Q:
How much ‘training’ do the yearlings undergo (in handling, etc.) and what is the next step in their development (ie, when they are introduced to bridle/saddle, and eventually ridden, gate training). Do they ‘graduate’ to another location/farm where they are taught these things?
Sue MacPhee
Toledo, OH
A:“Training” begins at the time the horses are weaned at Lanes End and continues until they leave the farm. Horses are taught to lead, walk and stand while traveling to and from the barn as weanlings and into their yearling year. This is a very important stage in development where they build a cohesive bond with humans. In their latter weanling months/short yearling they are more formally introduced to plastic bit and grooming tools such as brushes, mane combs and hoof picks. Bits are connected to their halters while they are being groomed in their stalls for a smooth transition for when we start prep.
Usually sometime shortly after the derby, the yearlings are broke to a surcingle with side reins (tack) and prep begins. At Lane’s End we prep yearlings to be racehorses. The yearlings start staying up in the barns all day instead of going out in the afternoon to protect their coats from sunburn. We hand walk the yearlings in a 40 acre field as a training tool as well as trot them in a covered round pen for fitness. Both of these are important part of the prep process. We use the surcingle and side reins for both walking in the fields and trotting in the round pens to ensure proper movement.
More aggressive grooming methods are used during prep where they are introduced to a curry comb for shedding, rub rags to bring out the natural oils in there coats and a hose/bath. We do not ride the yearlings during this process—yearlings are broke to riders after they leave the farm in the fall. Most of the yearlings at the farm are sent to either Florida or South Carolina in September/October and the training process starts over with the next crop of weanlings.
Expert: Cooper Sawyer
Q:
Does your farm try to keep the same “social companions” throughout their years as part of the broodmare bands, or does this change often?
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
Alexander, ND
A:When broodmares have become good friends we do try and keep them together as long as their status allows us to. A happy mare is typically a healthy mare. However if a mare is given a year off from foaling and her friends are in foal then she will have to join a group of non pregnant or “barren” mares for the health of the herd, as her routine and feeding will differ from that of the pregnant mares.
When mares move away from their friends they adjust quite quickly to a new group and within a day or two have usually bonded with the new group. They are a social animal and need the company of the others in the herd.
Expert: Donna Vowles
Our Experts
Assistant Broodmare Manager, Lane’s End
Originally from Birmingham, England, Donna joined the Lane’s End team in 2004. As Assistant Broodmare Manager, she devotes her time to ensuring the health and happiness of all the broodmares and their foals.
Yearling Manager, Lane’s End
Cooper was born in Lexington, KY and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Agriculture. He started working with horses in 1997 in the training barn of Al Stall Jr. Before coming to Lane’s End as the Yearling Manager in 2010, I worked at Wimbledon and Mill Ridge Farm.
maryp ny
Good questions from Sue and Carolyn. Thank you Alys and Cooper for your answers. I think that most of us here don’t know the specific details of how the farm works with the weanlings and the broodmares. Very interesting indeed.
Pleas give Zenyatta and PrinceZ a hug and a carrot for me. Thank you agan.
Kathy R.
Maryp – Second all that you’ve said. Love these question/answer pieces. Thanks to all involved.
maryp ny
Oops. I wanted to include Donna. Thank you Donna.
Kim
Great questions! Thank you so much for the answers! I wonder who the lanky youth to the prince’s left is?
Randy
Oh Happy Wednesday — two more excellent questions (thank you Sue and Carolyn) and answers (thank you Cooper and Donna). And thanks to Alys for another wonderful photo… what a handsome bunch of youngsters! And I notice that Z12 seems to be out in front.
I’m absolutely loving the Q&A part of this website. Thank you to everyone who makes it possible.
Pati- gradually losing sleep over BC!!!!!
Hmm, that is quite the process! It’s an exciting journey in the life of a racehorse!
Kathleen
The Prince doesn’t look as big as his companions. I would say that he probably won’t be as big as his mama…….but that isn’t a bad thing. The fact that a horse the size of Zenyatta raced that long without injury is amazing. He may be Bernardini’s height, which is just fine.
Pati- gradually losing sleep over BC!!!!!
As long as he got her talent and heart, I don’t think too many people will be sad about him not reaching his mother’s towering height. Just means that he might fill-in and grow and mature faster and a little easier than his taller counter-parts. Lol he’s going to be a handsome horse either way.
Kathleen
I agree
suew/Va
His perhaps not being as tall as his mom could have advantages. He may be ready for the track a bit earlier…Kentucky Derby in 2015 might be in our sights! It’s probably too early to know exactly how large he’ll be. I just hope he has the heart and intelligence of our Queen.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Kathleen, Marty, Suew, Pati, Max, Ann and Z Fans:
I agree with all of you, this photo is really beautiful. All of them look spunky, alert and confident. Like Max said, ” watch out”. As far as The Prince’s height, he will be a knockout either way; as tall as Z or as tall as Bernie. Hugs, JB
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Kathleen,
The photo has 12 Z in front so he looks smaller because of his position and the other colts positions. He very may well be as big as Zenny as Charles and everyone commented on how big he is getting. Bernie is 16 hands and Zenny is 17. 2 hands big difference.
maryp ny
Anyone who didn’t see Ann Romney on Good Morning America today might want to check it out online. Nice piece about equine therapy and Olympics.
“horses are gifts from God” she said and I couldn’t agree more!
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Ann Romney is a lovely lady and she has this love for the horses which I love too!
Sally B.
Pati- gradually losing sleep over BC!!!!!
Teehee, she also had butter attack her and she almost “burned down the building” as she put it. Lol Quite an eventful day I must say.
Ann NC
Thank you Donna and Copper for the great answers to the questions from ,Sue and Carolyn.
Alys,wow,another super photo. I can tell, those horses love you.
Young z,you are growing up to be very good looking.
Max, our CMG,look at his hind end. Is he tall or what? Nice seeing them all together.
Thank you LE and Team Z.
Max
Ann. Excellent photo. These four look like they are out to have some fun in the sun. Watch out.
Do you think it’s the camera angle or is CMG a little larger than 12Z? There is no question that 12Z has the most impressive ears in the little herd. His demeanor is very Z.
Marty R / Colorado
Ann NC and Max,
If CMG is indeed Noble Idea’s Smart Strike Colt as I’ve been thinking and have posted a couple times, he was born on February 19, approximately 2 1/2 weeks before 12Z.. I wonder if that amount of time could be a reason he seems bigger, taller than 12Z? It seems these guys are growing by leaps and bounds.
Max
MartyR. CMG looked a little shorter than 12Z in the photo of July 5, 2012. Maybe he has recently gone through a growth spurt? He’s definitely a nice looking weanling. They all are. Each one has a slightly different colored coat.
Ann NC
Sorry for the error,Cooper. Was messing w/ a copper roof today,I am very sorry.
Max, Marty R,maybe that explains the height difference. Thanks for that, Marty R. So now maybe we know this fellow,CMG.
Young z exudes confidence. Good looking bunch for sure.
4 huge personalities there!
Max
MartyR and Ann. Having a mom named Noble Idea and Smart Strike for your dad could produce some very good names for CMG. We’ll have to try and follow his racing career.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Ann:
Have you seen the typos I make. Ha, Ha. Not to worry. Hugs, JB
Pati- gradually losing sleep over BC!!!!!
They could call CMG,” HitMeWithAGoodOne” like when someone says they have an idea and some one responds with,”Hit me with your best shot” or “Fire Away” or “Shoot”? Yea, that’s my thought process. It’s quite jumbled I find.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Marty R,
All of the colts in 12 Z’s herd were weaned at the same time so don’t think
CMG was born a month before, they would not be in the paddock together.
If he were born in February he would have been weaned a months earlier than 12 Z and be with another herd. This guy is the son of Curlin, he has the same blaze, as the MIghty Curlin and one of the mares foaled a colt by Curlin around the same day as Zenny. Keta posted the list of those mares.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Marty R.:
Thanks for the info on CMG. They are all filling out nicely. So beautiful. Hugs, JB
Max
MartyR. I like your theory on CMG and I’m sticking with you until Lane’s End tells us differently.
Heidi Kreizinger
My birthday is on Friday – would it be too much to ask to get an autograph from either Zenny or her handsome son? A hoof print will do!!! As one who has been around horses most of my 56 years, and when I was a kid, I wanted to be a jockey. Unfortunately, I didn’t know how! But horses have always been part of my life and when my family has questions about the races and the history, they come to me.
Thanks anyway…
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Heidi:
Happy Early Birthday. Hugs, JB
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Hope you have a great birthday celebration! Birthday hugs.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Heidi,
Have a wonderful birthday, it sure would be nice if you got your wish and I hope something as nice comes your way.
Margaret
Okay my question for Lane’s End is this.
Zenyatta gets her ears clipped (shaved) and we see 12Z still with his cute fuzzy ears. Is the clipping considered part of the more serious grooming? How do you introduce the buzzing sound that will frighten horses. What procedures do you follow so that any ear hair doesn’t fall into the ear canal that might cause infection?
Wouldn’t clipping an older horse in front of a young group might help them see it’s no big deal?
Kathleen
I’ve had to teach many a horse to stand still to have their ears clipped. They all react differently, but usually we would start by shaving whiskers and bridle paths. As they get used to the sound and the feel of the clippers, we would gradually work our way to the ears….starting on the outside edges, then slowly moving in. Some horses never get used to it and have to be twitched for the process.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Dear Margaret,
12 Z is way way way way tooo young to have his ears clipped. Way way way tooo scary for him at this age !!!!
Monty Roberts has a great video of how to teach adult horses how to get their ears clipped it is very cute.
Ann NC
Oh lord,clipping day. I MUST watch that from Monty,thanks ,sign.
The day our sweet lady must let go of her beard!
Margaret
I know that but at some point he’ll be introduced to the clippers. I think just being introduced to the sound at an early age would be helpful. He’d know the sound. And he’s still young enough to hold…
Keta
Donna & Cooper & Alys
Thank your for your great explantions in answering Sue & Carolyn’s questons.
Our learning about the process continues.
And, another great shot of 12Z and the herd.
Know that what you all do to answer our questions is very appreciated.
Keta
Keta
Eblouissante (3-Year-Old Filly)
Date: October 10, 2012
Track: BETFAIR HOLLYWOOD PARK
Distance: Five Furlongs
Time: 1.00:20 Handily
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: All Weather Track
Rank: 2/24
starsend in No. Ca
Excellent! The time is a good one. Didn’t realize she was up to 5 furlongs already. It shouldn’t be too long until we see her. Waiting patiently….
Wendy Treadaway
Good questions and informative answers, as always. Thanks everyone for the Q&A section and continued photos of Z12 and his pals. I could look at him all day long. Those ears! Love them. Also curious as to who the leggy colt to his left is.
sheena.davies(wales)
dear judy and Z fans lovely photo of 12Z those big ears!!!it would be great if frankel came over to the US in his retirement and our queenZ would honour him with her presence!!!he enjoyed an exercise gallop in newmarket today so sad to think we only have one more chance to see this awesome horse hugs sheenaX
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Just love The Prince. Those ears are so Z. Yes, it will be sad not to see Frankel race after this week, but what a remarkable horse and what a tough act to follow. Wouldn’t that be something, if Frankel and Z were ever bred. Talk about Royalty. Love and Hugs, JB
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Dear Sheena,
Soo glad to hear Frankel has a great gallop today, it will be sooo sad when his last race is over. Maybe the Queen will give him a little kiss on the muzzle !!!
Soo wish some of the EURO greats, Galileo, Sea the Stars, Rock of Gibraltar etc would come over and visit our mares. John Sherriffs before Zenny was to retire in 2009 (and didn’t ) thought Sea the Stars would be a good mate for her. Maybe one the the wealth
farms could bring him over ???? LANES END???
Mary in Boone
Great questions and answers as always!
Thank you for the excellent photo, Alys. PrinZ and his posse look like they are thoroughly enjoying themselves. Couldn’t you just hug and kiss PrinZ?!?! Those ears are gorgeous, and it looks to me that his chest holds a mighty heart. Have a feeling PrinZ will not only have the talent to win, but the drive to receive that special attention he will find in the winner’s circle!!!!!
Take care everyone,
Mary in Boone with fall colors
Sandra Ryan
What kind of training do you do to prepare the horses for life after racing? I think this is so important so they can have a career after racing.
Marty R / Colorado
Excellent questions by Sue and Carolyn and very thoughtful answers by Cooper and Donna. We are learning so much, it’s just incredible how all the stages are so carefully thought out.
On a different note, I remember that absolutely stunning picture of Zenyatta and her original three paddock mates that Cooper took while the “girls” were catching the rays lying down together on the grass. How lucky he was passing by AND had a camera with him.
Maybe a camera is standard equipment as there must be a photo op at every turn at Lane’s End. Thanks again to Alys for another super photo of 12Z and his buds. All of you are so good to all of us.
Max
That photo was definitely one of the all time greats.
Jan S. / Houston
Yes, Max, it was Awesome.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Marty, Max and Z Fans:
Here’s that photo from Z’s Diary. Outstading. Hugs, JB
https://staging.zenyatta.com/diary/diary-post-89
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Thanks as always Judy. I just thinking “hmmm . . . where was that again?” and you have so kindly provided the easy link :-)
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sandy:
You’re so welcome. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Oops: Meant “outstanding”. Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC broad)
Dear Judy B.,
Thanks for this link to the super photo of Z and friends. It is really good.
You are always “on the spot” with the right stuff!!
Hugs to you and Lola Mae, too!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Marshall:
Thank you. Hugs from me and Lola Mae.
Gloria
Very interesting. I learned some new things today. Thank you for taking the time answering these questions!
Coco
Thanks! Can’t wait for the Derby in 2015!
The Kennedys in San Diego
Always fascinating to learn more about equine management. Wonderful photo of The Prince with his knights.
The Kennedys in San Diego
Difficult to make size comparisons when horses are running in a paddock, but it does appear to me that The Prince has a larger “engine” than his pals — much like The Queen.
Jan S. / Houston
That’s what I was thinking too. Pretty big rump. ;)
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
To the Kennedys,
I think the angle and the proximity (closer to the camera 12 Z is) makes a size comparison difficult. He is much the bigger lad and it seems he is getting that
gorgeous Bernardini head, sooo very much hope so.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Lan’s End and Z Team:
Thank you for the answers to two very good questions. Also, thank you so much for this lovely photo of The Prince and his posse. He seems to be the leader of the group. Just love it. Hugs, JB
Jamie Smith
Thanks for the great info and awesome pictures!
Sue MacPhee-Gray
Wow, thanks so much for answering my question! I sent it in awhile ago and had given up on seeing it :)
Also, great question Carolyn, and thanks to Donna and Cooper!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sue MacPhee-Gray:
Great question. Hugs, JB
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Yea Sue!!! An OHIO fan gets a question answered! :-)
Janie (in L.A.)
Great questions and answers – thanks! That baby boy of Zenyatta’s sure stands out with his darlin’ ears and the fact that he looks directly at the camera – just like his mom. What a bunch of cutie pies!
Jan S. / Houston
The leader of the pack, looking right into the camera. And his cohorts along side of him. ;);)
Thanks so much you guys for the interesting info. Always looking foward to the next Q&A.
Perky Green
Thanks for the info. Our Boy looks great and how is our Mama Z doing?
♥ Auntie Judy aka JAG - So. California
♥ Prince always seems to know where the camera is… he so darn adorable!!
We would love to see video of his romping with the pals – please!!!!
♥ Zenny – Big Momma you keep us smiling. I told Dottie that your fans view your racing videos when we need to be uplifted – that is no lie, Sweetie!!!
Love, your Auntie from afar… XOXO
p.s. A facebook friend just paid you a visit – I’m green with envy :-)
♥ Auntie Judy aka JAG - So. California
p.s. I understand there’s birthday greetings/wishes on the previous blog – I promise I will get there… been so busy! :-)
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Auntie Judy:
You are so right. Watching Z’s videos; races and especially the lovely ones by our beloved Kari B., are so uplifting. Hugs, JB
Sue Noel/Sun Valley,ID
@ Judy B.-Thanks SO much for posting the link to the picture of the “four sphinxes”–I love that picture and am so computer challenged that I don’t know how to save them so I can look at them again,unless I remember to write down the date of the post they are in! This would be a great photo to have on the list for sale,as well as my other favorite,which I believe WAS for sale at one time,and then I didn’t have the money to buy iit then. It is the one of the same four girls,strolling down one of the lanes at the farm,with their backs to the camera,looking as though they are moving from pasture to pasture without any visible lead ropes,just walking and chatting on their own!!
Wouldn’t it just be TOO amazing if Ebby ran her first race when we are there for the BC,that same week or something?? Woo Hoo-that would be a miracle!!
@ Marty R-Hope your right about the parentage of CMG–I really want to keep track of him too!! We have to watch out for him at the sales and all–he looks like he is so full of fun and spirit–and he is lovely!!
Just got back from feeding the babies on my lunch hour–I think I mentioned that I am doing that now(at 2:30 or 3) so I don’t have to do it after dark,as I don’t get off until 7PM. There are so many deer and elk on and near the highway in the evenings,it is frightening! Today,when I was driving down,a huge elk came crashing up the hill and ran across the road at high speed,just between the cars and then tearing off therough a housing development of multi-million dollar homes on the other side, If I had been about 500 feet farther along,we proably would have collided for sure–or–he would have lept INTO my little Miata!! We were both lucky!! While Traveller was eating her grain,I was holding her dish and giving her today’s messages–she was looking at me very intently as she was chewing!! It is so fun to see Barnaby John relishing his apple and carrot “salad”,as I call the mixture he demands. He just HAS to have some carrot too when he is eating his apples!! The weather is SO perfect today–it was cold this morning,but about 70 or 75 when I was out feeding them—slight breeze–they love it!!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sue N:
You’re so welcome. I remember the other photo of the “four” that you reference. Such beautiful girls. So happy to hear Traveller is eating well and Barnaby is getting his carrots and apples. Papa Charlie loves his carrots and peppermints too. Going to visit him tomorrow.
We have the same situation with deer on the highway. It is really scary. Hugs, JB
tony
Great questions and equally great answers. Who would have thought being a fan Zenny’s would be fun and educational after her retirement from the track. I agree with others who have said `12Z looks like he’s going to be a force to be reckoned as he continues to mature.
Thanks LE for keeping this site interesting for all of us.
Marty R / Colorado
Judy B,
Thank you for locating that picture. People commented about how unusual it was for a whole group of horses to lie down together. Usually at least one would remain standing to watch for any danger. It made me think how absolutely safe those mares felt and thankful again that Mr. and Mrs. Moss chose Lane’s End for Zenyatta’s Kentucky home. Marty R.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Marty:
You’re so welcome. Yes, they have a look of serenity in their faces. Hugs, JB
Max
MartyR and JudyB. I was thinking the same about the little quartet of mares, a trusting group. Contrast them to Z and Tasty. Tasty always seemed to be on alert standing on guard when Z was relaxing. Just love that independent Tasty.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Our TT. She’s very independent minded. Gotta love her. Hugs, JB
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Love the picture and questions and answers. As to size, I am assuming that they are not all exactly the same age, and at this stage, I would think a month or two would make a difference. Tank you, LE, for making this site educational as well as fun.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Barbara,
All of these colts were weaned together and foaled within a few days of each other,
so are very similar in size. Camera angles seem to be deceiving.