Hello,
I was walking around my paddock this morning and thought it might be a terrific idea if TASTY and I chatted and compared notes on all of the BABY NEWS we are hearing lately. Watching our friend, Rachel Alexandra, and her new colt has made me think! I must say, the photo of the baby reaching up to KISS his MOM was absolutely TOO CUTE!
TASTY and I were both bred on April 3rd. We each conceived on that date as well….so we are at exactly the same stage and number of days into our pregnancies. Time is moving right along! Our ‘baby bumps’ are definitely SHOWING…which is good news. Speaking for myself, my little one does like to move about…and you can definitely see a bit of a ‘shift’ in my tummy area now and then when he or she is doing so.
The upcoming weeks will definitely be filled with many NEW experiences for US! Per my pals at the farm, at the beginning of February, TASTY and I will be put under what is called “FOAL WATCH”. This means we will be carefully observed and monitored during each day to see if there are any physical changes in our bodies. Just like with human beings, when one begins to get close to the later stages before giving birth, the body does undergo specific changes and certain indicators are noted. This concept applies to MARES as well.
Through each phase of this process, I will give YOU an update as to what is happening with both TASTY and I. “FOAL WATCH” as described above beginning at the first of next month…is Stage 1.
I know our dear friends at Lane’s End will be extremely observant when monitoring each of these changes. We are so fortunate to have a core group of loving and caring people around US each day who know every intimate detail about our mannerisms, personalities, and bodies! LUCKY US!
Nature is truly amazing!
With Love,
Hugs to all~(Special blessings to Elena…on her loss & others in our thoughts and prayers)
Z
The Kennedys in San Diego
Not sure if this was posted before, but a good, brief description of foal watch.
http://dailyequine.blogspot.com/2007/07/foal-watch-signs-of-foaling.html
signofthetimes
Very nice summary, thanks for posting
Alex Bowdoin in MA
To All who posted yesterday and this morning lighting candles and saying prayers for my friend Amy who is fighting stage 3 pancreatic cancer, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!! I love all of you on this site who care for all who are in need of
prayers and sympathy. Everyone here has a pet or friend or family member who is
in need at some point and ALL here are so supportive to those in need! I read this
morning what was on the last diary site and I started to cry at work…Such Beautiful kind people post here. HUGS TO ALL…THANK YOU…I am crying now and can’t see a
thing….
nancy in nj
Alex – I must have missed the posts yesterday about your friend Amy and her battle. I will hold her up in prayer. (and a little prayer for your strength, as well) I know how difficult that fight is, and I hope that the prayers and good wishes of the folks on this site will bring her strength and healing.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Alex; reading your post, now I have tears in my eyes. God bless Amy and you.
Susan Carothers (in TN)
Alex- I must have missed your post about Amy. I will light a candle for her. Take care<3
Angela C
OMG I can NOT wait for Z’s foal watch since Feb will be the last month of her pregnancy…that baby is going to have soooo many fans and followers! Best of luck Z, you are going to do great!
Jeanie
CALLING ALL Z’ISTERS
GREAT NEWS! FUNDS FROM A VARIETY OF SOURCES — INCLUDING US — HAVE COME IN AND NOW ONLY $1,850 IS NEEDED TO RESCUE THE SIX HORSES IN THE NEVADA FEEDLOT BY SATURDAY. THIS IS GREAT PROGRESS AND MARLENE IS VERY PLEASED. SHE HAS JUST UPDATED HER WEBSITE TO REFLECT THIS NEWS. http://www.valleyviewranchequinerescue.webs.com. YOU CAN WATCH THIS SITE FOR UPDATES AS WE MOVE TOWARD SATURDAY AND YOU CAN ALSO DONATE THERE OR CONTACT MARLENE THROUGH THIS SITE. LET’S BRING THESE SIX DEAR ONES HOME SAFELY!
ALSO, BIG NEWS ON THE LITTLE HERD WE SAVED LATE LAST YEAR THAT INCLUDED THE THREE PREGNANT MARES, ONE CARRYING OUR BELOVED LITTLE CLOUD! THEY ARE GOING TO BE COMING TO SACRAMENTO NEXT WEEKEND FOR HOOF CARE AND I WILL BE THERE TO SNAP SOME PHOTOS THAT I WILL SHARE WITH ALL OF YOU! I AM VERY EXCITED TO SEE THEM.
THANK YOU ALL AGAIN. YOU ARE THE BEST!
J
Margaret
FOAL WATCH DISEASE
An illness that is brought on by the anticipation of a mare due to give birth within several weeks.
This disease is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS! There are reports of people pacing during the day and night. People report not being able to concentrate at work for wondering ow the mare in question is doing!
It is anticipated that this disease will right itself when the mare has safely delivered her foal.
It is not anticipated to cause any long term damage to the person!
Also of note is something called FIRST FOAL PHOTOS DISEASE.
This is anticipated as a simple need to see any and all first pictures of the mares baby. It should lessen as more pictures and video becomes available!
ALL OF THE ABOVE IS ENTIRELY MADE UP! THERE IS NO DISEASE CALLED FOAL WATCH DISEASE. THIS POST WAS MADE TO BE ENTIRELY FUN!
Yup Foal Watch Disease has got me dull and square! It’s making me a bit silly!
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
Margaret that is too cute!!! Loved it.
Susan Carothers (in TN)
LOL!!
Marty R / Colorado
Very cute, Margaret. I think a lot of us are getting “a bit silly”.
Heidi Kruckenberg (vallejo, ca)
Margaret, I’m laughing so hard!!! I have the disease too!
carol in utah
@Margaret….could have added a tendency cause web collapse due to every electric device in the universe being on 24/7 ….so we are the first to hear the news
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
You are one clever gal Margaret; very enjoyable!!
Darlene Daniels
So funny but true!! Thank you!
Darlene Daniels
P.S. The disease will go into immediate remission following masses doses of foal pictures and videos. Disease remains dormant until next foaling due time.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
High hoof, Margaret!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Margaret – How fun!!!! I love it!!! You know these diseases might be made up, but they are no less real. I’m pretty sure many of us here are or will be suffering from them soon!
Especially Horses / Southern California
Margaret,
That explains what’s going on with me….my symptoms are intensifying day by day.
Pattie in Pickens, SC
I think I have Foal Watch Disease :) I look at so many foal watch websites to see the babies that are born every night!! I’m addicted for sure.
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Nanny Nanny Nanny!!!
International Baby (Foal) Shower news upcoming in February :-D
Auntie aka Nanny Judy G
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
p.s. I suggest a “Precious Babies On Board” sign for Zenny and Tasty’s fence!!! :-)))))
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Hi sweet lovely mama-to-be; I love to chitty chat with my friends too. I know that you will be most agreeable to having yourself and Tasty under “FOAL WATCH”. You are so very important and all there will treat you that way!!! This is getting so very exciting for all of us too. I hope you won’t get to uncomfortable. Remember my Queen, you & Tasty are both giving the best gift of all, a live foal!! All I need to know is you and babies are doing great. Patience is a vertue; so I will just chew on straws or bite my nails until we receive a picture of you and your foal. Perhaps Tasty’s as well. God Bless our Dancing Queen.
love you, 2 kisses on your soft nose, one for baby z Auntie Sally
Margaret
Okay to be totally serious now.
With Z’s baby soon to be here I had a thought this morning.
Videotape all of Z’s delivery. Don’t broadcast it yet.
Vimeo has a website–not sure how long a video you can upload but it might have different standards than YouTube carries. I do know that you can “lock” your video with a security key.
Why do this? You might want to let several rescues–such as Old Friends, beauty’s Haven (in Florida), or SCTB that you could send links to. For a donation those rescues send the donors the password.
All of that is done post delivery–provided Z has a safe a sound delivery.
Video should be silent so that those present can talk freely.
This would be a win win. We could see the birth of Z’s baby and at the same time donate funds to a particular rescue that is meaningful to us.
If someone has a different rescue they donate too–perhaps a quick note to Dottie to add to the rescue list would be in order. Or we could run a choice of the top three for a week. Then TPTB could decide.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Excellent idea.
Susan Carothers (in TN)
Great idea!
Joan in Texas
FOAL WATCH, outstanding. Please stay safe Z and Tasty. Blessings on you both in the weeks ahead.
Love ya Z
Joan Walls
Dear Zenny, —-Foal Watch. We are all ready and will look forward to all of the stages. Yes, Rachel Alexandra and colt were adorable in the picture. However, trying not to be prejudiced, YOUR foal will be MUCH “TOO CUTER!!!” We are counting the days. We want you and Tasty to take good care of yourselves. It is also important to get PICTURES. There will never be TOO MANY! Love and Hugs.
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Dear Zenny and Tasty, Vic and I are both waiting anxiously and will be going through Foal Watch each and every day with you. I have mentioned before that I love knowing that you are with Tasty, a fellow Canadian, and that you are both due to deliver at the same time. I hope that your foals become good friends, just like their Mommies. The photo of Rachel and her foal kissing is adorable and I’m sure we will get a similar one of you and your little one, Hint, Hint Sarah. I wish that I could have my hand on your tummy when the little one moves, it would be such a thrill, and even to see your tummy move would be delightful. It won’t be long now Zenny, no baby has ever been so anticipated by so many with so much love. Hugs and kisses to you and Tasty.
TIM WEISENBERGER
THOSE PHOTOS OF RACHEL AND HER COLT ARE FABULOUS. I AM SO EXCITED TO SEE YOUR UPCOMING PICS. BEST WISHES MY DEAR.
LOVE YA
Celeste in TX
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful photo of you in your paddock – you look so adorable with your little tummy!!! This Foal Watch is going to be so exciting and I count myself among those who are so eager to see as many pictures as possible! I adore your sweet Dottie for being so generous with her time to take care of us by giving us so much information and inspiration. Thank you, Zenyatta, the wonderful Mosses and Shirreffs and all the terrific people at Lane’s End. Thank you!!!
Rosemary McCauley - So. Cal.
Okay, it’s the end of the day and I can’t resist throwing in some additional redneck pilot humor. No offense to any pilots out there – I have some long time pilot friends.
You might be a redneck pilot if:
You refer to flying in formation as “We got ourselves a convoy!”
You are the owner of Red Neck Airlines and pilot of Red Neck One.
You have ever responded to ATC with the phrase “That’s a big 10-4!”
You constantly confuse Beechcraft with Beechnut.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
I bet Diastu will enjoy these.
cindy albrecht from seattle
So glad to see and hear how well you and Tasty are doing. Baring all surprises, will there be time to alert you family and and/or will the Moss’s already be in kentucky when the day comes close To be with you ? Man, they all must be on pins and needles, but knowing you you are probably handling this like a horse trooper. I also assume Dottie will be with you, and John soon after providing he can manipulate his schedual. Just know I am also on pins and needles, I think baby will be a little filly, soon to be a big filly
like you.
Love to you and yours, and a nibble to Tasty
Audrey
I can’t wait to see your baby!!!!! Awww its gana be soo cute
Linda Edwards in NJ
Hi Zenny: I am very happy to hear you will be on Foal Watch. I am wondering– when you start to show signs, will we get frequent updates. You know there will be a lot of fans tapping their toes awaiting the arrival of your baby. We will also be very worried about you! Of course we will want to know if your family will be there to give you their love and support.
Love you Zenny!
Kelly J. /ND
Keep updating on BABY Z! XOXO
Marian M.
Queen Z. Do you and Tasty ever get to the movies? Have you seen War Horse? I was fascinated to learn that Finder’s Key, one of the horses that played Seabiscuit and then Joey in War Horse was a failed racehorse. His trainer, Bobby Lovgren, says that he’s a natural actor. He does amazing tricks at liberty and he has an expressive face. He’s a good example of how a secret to success is finding and developing your special talent.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Well said.
Doreen in CT
Here’s a very interesting link about HOTYs that were bred with other HOTYs and how well their foals did: http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/hammertime/archive/2012/01/24/hoy-hoy-sw-maybe-maybe-not.aspx
I wonder how successful a foal from a Zenyatta/Giant’s Causeway (2000 European HOTY) breeding would be?
signofthetimes
Really great article Doreen, there is so much
That goes into trying to breed a champion.
Along with pedigree and genetics; there
Is a lot of luck.
Talent is so very innate, so rare and do very
Special. Of all the great Sires and Dams there
Are so few Champions.
Green Monkey, 16 million dollars, barely raced
And not sucessful in breeding shed. I think
His stud fee is $5000??
Heidi Kruckenberg (vallejo, ca)
signofthetimes.. I wondered what happened to him. I looked him up last year and forget where he is but, his fee when I looked was 5K. Too bad that he didn’t pan out on the track but, what a looker!!! So so so very Handsome. I think that if I spent that $$ on a colt and he did nothing on the track, I would have re-trained him for dressage. I haven’t even heard about his off-spring, you?
signofthetimes
Yes, he sure is gorgeous and a second career
I such a good idea. It is so hard to imagine these
Young healthy horses retired at 3.
Heard TP trained him and just horse not interested
In racing or no talent.
Stella Bagwell in South Texas
Dearest Zenyatta,
I hope you’re enduring the winter weather and keeping yourself and Baby Z warm and comfy. It’s reassuring to know that so many wonderful people are taking excellent care of you at Lane’s End. And I’m certain that will continue even after Baby Z arrives.
Have a restful night and a wonderful Wednesday. Love and hugs to you and Tasty!
Stel
carol in utah
OK….I was wrong earlier….cant stop pacing…so will just wear out more carpet…
…two things…completely off toplc
1-Cal berekley has NOT chosen golden gate fields as their site for expansion.
So they wont be tearing down & relocating the racing….thx
2-TVG said they WILL televised Black Caviar’s race …think its going to be fri noc
Doreen in CT
War Horse is nominated for a “Best Picture” Oscar: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2012/01/24/best-picture-oscar-nomination-for-war-horse.aspx
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Doreen – So glad it got some nominations. Such an amazing film!!
Heidi Kruckenberg (vallejo, ca)
Doreen… Weren’t they nominated in about 5 catagories? Including, Best Picture?
Heidi Kruckenberg (vallejo, ca)
BTW.. We never did go and see it at the Theatre. Once it’s out on dvd, we’ll swoop it up!
Lynne
Dearest Z – I saw the video of Rachel and her new foal. It was just awesome. I am so excited to see you with your new foal.
Lots of Love
Lynne
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@Jeanie–THAT IS GREAT NEWS! Looking forward to the pitctures. As we celebrate the birth of Rachel’s baby and look forward to Zenyatta’s, let us be about saving those who are already in dire need. I am so thankful to be a part of such a caring effort! Go Dumplings! We can do it! Hugs.
Allie in Texas
@ Jeanie and Barbara Wood… How is the Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue Operation coming along? $2550 by Saturday or they are shipped to Canada for slaughter, if I remember right. It is much more fun thinking about these cute little foals that are being born, but I know your work is important. Thank you for your hard work in the rescue area. Zenyatta, stay healthy and warm. Sending virtual peppermints and kisses your way.
Lisa in TN
Alex
My prayers are there for your friend with pancreatic cancer. My cousin is one of the top in the field of researching a cure for this type of cancer. He is now working for Mayo clinic and says that there have been some promising results. I wish for all that have this cancer that he could hurry up the process. His father and my brother both passed away from cancer or cancer related problems. It will be 5 years this June that my brother passed away and some days it seems like yesterday. On the up side, just know that there are people out there that have dedicated there lives to finding a cure. Hope it is soon. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
So nice to hear that progress is being made in research. Condolences on your double loss.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Lisa – As someone who has been touched by cancer on multiple occasions I cannot tell you how much I appreciate and admire those that are working on finding a cure. It is a noble pursuit for your cousin. Please thank him!!!! I too lost my dear sister-in-law to cancer and my beloved brother to a heart attach several years ago. They were much too young and I know what you mean when you say it seems like only yesterday that we were together. I know they walk with me still and live within my heart, but oh how I miss seeing them, hearing their voices and feeling their hugs!!
Marty R / Colorado
Okay!!! Foal Watch officially begins next week! Thank you so much for including all of us in this exciting time. With all of the excitement Rachel Alexandra’s news received, I’m imagining bells ringing in towns all around the world when Z/B is born. I know that horse racing media have hotlines and all, but I think it would be so special if Z/B’s birth announcement was made first, right here. We may not all be on, but there could be 24hr. monitoring going on so some Aunties and Uncles would see it. I realize it may just be wishful thinking. Most important is a smooth labor and delivery with a strong, healthy foal and Mom as the end result. Of course, my wishes hold true for Tasty and her foal as well.
Julie DuVall / Ontario, CA
FOAL WATCH: I can picture a news team at the desk, with a FOAL WATCH graphic in the background, reporting a minute-by-minute update on every little thing you and Tasty do. :) As you probably know, here in So Cal, every time we get a drop of rain the newscasters go on “Storm Watch” … I think a FOAL WATCH report would be more fun!
Kayla C
I just watched video of Rachels foal’s first steps and i wondered if we would get to see any videos of your new one when the time arrives.. so excited!!!
XOXO Z!!
signofthetimes
Love that little skip he did trying to run.
He is soooo cute