Good Morning,
It is still chilly in KY…but I am really getting used to the weather now. Horses like cold weather and do well in it. I am beginning to get a bit of a winter coat (which means my hair is growing…a natural thing to help me feel very comfortable in this climate). My dapples are still there…which is fabulous news. P.Q. (my buddy) and I go out and graze in the paddock for hours each day now…weather permitting. We are becoming great friends and really enjoying ourselves. Life in Kentucky is very nice! I am very comfortable with my new surroundings. Also, keeping in touch with TEAM ZENYATTA back home and my CA friends is a total JOY for me! There is not one day that I do not hear from them! (THEY REALLY LOVE ME!)
Yesterday, Abigail Anderson wrote in and asked if John and Dottie had received the things she sent to them. YES, and THANK YOU SO MUCH! I would like to introduce Abigail to you. She is the woman who wrote the lovely article about ME in The Bloodhorse Magazine. Steve Haskin posted the piece for her…and it is beautifully done. I am still blushing thinking about all of the very nice things she said about ME! Abigail also contacted Steve before the 2010 Breeders’ Cup and had a special request. He sent her email to my dear John…and John granted Abigail’s wish. Abigail had a mentor and friend named Marjorie Dawn Cooper Gawley who had struggled with a terrible disease for 75% of her adult life. Marjorie’s joy during her life was dancing. She LOVED WATCHING ME…my races and my DANCING. (Marjorie was a DANCER at heart!) Thus, Marjorie’s final wish was to ‘go out dancing’. To quote Abigail…”Such was her connection to Zenyatta—in Zenny’s dance Marjorie saw what I saw: an affirmation of the power and the beauty of a living spirit, dancing out her joy.”
Abigail, who had been a life-long teacher and was closely bonded to the Quebec School System and its 2000 members, had one wish: could Zenyatta in some way run in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic in Marjorie’s memory?
WISH GRANTED! That is why you see my RACING BRIDLE in the above photo. John put MARJORIE’S name on my BROWBAND before the race…and SHE RAN right with me every step of the way in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Needless to say, this made me feel very, very special!
Abigail said at least 1500 of her teachers tuned in that day to watch me run. (“They’d like to think they accounted for a big increase in the ratings as well.”) Before the race, they all did research on me…and several teachers even taught things about me and special things Team Zenyatta had done to their students. They have continued to follow me via the internet and read my DIARY each day! How special is this!
What a complete HONOR for me to be thought of in such a way…to be allowed to help provide a TRIBUTE to this wonderful and respected woman and her memory!
As I mentioned above, the photo is of my RACING BRIDLE. It is made of English Leather and this bridle was only worn by ME. I wore it in all 20 of my races. In the mornings, I had another bridle that I used for my daily training exercises and workouts. This way John felt my equipment was always special and perfect for me.
The BROWBAND referred to above is a part of the bridle. (A bridle has 6 main parts to it. As we go along, we will discuss all 6 parts…but for today…we will focus on the browband.) The browband loops across the forehead of the horse and stops the bridle from slipping back. It should fit perfectly to the horse. It should not be too tight or too loose. If it does not fit perfectly, it can cause a horse to ‘shake its’ head’ a bit.
Please note, in some of my photos, I have a blue/white browband.(John’s stable colors!) David had this made for John to use. In most of my photos, it is brown leather. That is the one I used in MOST of my races. In many photos, you see a small space highlighted in the middle of my brown leather browband. This is where John had ‘AN ANGEL’ attached…to guide me safely home all of the time. It is next to this ANGEL…that he placed MARJORIE’S name.
What special moments and memories!
With love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Jo in CO
How very beautiful! A wonderful story of the angel that was with Z in every race and a lovely story of Marjorie. Happy New Year wishes to Z and Team Z!
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi Zenyatta. What a beautiful story, again bringing tears to my eyes. I read Abigail’s wonderful article about you in the Bloodhorse. It was so well written and researched. You are part of each of those wonderful animals and there will never be another Zenyatta. I thank John each day for putting an angel on your bridle to bring you home safely from each of your races. To me, you are an angel in disguise. You have been an inspiration to so many people. You are truly loved by all. Love you.
Kathy Harris
Thank you for sharing these posts about Zenyatta and how she has impacted so many people. It’s always a bright spot in my day to check in and see the latest one.
Ann M
Dear Zenyatta, I can see that you not only radiate your own wonderful loving spirit, but all the love and wonderful goodness of those surrounding you – what a gift all of you are – may God bless you all – love you, sweet girl!
Irene Caty
Dearest Zenyatta, That was a beautiful story about your Bridle that you wore for all 20 of your races. I was very impressed that Dear John had a Angel put on the brow band of the bridle to keep you safe. John is a wonderful person and I admire him very much for being who he is. He made sure that everything was the very best for you. He is a good man and I wish the best for him just as I do for you. Thre are all good people in the Z-Team and you are so lucky to have them in your family. I’m glad that you are all keeping in touch. Have fun in the snow, Zenny. I’m glad to read your diary posts to know how you are doing. I know you are adjusting to your new life and new friends but I do believe that you miss and wonder about your Z-Team family that you were with for so long. I know I miss them. They all became my silent friends and I enjoyed seeing or reading about them as I do you. You surely left a huge impression that will never be forgotten. I wish you and everyone at both barns a Very Happy New Year for 2011. Love you Zenny and wish you every happiness.
Paula Higgins
I need to stop checking Zenyatta.com while I am at work LOL. I had tears in my eyes after reading this. I cannot even express how wonderful it was of John to let Zenny wear that charm for Marjorie. You people really are the heart and soul of racing. Really impressive people-all of you. Sometimes you have an amazing horse but the people connected are not so wonderful, other times the connections are great people but the horse, while a nice boy or girl, isn’t setting the racing world on fire. You all are like “The Perfect Storm” of horse racing-perfect horse, perfect owners, perfect trainer, perfect manager, perfect barn staff. Everything and everyone just came together perfectly. Plus, you are educating us. It doesn’t get better than that.
Max
Your posts are wonderful. I also look forward to reading about what you are doing and what great things that you have to tell us about your life. I would like to see more videos of your time out in the paddock. I like to see you run around in the snow. Long live Queen Z.
Richard
I watch your December 20 Blood-Horse video at least once a day — whenever I need a lift. It is the purest definition of joy.
Max
Your posts are wonderful. I would like to see more videos of your time out in the paddock, especially when you decide to run in the snow. Long live Queen Z.
joyce
love the daily posts
Elena Erdman
Hi chula Zenyatta. Spanish for pretty. I loved the story about Marjorie. It is so wonderful you had the angel on your browband. The day of the BC I was more nervous than a long tailed cat in a room full of rockers. One more step and you had it. You are the best of the best and that is it. It is raining here in Southern California again, for a couple of days and cold. But, I read your letter today and felt all cozy and warm again, you make me smile so much. So you are growing your winter coat? Oh I am so glad and now you will be even warmer. Zoozie my cat has a winter coat and she looks like a ball of fur. My other cats have winter coats too, but then we get a warm day and they blow it all off and of course they have fur balls, something you don’t have to deal with. The play Cavalia is coming to Burbank. I am glad your dapples still show through. Pasadena is full of people to watch the Rose Parade and the float Saving America’s mustangs is coming along fine. It is going to be beautiful. I love you always and love the Mosses and John and Dottie and your whole gang. Are they the best or what? People that really make the world go around. The golden people and of course you are our golden Queen Z.
Robyn Mullhausen
Oh Zenyatta, I don’t know who is the biggest Angel you or John. How very touching this story is. Well, John’s Angel did her job very well, she brought you home safe and sound every time. Lovely Z you will forever live in the hearts of all the humans who love and have cared for you. You and John and The Mosses have set a standard that others hopefully will aspire to.
Mary
On the wings of Angels you flew, with God’s speed granted to you. Zenyatta, you will always have a guardian Angel watching over you. You have been God’s gift to us. The horse industry owes you the gift of the title “Horse of the Year”. Regardless, you are our HOY, now, before, and forever. Hugs and Prayers
Jeanie Langford
Oh Z. It just keeps on getting better. What you have done for people is so wonderful. You are the greatest and so are your people. Who would ever believe the Moss’ would sell you. They would hock everything to keep you. You are magic and worth more than money can buy. More video please. Hugs and Kisses
Elena Erdman
Oh, I forgot, I am looking forward to learning more about bridles. I am learning so much. I used to ride horses in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico when I was younger and rainy days like this remind me of those days riding in the hills. I remember one day it started storming and there was lightening and so we rode our horses into a barn and to my surprise it was full of cows. It was so much fun, we all sitting on our horses and the cows mooing. One of my best memories. Love you even more.
Jean Moore
Beautiful Zenyatta, This is the most moving post yet….an angel riding and an angel running. John and Dottie are awesome! Yippee, there is a new video on your facebook page this evening from LEF, it is too cute and Zenny, you look wonderful! Still not camera shy are you? MUCH LOVE FROM ME TO YOU.
Barbara Wood
Dearest Z–
Abigail’s story is one of the most beautiful I ever heard, and it is so YOU!
Do you know why we all love all of Team Z so much? It’s because they all treat you the way you deserve to be treated and the way we would treat you if we were in their shoes. I hope other owners, trainers, grooms, hotwalkers, etc. are taking note.
Thank you for teaching us so much in each post as well.
Wishing green pastures (eventually) for you and PQ. Good night, sweetie. Love you always.
Fran
Good late afternoon Z. Almost 5:00 ca time. We had over an inch of rain during the last 24 hours. Now it is freezing! Your post today brings tears to my eyes. Your family is just so outstanding; they are always doing something kind for others. What a tremendous family! Have a good evening Z. Thinking of you always!
marcia deeb
Dear zenny, all the info you are giving us on horses and racing is very interesting. I would like to know when you will be able to have visitors again. I want to meet you in person and it the most important wish that I hope for and also for my husband to get better and be able to visit too.
Anne
It is things like this that will always stand out when your name is mentioned my dear girl. You have brought more joy to so many people which gave us all a big smile whenever we saw you or read about you. Your team was also a part of these wonderful stories that seem to be never ending. You will always be loved as well as your exceptional group of humans called, “Team Z”.
Keep enjoying yourself beautiful girl. Much love and hugs back at you.
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
Enjoyed your post today lots Zenyatta-touched my heart. Glad you are doing so well and you sound very happy. Hugs and kisses to you sweetie!
Love & Blessings to you too
Roseann King
Beyond words! Love every diary post!!
linda
John Sherriffs does more than train horses – he is teaching all of us a thing or two about behaving with honor and grace. A beautiful post.
Diana Hanson
Look forward to all the info and wonderful stories! Have a comfy evening Queen Z!
Rita Boucher
Oh my gosh, Zen, you have been so blessed to be surrounded by the kind, loving people in your life. And we are so blessed that they share you with us. As it has been said before, your diary is therapy for the soul and heart. Thankyou and all good blessings.
Alex Bowdoin
Dear Zenyatta,
A Angel on the browband to bring you back safe and sound from your races…Another diary that brings us to tears! Enjoy your being out in the paddock with QP running and rolling in the snow.XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Joan
What a Queen you are. If I may say, it doesn’t take 200+ turf writers and handicappers to tell us who horse of the year is, we already know, now and forever.We knew it last year and the year before. One day they will figure it out.
On to more productive subjects, you will be remembered long after the BC and all the awards are given, it doesn’t matter, we know the best and her name starts with ZEN.
vicky
One word for Team Zenyatta: Class, all the way. Such an honor to know them…even if only by reading. Thank you.
Shannon
Truly amazing. All I have to say tonight is LONG LIVE QUEEN ZENYATTA!
Celeste
Thank you for this beautiful post, Zenyatta and Team Z!! Prior to the BC I had read about Marjorie’s name in her browband, but I didn’t know the connection was through Abigail Anderson, whose response to Steve’s blog was amazing. I love learning how these things are connected and how John Shirreffs and the team so kindly granted Ms. Anderson’s request to honor her friend. Everything about Zenyatta and her team is absolute magic…oh, wait, that sounds a lot like a song from The Police! :)