Good Morning Everyone!
Happy Saturday! I wanted to share this photo of SOPHIE…along with her message to ME…with YOU. Needless to say, she is keeping up on all of my ‘activities and experiences’ while I’m at Lane’s End. Here, Sophie is nibbling on one of her favorite chew goodies…but she did want to remind me to EAT PROPERLY, WATCH MY DIET and TO MONITOR ALL OF MY SNACKS at this time.
Needless to say, this is all very exciting! I so appreciate all of your sweet messages. MARIO is an absolute doll! (So glad you noticed!) Please remember, that I do TANGO with my BARN 55 friends and MY TEAM all of the time. We do this often and really do keep in touch. It is so kind of you to want to start a fund for Mario to come and visit me. FYI, he will be able to come for visits with others from my CA FAMILY. MY TEAM will always offer him the opportunity to stay in touch with ME! THANK YOU, though, for all of your thoughtfulness and the kindness of this gesture. It is greatly appreciated by all of MY TEAM! I also wanted you to know how deeply touched Mario is by this act of kindness you have shown him!
Many of you have asked…what will happen next with me? The web-page on Fetus Development…that you are referring to in the ‘RESPONSES’…can be very educational. So, if you chose to review the material presented, it can be a very helpful reference to learn about the stages I will be experiencing during the next 11 months. This may be found HERE. Dottie was explaining to me…just like women have books to refer to when they are having babies….this can be a great reference for ME! There are always so many NEW things to learn in life! I am having a wonderful time exploring them!
On several occasions, Dottie has mentioned to ME how special it is to read so many of your wonderful, uplifting ‘RESPONSES’ in the DIARY. Often in life, we face various challenges. In one way or another, we ALL have them. They come in different forms, situations, and at different times of our lives. That is why it is so meaningful to see so many of you really trying to offer support, kindness and a WONDERFUL LOVING SPIRIT…not just to ME and MY TEAM…BUT TO EACH OTHER. It means a GREAT DEAL TO ME!
I know this type of support, devotion, and love is what encouraged me to become the HORSE I AM. I could not have done it all without the GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT that MY TEAM and MY FANS extended to ME! Thus, to see an extension of this continue with ALL of YOU via your ‘RESPONSES’ in the DIARY…REALLY MAKES ME FEEL SO PROUD!
With Love,
Hugs to All…Especially, at this time, to my dear friend, “BUD”~
Z
tony and sue
Sophie…what a great little sister you are to Zenny. Always watching out for her and keeping updated on all her “news”.
You’re quite a cutie, too. Question for Dottie…will Zen get to stay with her current brood during her pregnancy or will she join another one? Can she still drink her favorite brew during this time?
You are so generous with us…a simple thank you is never enough for everything you do to keep us in touch with the Queen.
ENSIGN
@ Peggy,
.
Regarding coat color and genetics….without getting in to too much of a technical genetics discussion, all horses are the result of two base colors, black and chestnut. All other colors (bay, brown, grey, etc.) are the result of genes restricting and changing those base colors. Agouti is the most common, it’s what’s responsible for bay & brown horses, like Zenyatta & Bernardini. True black horses have no agouti gene.
Chances of those two producing a black foal would probably only be about 2%. The chance of another bay/brown foal is about 90%. Bernardini seems to be homozygous black, or EE as I’ve yet to see him produce a chestnut foal.
A few good sites with basic info on color here:
http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/colors/geneticsintro.html
and here as well:
http://www.whitehorseproductions.com/equinecolor.html
ENSIGN
@ Peggy,
.
Regarding coat color and genetics….without getting in to too much of a technical genetics discussion, all horses are the result of two base colors, black and chestnut. All other colors (bay, brown, grey, etc.) are the result of genes restricting and changing those base colors. Agouti is the most common, it’s what’s responsible for bay & brown horses, like Zenyatta & Bernardini. True black horses have no agouti gene.
Chances of those two producing a black foal would probably only be about 2%. The chance of another bay/brown foal is about 90%. Bernardini seems to be homozygous black, or EE as I’ve yet to see him produce a chestnut foal.
A few good sites with basic info on color here:
http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/colors/geneticsintro.html
ENSIGN
And another basic color site here:
http://www.whitehorseproductions.com/equinecolor.html
ENSIGN
The fabulous Australian runner Lonhro is a true black TB
http://www.whitehorseproductions.com/images/horsecolor/blacks/lonhro_confo1.jpg
Karen Mitchell
Dear Zenyatta and Dottie, your diary post today was very beautiful and moving. I continue to be amazed by all the love and support expressed in your posts and in all the thousands of comments. Yes, you are so right that everyone goes through difficult time at some point in their lives, and what a difference words of encouragement can make. Like many others on this list, I have experienced the loss of a loved one (my husband) and have been have been deeply moved by how GRIEF brings us together in spite of differences in age, gender, faith, social and economic status, etc. Well, after reading all the comments on this site, I believe LOVE also transcends all these differences. And LOVE for YOU has been the common denominator that has also allowed us to love and support each other. Thank you a million times over for all that you and your wonderful connections give us and how it sustains us in both difficult and good times. Love and hugs, Karen
Robin A.B.
We love you beautiful Z! And we are so grateful for your humans who are helping you. We all have our fingers, toes, paws, and hooves crossed that the 45 days go quickly and everything looks good at that point! That website has WONDERFUL information that I shared with my special needs daughter to teach her about foal development. You see, Zenyatta, your loves spreads over all of us in many ways. My daughter loves anything that teaches her more about horses!!
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
What a wonderful pic of Sophie-she is so darling, bet she misses coming to the track and visiting you. But it is nice that you all are able to tango and keep in touch.
Thanks for the link to the webpage on the fetal development and etc. We all can learn lots from it so that we are able to follow and understand what is going on and what to look forward to in the stages of your pregnancy(hooves & fingers crossed).
It is so wonderful that this diary is here for all to read and keep informed of what is going on in your life Zenyatta. It is also nice for everyone to be able to read what others have to say and how they feel. It is kind of like a comaradie amongst good friends. Such a wonderful place to come to-so pleasant and peaceful. Always look forward to your diary and Dottie does such a wonderful and excellent job here-she is such a beautiful and warm woman-where would we all be without her?!!
Hope you are having lots of enjoyment with your galpals in the paddock.
Take care Zenyatta!
My Prayers, Love & Blessings to you and to your dear friend, “Bud”.
Tracy
It still amazes me everytime I say your name Zenyatta I smile.You are so special and what a “mum” you will be!!Just love you!!
Signofthetimes
Just wanted to say I had sometime to look at
The fetus timeline. The explaination of the ear bud
And hoofs developing with a frog and a coronet bad, the
position with head up and the appearance of hair on the
Muzzle and the tiny tail. Seeing this development is
So special. The beauty of foaling is a wonderful
Precious event. This timeline is very special. Thanks
Again for sharing.
Sweet Dreams Zenyatta. I guess you won’t have
Any more early morning visits from Capone just a leisurely
Breakfast and time out to chat with the girls.
Keep that embryo warm. XXXXOOO
Hi to the little doll Sophie Sheriffs.
Dawn Conrad
Dearest, Zenyatta. What a cute picture of Miss Sophie! I must say her chewy looks almost bigger than she is. I’m glad she is giving you advice to eat right (hopefully you are eating for two) and take care of yourself. The fetus timeline was great. We can visualize that little prince or princess each step of the way. I am a member of Club Three Chimneys and they shared a beautiful video of one of their new foals playing in their paddock for the first time yesterday. Too cute!!!! Love to hear how much you and all of the wonderful crew at Barn 55 are keeping in touch. Your connection with Mario was amazing to witness. We all care about John, Mario, Carmen, Steve and everyone so much, we always wish them only the best. We all have our own support groups of associates, co-workers, friends and family surrounding us, but there is something very special about the kindness of strangers. People young and old, female and male, from all different backgrounds and experiences; who having never meant face to face type words on a page that provide ideas, information and encouragement, share stories, photos and links, express congratulations and condolences, induce action and show support with prayers and blessings. And we do it all in the name of a magnificent race mare (that’s you Zenny) and the fantastic individuals that make up Team Z led by Jerry and Ann. You all created the example. Each and every day at Barn 55 and at racetracks around the country, you welcomed complete strangers into your world. You were all so kind, always showing patience and understanding and changing lives by giving joy to those you meant. Your efforts on behalf of charities is inspiring and ongoing. Even in retirement, you have continued to reach out to us, beautiful girl and with Divine Dottie’s help your wonderful diary posts keep us all connected. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
@Peggy and Catherine – hope you are both doing well. You are in my thoughts.
judy berube
Dear Z,
You and Dottie and all of the Team are the most caring and thoughtful beings we have ever come across in all of our years; 68 and 82. You are all really special. That little doll, Sophie, reminds us of our own little munchkin, Lola Mae. Only she is solid black. We will definitely check out the site regarding fetus development in horses. It will be very interesting to learn about. Looking forward to your daily posts. Love to all of you. Judy, Russ and Lola Mae
Dawn Conrad
@Karen Mitchell – your post was beautiful!!
J Smith
Crochet and kniting for babies in need. MARYANN I found a few websites for you, and anyone else who would like to join Maryann, in crochet/knitting baby blankets and donating them to charity in the name of Z and foal. Which is a beautiful thing to do, letting mothers and babies know somebody cares enough to take the time to make a blanket or booties. The sites list places all over the country, and beyond, that you can send your blankets to. Of course, do try to check up on them a little bit before sending. I’m sure everyones area has a place that would welcome such a thoughtful donation, you could probably call your local maternity hospital or church.
http://www.dailycrocheter.com/charity.php
http://www.helpfromhome.org/links-goodcauses-clothingchildren.htm
http://tlcforangels.tripod.com/
http://www.newbornsinneed.org
Maribel
Looking forward to all of your life adventures ….I know you will handle them as you do everything else ….with grace and class Z <3 Never underestimate the value of a HUG …God Bless luv you XXXXX
Celeste
Thank you for sharing the adorable photo of Sophie enjoying her treat! She is too cute. I love this diary and all the posts are so heartwarming and uplifting as well as a learning experience. All of this because we love the Queen. Thank you, Zenyatta and all of the Team.
Harriett Vaughn
Cute photo of Sophie. My kitty cats liked it! They said they wouldn’t be afraid to play with a dog like Sophie.
We all LOVE the updates from you.
Sunny Boyd
Good evening, Zenyatta
wowie,
that chew toy is almost as big as little Sophie, too cute :)
talk about totally cool, horse fetus development. So your little one is going to be in your belly with its legs stretched out,
wow, and the little filly comes out head and front legs together first. Wow, isn’t that sthg. Wheehee :) :) :)
Yes, you be sure to eat all your oats, grass hay, carrots, apples, all that good stuff, plus in the spring that good blue grass, your state is so famous for.
Have you seen the Blue Moon yet? :)
Take care, dear girl, and sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite ya :) :) :)
Nancy
We love you Z, and all of the wonderful people who let us keep in touch with you. Hope you are well today, tomorrow, always. Big hugs and lots of love back to ya.
Jean
Thank you so much for the Fetus Time Line it is very intresting. We can always count on your family to keep us all informed in all the things we want to know. I have lots of questions. But I will ask later when the time is right. We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. So Z you do all the right things to keep yourself healthy and safe and in shape. You are so Beautiful, can hardly wait to hear those Great Next Words “SHE IS IN FOAL.” Love to all….Jean
Emily Rich
Hi Zenny, I am so happy all is well take care to do all that is important for your health. I have your picture in my breakfast nook, you definitely are the Queen, I’ve watched your races several times, and have shared them with my family
I love your little friend Sophie, what a good buddy. Well hopefully I can see you in two weeks. I’ll be in VA to visit my daughter and we are planning to drive to Lanes End to see you. Love you much and I know your in excellent care.
Love you, Emily
Margaret
@Maryann
I think this is a marvelous idea. But I don’t know how to crochet. I can do a basic knit stitch. Would this work for your idea? That would be something. All of us starting a blankie to be given away for charity the day Z gives birth early next year.
Linda Henderson
So sweet! Great picture of Sophie.
Bobbie from WI
Love the picture of Sophie. My guys love those pig ears too. Zenny take special care of yourself but don’t worry. Worry is not good at this time.
Congrats to John, Mike and Mr Commons on a nice win today in the Allowance at Santa Anita. He almost looked like you coming down the stretch, ha.
Shari Voltz
Zenyatta\Dottie thank you for the Timeline. I can show that to my students. It is very well presented. They are so excited for you. I keep them posted and read the diary. They ask me so many questions that now I can use the Timeline as a visual aid. I love the picture of Sophie. I have two dogs and they mean the world to me. I think Miesha and Max like that same chewy. Zenyatta like so many other people have said you have brought so many of us together through this site. Dawn C. words always touch my heart and I have never met her. Her posts always make me cry. I am also learning so much from others too. I loved the piece on Man of War. Well sweet girl I am sending you all my Love, Hugs amd Kisses from Shari in Ohio XXXOOO
PS Thank you so much Dottie :)
Tammy B
Precious Zenny, I love to come to your website and read your diary. Sophie is so very cute. I have 5 wonderful miniature schnauzers and a pretty kitty that fill my home life with love and sunshine. Thank you so much Dottie/Zenny for keeping us updated. I have had the God given pleasure of being present when a couple of foals were born. The awesomeness of the moment brought tears to my eyes as I watched the miracles of life happen. I pray that you have a safe and happy pregnancy and delivery. May your baby be as awesome and wonderful as you and Bernardini are. Much love and hugs to you, Zenny. From Tammy, Cricket, Pepper, Jessica, Doc, Oliver and Tigger.
Shema
Dear Zen, This is my first post! It means so much to me to still be able to be in your life Zen, and now that you have a guy and are building a family! It’s extra special to be a part of that too! There is something so special about you, looking in your eyes uplifts me so! Friday night I spent watching videos of you on your Facebook page. That was just a perfect Friday night for me, really! Love and hugs, Shema
Leslie R.
Hi Zenny, Sophie is adorable! Thanks for including the pic!
This site is a wonderful place to not only keep up with you, but to meet other Zen fans and to lend support when and where needed. I always look forward to your posts. The Zen love is magical!
Thanks also for the link to Fetus Development. I’m going to bookmark it so I can follow along.
Thanks again Dottie for all of your hard work. This site is very special to me and I truly appreciate all that you do.
Love to all,
Leslie
Kim S
Hi Zenny and Dottie! Thanks for sharing with us once again.
Congratulations to John, Mike and Mr. Commons with their win today.
@ Ensign: Thanks for those color genetic websites, truly interesting and beautiful horses as well.
Enjoy your weekend Zen and everyone. Lotsa love to all.
Karen Mitchell
@Dawn Conrad, your post above, and all your posts, are beautiful and eloquent and absolutely from the heart. I so enjoy reading every one of them. And I wish you good health and continuing good reports from your doctors. You are a very brave soul who, even while struggling with your own grave situation, always has so many kind words and thoughts for others. Zenyatta is truly a miracle to have brought us all together. Love, Karen