Good Morning,
I hope all of you had a fabulous weekend. Mine was extremely pleasant and I really enjoyed getting to spend time in my new paddock and stall.
I wanted to share with you THE VIEW I have while I’m out grazing and relaxing in the field. It is terrific! I can literally see everything going on everywhere at the farm. You know I love this… I never want to miss a thing!
TASTY and I have so much room to stretch our legs and enjoy the sunshine. The weather has really been ‘cooperative’ lately. It is not nearly as cold in Lexington as it was last winter when I arrived here.
The weekend’s sporting events were ‘extremely competitive’. I’d mentioned on Friday that I love CLOSE FINISHES… and one could not have asked for a more exciting finish to a SUPER BOWL game than the one we had yesterday. The excitement and contention went down to the last few seconds… and the very last play! The Giants and the Patriots both played very well and had exceptional seasons! Congratulations to each… and a special HIGH HOOF to the N.Y. GIANTS on their victory! What a thrill for them to win 2 of the last 4 Super Bowls! This is a remarkable achievement!
As for my sport, what a weekend of great stakes activity. I’m sending my heartfelt congratulations to all of the winners! My BARN 55 pal, Mr. Commons, deserves a HIGH HOOF from ME for his victory in the Arcadia Handicap (G2). The 3 year old stakes around the country are starting to add some excitement to the Derby picture these days. I must compliment my guy, BERNIE, on the recent victories by some of his top 3 year old colts on the Road to the TRIPLE CROWN. Last week, Algorithms won the Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream and Saturday Alpha won the Withers Stake (G3) at Aqueduct! YEAH, BERNIE!
This is all so exciting!
Several people stopped Dottie at Santa Anita on Saturday asking about ME! Thank you so much! To answer several of the questions:
1) I am due at the beginning of March. Being that it is my first foal… one never knows if I will be late or early. I will definitely keep you posted as the month progresses as to how I am doing and ‘any changes’ in my ADORABLE BODY! (Blush, Blush!)
2) I do not know whether I am having a colt or a filly. No one does! My owners like to be ‘surprised’… so they do not have the tests done on their mares to determine this. So… we will ALL find out at the same time.
I must say… not knowing does add a definite element of EXCITEMENT to all of this.
3) TASTY is on the same exact schedule as I am… as we both conceived on the same day… April 3rd. She is in foal to Candy Ride.
4) I am with ALL of my same loving caretakers at my new barn. So is TASTY. This makes it so comfortable for us!
Thank you for asking!
From my new home to yours… here’s wishing you a very happy MONDAY!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
chrystal
I’m hoping for a filly. I’d love to see a mini Z… But it really doesn’t matter as long as everyone is healthy.
signofthetimes
Congratulations for being number one today !!!!
Jeanne Sutton
I love the new paddock and stall! I also love that picture!
Keta
Good morning Z
Yes, it was quite a weekend.
Mike Smith is now down to 12 to reach 5000 wins!
With the help of Mr. Commons–good ride in tight spaces.
And, of course, the Super Bowl–Congratulations to the Giants
and especially to MVP Eli Manning.
It’s Monday & if it’s Blue it is to celebrate!
Have a great day!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Go, Mike!!!!!
sharon in seattle
thanks for sharing the lovely view!! The view here in Seattle is of sunshine and almost spring-like temps – wow, we’re getting spoiled. Stay safe and warm, big Momma!!
Especially Horses / California
Wow, the Bernie’s are just getting better and better.
Lori K
Congatulations to MR. COMMONS. ZENNY I hope you have agreat day. Sending HUGS & KISSES your way. Say hello to TASTY. I can’t wait to the BABIES come. This is so exciting. LOVE ALWAY’S Lori XOXOXO……
Marty
Great view Zenny…. Well I am hoping you have a girl, but that’s because I believe that girls are better than boys!!! You of course are a great example of that…
I can’t believe the Giants pulled it off at the last minute well congrats to them. Everyday we get closer and closer to Baby Z’s arrival. I can’t wait……
Carmela B
Me either…I’m predicting a filly, born on March 1….but no matter what, as long as it’s born healthy & Mom Z is able to fulfill her mom duties to the utmost!
signofthetimes
Zenny may be able to stamp a colt with stamina, heart, courage, boldness and soundness as Street Cry/Machivelian is a very sound, strong horse. !!!!
kelly-Allentown, Pa
Love you Zenyatta! Got my plushie on Saturday. Love it.
Kathy B. (SoCal, FL)
What a wonderful view! And such a nice picture of your lovely ears! It was a very nice weekend…I hope everyone enjoyed it. Have a wonderful Monday Z!
MK
I’m very excited for these final few weeks. Just keep feeling well and happy, Z! Many prayers for a healthy delivery. I already know your foal will be fantastic.
Thanks Dotty for the continued updates. HOOF UP to you!
Abigail from Montreal
Good morning Zenny, Dottie, Tasty, Babies 2B & my fellow Zensters:
The reference to liking a “close finish” was TOO CUTE, Zenny! And I just love the shot of your new paddock from between your ears, so that we see what you see. I guess that moms-to-be need to get acquainted with a bigger space, since those new babies will want to run, run and then run some more! Great, too, is the news that you & Tasty are “barn & paddock buddies” and that the people you know best are right there with you. Team Z in California must be on stand-by these days since one never knows when a first baby will arrive….
Your Bernie is sure doing his daddy proud, Zenny! Such good-looking and talented colts in Algorithms & Alpha and, as I said on a previous post, here’s hoping that the Derby Trail is good to both of them. I was particularly glad to see that Alpha got into the starting gate without fussing. In general, I’m not a believer in the kind of minimal preparation Derby colts have gotten in the last 5 years or so. Granted, they’re all still babies by horse standards and their bones, muscles and coordination are still developing. But I do think the Triple Crown takes a colt whose had a range of experiences: fast track, muddy track, two turns, coming from off the pace as well as near the front runners, travel miles and so forth.
I was kind of surprised to read the Aidan O’Brien has two colts nominated to the Derby: Daddy Long Legs & Wrote, since I’m still getting over the deaths of Coolmore’s Landseer and then George Washington, neither of whom should have been expected to switch to the dirt in the short time he gave them. Mind you, Daddy LL is a son of Scat Daddy & grandson of Johannesburg, so he should be able to deal with the dirt. But for heaven’s sake — get them over here to run at least one prep before the Derby!!!!
We went from freezing to spring-like temps. here in Montreal today. On the other side of the (Atlantic) ocean, I had a friend whose flight was cancelled because Heathrow had too much snow. And, as you may know, Europe, the Ukraine & Russia are coping with what used to be a pretty typical Canadian winter. But over 200 lives have been lost to date as these countries try to cope with being plunged into brand new circumstances.
Finally: picked this up on the Paulick Report this morning. All horses descend from the same ancestor!!!
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12036/1207973-115.stm?cmpid=news.xml
Love & hugs to all and butterfly kisses to you, Big Girl!
Margaret
Actually Team Z will have to choose at some point if they want to be there or not. Then there’ll have to travel towards the end of this month cause there won’t be time to hop a plane AFTER Z goes into labor. It isn’t the same as humans.
Yes, there will be signs but there not 100% accurate.
These things happen QUICKLY. One minute the mare isn’t in labor and the next thing you know you have a baby about to be dropped.
This is why they have all the mares on 15 minute watch when there outside. Your watching for the mare to leave her paddock mate. Mares prefer to give birth alone–although there are instances in the Pryor Mountain Mustangs that the opposite is also true and the mare doesn’t leave. USUALLY she does.
I know many are thinking Mother Nature has provided a way for eons. Yes, that’s true. But these are also VERY EXPENSIVE hot house thoroughbreds. By bringing them inside your trying to minimize the dangers of delivery.
Rather than go into a list of possibilities–I would ask you to think about yourself and what could go wrong with a home delivery with no one there to help. And for the sake of Z and impending motherhood and my promise not to go there I will leave it at that.
Ann Maree / Tennessee
Thanks for the video link, Abigail, and I always enjoy your insights about the breeding side of things. We haven’t had a winter in the Memphis area, either, except for a couple of days, but I don’t think we have had a 24-hour period that didn’t get above 40 degrees. We’ve only had a couple of nights that dipped into the 20s. It has been rainy, damp and dreary several days on end, which makes it “look” like winter, even though it doesn’t “feel” like it!! It seems like such is not the case “across the Pond” as I saw where several tracks have had to cancel racing because of so much snow!
BTW, traffic on Z’s Facebook page has picked up quite a bit, and I don’t think there will be any problem in reaching the 100,000 mark by the last of February, and in time for the arrival of her little one!!! I was amazed at the over 600 comments on Friday’s Diary here! Wow!! And additional comments have increased on her Facebook page as well. Just amazing!!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Love seeing those numbers going up!!! I just know we can reach that 100,000!!!!!!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Abigail, great info!!
Elizabeth in NM
Love all of your posts so much Abigail! It’s like being in equine college! Thank you for all of the time you give on Zenny’s site. Can’t check it but every few days, but love the time and kindness and knowledge given and that we are so fortunate to enjoy! God’s blessings to you, Abigail. Isn’t Zenny and all of her family just so very kind and awesome?!
Stella Bagwell
Dearest Zenyatta,
Happy Monday! So glad to you had a great weekend and that You and Tasty have such a beautiful and large paddock to enjoy.
I’m sorry to say I only got to enjoy some of the racing this past weekend, but I do want to send out a special High Hoof to Mr. Commons for his win! Yippee! And Bernie’s offsprings certainly appear to be in great form! Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Baby Z will dazzle when he or she does get on the race track. And three cheers to the Moss’s for keeping the sex of your little darling a surprise— just the way Mother Nature intended! :)
Have a lovely day, dear Z! Kisses to You and Tasty!
Stel
Patricia
Just a quick love note to you, Sweet Zenny – I think of you so often – thanks for the joy and wonder you bring to all of our lives, and letting us share in yours – we love you always –
Margaret
Have fun today Z. I know your probably uncomfortable with all the weight and the baby shifting around. But hang on, we’re down to the last few weeks.
Rosemary McCauley - So. Cal.
Congratulations to Barn 55 for a successful weekend. YOUR JOHN’s horses also finished second and third at Santa Anita over the weekend. I’m hoping you have a boy, but either way, a healthy happy foal is all that counts (I’m still guesstimating Feb. 25).
Ronni
Beautiful view….hope you enjoy your new surroundings! Anxiously awaiting birth announcements from you and Tasty! and of course, those first priceless photos!
Jane C
Hi Z,
I love the way you look right now. So “full”! Can’t wait for the big day for both you girls. Z, have you heard anything about when Ebllouisante (sp?) will have her first race? Hope it will be announced somehow, so we can go and see her debut. Will be very exciting seeing her. Knowing she’s your sis makes it very personal. Take care and if you could have your baby on March 6th that would be just great!!! wink, wink.
Shannon From Cool
A change of scenery is always good and a bigger change is comin’. We are all busy knitting little hoof booties for your foal.
Sharyn - Vermont
Such a pretty picture of you and all you get to see out there in your paddock!! So nice not having the cold and snow to deal with!!
A big congrats to Mr. Commons and Mike – they make another good team!!
And Bernie, wow, his foals are all doing so well…..
You and Tasty have a relaxing afternoon….
Theresa Buck/Texas
good morning sweetie
Kim
Love your new digs Zenny, they look quite beautiful. I have to admit, I am impressed with Algorithms. Stay safe and healthy!!!
Mary in Lynchburg, Virginia
Good Morning Z……. It is great to hear about you and Tasty as always. I read the post every day. It is so exciting to soon find out whether a boy or a girl. Enjoy the free time because being a mom is a very busy job in the beginning. Hugs to you ….and to Tasty!! Have a fun afternoon……….
ladonna - TN
Hello, just a note to tell you I received my plushy on Saturday!!! It is LOVELY!!!!
Liz Carlin
Lady Z, you’ve a lovely place to await your impending motherhood, a loving family to care for you and your “sister of the heart” Tasty. I’m so excited to await the arrival of a mini-Z, be it a colt or filly. I can’t wait to see Tastly’s baby too! I just love the babies! Hugs and kisses from Tennessee. To both of you!
Abigail from Montreal
Hi again. I’m posting this BEAUTIFUL video of a mare giving birth among the other mares & foals in her herd FOR OUR KARI….who is fine but trying to plough through all her mail!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAFncGgSSWQ&feature=share
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Thank you, Abigail!
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
A lovely video Abigail, thank you so much.
Jan S. / Houston
Very interesting video. Thanks Abigail.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Abigail in Montreal:
Thank you so much for the video of foal birth. So beautiful, found myself teary eyed. Wonderful how the other mares and foals were so aware and interested. Nature’s miracle.
Hugs, JB
signofthetimes
So very interesting that the mare was so trusting she foaled during the day;
and was silent when she was foaling !!!!
Terri Z
Thanks Abigail for this fascinating video.
Julie Malida
I am hoping for big ears and the white tornado on the face. The stamp of Z. Whether colt or filly, healthy is most important, and an EASY birth for you Z!
Abigail from Montreal
PS: This was NOT posted to promote “natural foal birth” or to dispute what Margaret had to say (above). It’s just a warm & loving video of the coming into being of a new life!
Stephanie in San Diego
Abigail…I love it. Thanks for posting.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
@Brenda S. Ontario
Hope you find your plushie waiting in Buffalo. Don’t know how big your p.o. box is, but you should know that it comes in a box that is quite large. Enjoy! (I’m getting some eyeball rolling here – some people just don’t “get it” about Zenny :-)
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Sandy, Hoping to go over the river tomorrow. The post office is very good about parcels, I rent a very small box but they hold bigger ones in the office and leave a note to tell me. I’m hoping for two parcels, my birthday box from my daughter and son in law as well as my plushie. As for the eyeball rolling, everyone who know me is aware that I’m a horse nut and gaga about Zenny.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
No, no – I meant MY friends are rolling eyeballs about the two horses sitting in my living room! I’m just so glad that I can tell them about all of YOU also getting the plushie :-)
Terry Crow
You might be a Canadian redneck if you have to go to another country to pick up your mail.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Ha Ha – Good one Terry!
signofthetimes
Great one Terry !!!
You might be a Texas Redneck if your GPS takes you round and round and round to a deadend country road when you are trying to get to a military base in Bastrop, Texas.
Elizabeth in NM
Terry, we ‘are’ in another country here in NM! Often, people will say to us, what’s it like in Mexico?
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Great timing, Terry!
Judy C
Zenyatta, any day you post something is a Great Day for me. Waiting with excitement on the new arrival.
PatB from NM
Where’s my plushie???
Those ears! Unmistakeable! Love them, and love you always, Z.
Elizabeth in NM
Agree with You, PatB – love looking through those radar ears of Zenny! Am awaiting Z’s plushie too. Since we’re out here in the ‘wilds’, we’re fairly used to patience. You probably are too. Just love that about NM, though… The Wilds! We’re on the backside of Sierra Blanca in the foothills/mts and just south a ways. Still snow on the big mt. Hoping for a bit more. Nice to chat with a fellow New Mexican! Isn’t Zenny just beyond amazing?!