEE, YIPEE, YIPEE !!!
Go Redux Go Redux Go !!!!!
So glad you are getting that Special Eclipse Award !!!!
Your dad will be proud !!!!
Pam Homeier
Way to go RR!!!! Sorry, Sierra, on the loss of your old boy.
Barbara Grimaldi/Skip & Juliet/NJ
Pam, are you in any way related to a movie star from the 40s and 50s, Skip Homeier?
Pam Homeier
Barbara, you will not believe this, but we are!!!! When my husband and I were going to college at Kansas Wesleyan in Salina, Kansas, his fraternity brothers went to a movie and Skip Homeier was in it. They started calling him “Skip” and he has been called Skip ever since. Upon doing some geneology research we have found we are related. Have never met him but he is our claim to fame. LOL. My husbands real name is Larry.
Barbara Grimaldi/Skip & Juliet/NJ
I knew I knew that name!!! I am an old movie fan! Nice to meet you!!!
signofthetimes
@ Sierra
So sorry for the loss of your TB boy.
Cute ending to your post.
Lindy pastrick
HAPPY (late) ‘technical’ BIRTHDAY ZENYATTA AND TASTY TEMPTATION! i love the both of you sooo much i really want your breyer model Z then i decided that for tasty i will do a custom model for her so the both of you can be in my ever growing collection! i wanted to do a dapple grey horse and tasty can be that horse! i just havent figured out yet what model i should use mostly a traditional so tasty wont be that small compared to zenyatta cuz the classic models that i collect are a bit smaller and it will be easier to get the dapples in tasty’s coat right with a traditional model! ill send a picture of the model when im done the hard part finding the right model that describes tasty and where to get one!
JAG ~ Mommy Zenny's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Santa Anita Showing Across-the-Board Gains
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/66812/santa-anita-showing-across-the-board-gains
:-)
signofthetimes
Getting Ready for Have de Grace’s return to the track:
http://www.drf.com/news/jerardi-havre-de-grace-something-look-forward-2012
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Yea!!!! Can’t wait to see how she does in 2012. Wishing her a safe and wonderful year. And some Eclipse recognition for 2011!
signofthetimes
Barbara Livingston’s Blog:
http://www.drf.com/blogs/barbara-livingston
Especially Horses / Southern California
To all Z fans and everyone who loves a great story, I encourage you to visit Barbara’s blog and read the entry on The Lou Lepper Christmas cards. I promise you a heartwarming story. Lou Lepper surely was a man who would have admired and deserved a Rapid Redux.
After reading the story, I posted to Barbara. Below is my post and her response:
Barbara, any thought of having these reproduced, either in their original form as a card or in a small book? I’d love to have copies – photos and words. I was so touched! Thank you for sharing.
<>
Especially Horses / Southern California
Barbara’s response:
Hi Dianna,
What a lovely thought! I’m sure someone would have to give permission, and I was unable to find any family members (he had no children, although he did have a brother). But I like the idea so much that I’ll investigate options in the new year. I like the idea of Mr. Lepper’s words and messages (there were more photos/drawings than I had time/energy to post online) being seen in a book form.
Thanks for your interest! – Barbara
Trina Nagele in So Cal
I was touched by the Lou Lepper card “from” a dog, his white collie. Here is part of the Christmas card from Cloud:
My name is Snow Cloud … and I’m a pure white collie, …and while I haven’t any silver cups, I do have some blue ribbons which I won in competition with other white Collies. But that doesn’t make any difference to Lou – he says he would rather have me “Best of Pals” than “Best in Show” or “Best of Breed” or any of those other things that dog show judges hand out without even knowing the dogs personally. Lou says that you have to live with a dog to appreciate him and that what’s in a dog’s heart is much more important than his manners in a show ring. Merry Christmas!— Cloudie.
Terry Crow
Thank you for the link to this blog. The Lou Lepper story was, indeed, nostalgic as were all of the racing stories. I was surprised at how many of the names I knew. When you get right down to it, memories are all we have.