Happy Tuesday,
This is too cute! Last night, Dottie, John, Ann and Jerry all met for dinner. They were discussing my ‘future exciting dating plans’ and the ZENYATTA SCULPTURE that was done by Nina Kaiser. The prototype of the piece is photographed above with Stella and Violet. It looks like Stella is commenting to Violet how much she loves it. I DO TOO!
Nina Kaiser is a very talented sculptor. She does beautiful work! Recently, she did the JOHN HENRY life-size statue that is at Santa Anita Park. While I was at BARN 55, Nina would set up appointments with John and Dottie to come out and STUDY ME! She spent hours upon hours at the barn just observing me while I was training and out grazing. Nina actually measured every single part of my body and then took detailed photos of ALL of me! She wanted to be sure she could reproduce MY IMAGE in PERFECT SCALE! We spent a great deal of time together. This way, Nina felt she really KNEW ME and had a feel for how my body parts all flowed together when I moved. I also found it very interesting to note the keen observations of ‘an artist at work’ while she was with me!
It looks like she GOT IT RIGHT! My TEAM absolutely loved her image of me…and I’M DANCING!! How fabulous is this! YEAH, NINA!
As for my dating plans, I think this news will be released very soon. My TEAM reviewed all of the details with me this morning…and I’M SO EXCITED! I will keep you posted!
With love,
HUGS to ALL~
Z
Zen-Fan
This breeding thing is all new to me…does anyone have any information to share on what criteria they look for in a stud…I am sure temperament, physical strength are all important, but was wondering how a decision is made at this high level!
Thanks
Sarah Powell
Lucky Nina to spend that much time with you! Would love to be able to purchase a cheaper version – so cute that she cast you dancing. I read the post of the young lady who is 14 – see what you have done for racing? Young girls who never gave the sport a second thought are now interested all because of you and your magic.
@J Smith – where will you post photos? Being in SC there is no chance of going to the Feb. 5th event but hope to see pictures/videos. Stella and Violet are beautiful – lucky to be part of such a wonderful family (and extended family)! Thanks for the post.
Karen
I really like this sculpture. Instead of the same ole racing poses we’ve seen, she figured out one of the things that makes Zenyatta unique, her dancing! Can’t wait to see the life-size version.
However, what I really want to know is WHO IS THE LUCKY GUY?
Lauren
Dear Zenny – What a beautiful statue of you. You certainly are a beautiful girl. I would love to know if the statue is going to be made available to the public. Congratulations on your future dating plans. I can’t wait to find out who the lucky man is.
Love and kisses
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
To the Kennedys: If done to scale, the lifesize statute of Zenyatta ought to reflect the fact that she is a good hand taller than were the two stallions! Mortal divinity, Zenyatta. Best–Robbie
Annette Reynar
All your Canadian fans await with great anticipation the announcement of who the lucky stallion will be.
Regardless of the chosen one, may all go well and you remain happy & healthy.
Love reading your daily blogs Zenyatta and big hugs and kisses from cold Ontario Canada.
CHERYL SMITH
Love the the little Zenyatta dancing! Good luck with your dating plans, can’t wait for the news!
L
@Zen_Fan,
There are a lot of criteria that will go into the decision. Pedigree on paper will be thoroughly explored, for instance Zenyatta TrueNicks best with AP Indy or sons of AP Indy as opposed to Curlin who she fails with as far as paper / record of similar breeding patterns are concerned.
They’ll also look at Zenyatta’s physical flaws, is she over at the knee is she behind, is she a little cow hocked, sickle hocked, is she straight, does she toe out does she toe in, how her fits to her neck, her entire conformation. I know that Zenyatta fans like to believe she is completely perfect but no horse is completely perfect. They will look for a stallion build that address her weaknesses in the hopes to soften her flaws in her foal.
Next they will weigh a proven producer, who’s record they can look at, vs a young stallion. The rule of thumb is you put an unknown (maiden) mare to a stallion who you know what he throws.
AP Indy looks good on paper and also as a proven producer but there is talk that his fertility has declined and his impregnation rate is not optimal. Especially on a maiden mare.
This might make his son Bernardini look attractive, though he is still a fairly young stallion.
Hard to tell but the romantic rule of thumb is you ‘breed the best to the best and hope for the best’.
S
Guess I will be at SA 2 Saturdays in a row! San Diego to Arcaida x 2. Hope maybe a Del Mar meet up later in the year! Can’t wait for the big announcement.
Robin
Hi Zenny! What an AWESOME sculpture of you. She got it right, you are one GORGEOUS girl!! Look forward to finding out who the LUCKY fella is. Stay safe & warm big girl!! MUAH!!! XOXO
Liz C
Gorgeous statue that seems to capture the Queen perfectly! Where will the life size version reside?
valerie chase
Its going to be absolutely beautiful. Nina is an exceptional artist! Good choice Team Z!!! Ok, now for the other news – I can hardly take the anticipation!!! Hugs!
Katherine
Beautiful sculpture and beautiful poodles. Next will be a beautiful baby for you. Please tell us who the chosen stallion is. Just a little hint?
Donna Powell
You deserve THE VERY BEST, ZENNY. You are one in a million….
Joyce
Hi Queen Z
The statue of you is great!Wish I could see it up close. You are dancing as you said, how cute. Wonderful job Nina.
Hope the dating plans cont and we hear soon, we are all on pins and needles waiting for the big announcement!
It’s windy and rainy down here in Fl today, hope it is a little better in KY. I can’t wait for spring and summer! Maybe we can see you then!!
Love and kisses, Joyce.
Dee
The lucky stud should PAY YOU ! ! Cant wait to hear who it is.
krazymeerkats
hmmmm… who will be the baby daddy…
Mary
Zenyatta, any plans for a life size statue? I love the fact that you are dancing. No other race horse will ever match your “dance to the post” steps. Hugs and Prayers
D'Arcy L. Demianoff-Thompson
Actually it sounds like Stella asking Violet, “where the heck are our statues? After all didn’t we help to make her the star that she is? Didn’t I specifically teach her that dance step? Wow, how quickly one forgets!”
The statue is very nice. Naturally I have one last thing to say. TIZNOW!!!
Stephanie Quilichini
Super Excited to hear the big news!!!
Allen
The sculture is beautiful, love the dance step. Like everyone else I can’t wait for the big announcement. But I agree with Mike, there isn’t a stalion out there worthy of QUEEN ZENYATTA.
Tricia Clemmensen
You are dancing, how unbelievably perfect!!!
Nancy L
Can’t wait to hear the news about being bred. And the statue looks like it will be wonderful!
Beth Alexander
The statue is very beautiful! I am so glad Team Zenyatta approved…….(including Stella and Violet). What about Sophie? I bet she gave it a “paws” up too! Thanks for sharing.
Eileen
What a pretty statue, but can we get a close up picture of it, please? :)
Brent Zimmer
Z before you get too involved with your “dating” or first date, do you think it may be advisable to “TANGO” first?
Gloria
Hi Big Mama Z! The statue is beautiful! I love Nina’s work and would love to see a life sized one of those of you at Santa Anita…right near John Henry! I got both Blood Horse and Thoroughbred Times and you are on the cover of BOTH for your Horse of the Year honor! I subscribe to both and whenever you’re on the cover of Blood Horse, I’ll call the local newsstand that sells it to pick up extra copies. They know me by name now and I’ve been frequenting this place for many years. Hahaha! In the past year, they’ve learned my name because of the name Zenyatta! Well, I’ve got a nice little collection now and I love it. While you are deciding on your first date, I am getting near the end of a scrapbook I’m making of you from your first career! Boy, that book is getting mighty heavy. It is a documentation of each of your races and the things you became known for along the way. You keep having fun, young lady! Love you LOTS!
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, I love the photo of Stella & Violent Moss talking about the Statue of You. Poodles are so smart! I have 2 in my family also. The statue is so amazingly like you. I was thrilled for her to capture the real you dancing and your neck and head looking great as you do! I can’t wait to see the life size. What an honor for Nina to do that! I love you so much, Zenyatta! I just can’t wait till I hear who they have picked for you. Dottie, Thanks for the photo. Zenyatta,until the next post, Hugs & Kisses From Alabama With Love, Amanda, G
Roxanne Cook
What adorable doggies! The statue seems to capture your personality in miniature too. I’m excited about the details of your first date. Since you were born in April, your mama wasn’t bred until May, but then you weren’t mature enough to get to the big 3-year old races, so maybe the Mosses are going to try for an earlier foal from you. It’s just so interesting!
Sue Fredrick
Zen Nina really captured you to a “Z” (T), wow, it sure is beautiful I wish I could afford one. I’ll have to wait till someone comes up with a cheaper version, not that you’re not worth it. Can’t wait for the “man of the hour” news, I just have to say again A………….P………….INDY 11111111 Luv and kisses on your nose