Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts at Lane’s End

Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End

Is there something you’ve always wondered about Zenyatta, Baby Z or Lane’s End?

For the next few weeks we will be collecting questions from Zenyatta’s amazing fans—questions about thoroughbred breeding and life on the farm.

Zenyatta will help us pick some of your questions to use in upcoming features on the the website. We’ll collaborate with the expert staff at Lane’s End to answer your questions.

To send in your question, please fill out the form below.

We look forward to hearing from you!
-Team Z

Edit: We have receieved so many great questions from all of you! Submissions are now closed for the time being. If you didn’t get a chance to ask your question, don’t worry, there will be more opportunities in the future.

Reader Interactions

959 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Dear all:
    Do you remember the story of “Champ”, the stallion who rescued the filly from the swift current in the river?
    Well, now they (the US Forest Service) has decided that they need to be sent to the slaughterhouse. They are calling them “feral” instead of “Wild”, thereby circumnavigating the “protection” afforded to wild horses. I’m going to try to post the link to today’s Horse and Man blog (didn’t have any luck this morning), but if it doesn’t work, just go to it, and see the e-mail addresses to write and phone numbers to call. No one is asking for money.
    http://horseandman.com/horse-stories/remember-champ-the-stallion-who-saved-the-filly-in-the-river-well-he-and-his-herd-are-in-trouble-lets-help/#comment-10575
    Thank you in advance.

    @Susan–we are all grieving with you.

    • / Reply

      Barbara Wood. This is very distressing. I cannot believe it, although I can believe it because life is too often not fair to these beautiful creatures. We need to let our views be known as suggested in the link.

    • / Reply

      Dear Barb W.:

      Thank you for posting this link on Champion and the fate of the horses of Salt River. Hope everyone will send e-mail, write or call on their behalf. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Barbara – thanks for letting us know about Champ and his herd’s plight. I just e-mailed my congressman and senators as well as Pres. Obama’s office….just hope and pray this senseless slaughter doesn’t happen. Let us know what else we can do.

    • / Reply

      Barbara Wood,
      Thank you so much for posting this link. I left a comment and then went to my Senators site and left a message for them. I hope they listen to all of us and stop this insanity! Hugs

    • / Reply

      Barbara,
      I’ve written to President Obama and the Ohio Congressional delegation (for the first time in my life!). For those who aren’t sure what to say, much of the background information can be found on the Horse and Man blog and imported into an email.

  2. / Reply

    So sorry for posting again so soon, but
    @Ann–thank you so much for that link. It just further proves the point that horses should never be candidates for slaughter anywhere, anytime. They are so smart–if people would just listen.

  3. / Reply

    Susan,
    So sorry about your loss of Chester, I know we always want them with us. Take comfort that he had a great life with you, and you made the best possible decision for him at the time.Take care. Carole

  4. / Reply

    Susan in Tn and Sharon in Atlanta,

    I am so sorry to hear about Chester. Truly have tears running down my face. Thank you for letting us get to know him. Thank you for giving him what he had always wanted. God bless you and R.I.P. Chester.

    • / Reply

      Judy, Thank You so much for the information on Finders Key. So happy to know where he is and how he is doing. Such a beauty, just loved him and the movie. Blessings, Peggy

      • / Reply

        Dear Peggy N.:

        I know. It’s so good to hear about a former racer that has found a wonderful new career and a good life after racing. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Thanks Judy for the link on Finders Key. Always wondered who owned the horses and how they found them to play the part in movies. I loved the movie Seabiscuit. I cannot get myself to watch War Horse. Finders Key has a new fan. Hugs, Marilu

      • / Reply

        @ Marilu V – I felt the same as you about watching War Horse. However I did watch it one night when I was feeling I could handle it. The horse scenes are phenomenal. Finder’s Key and the big black horse are terrific. Have Kleenex close by. (Spoiler) it does have a good ending. I would think the play is extremely emotional. It will be in Los Angeles this summer if not already .

  7. / Reply

    @Susan in TN – I am so, so sorry about Chester. I know how much you loved him. He was lucky to have you in his life. I’m sending prayers and hugs your way.

  8. / Reply

    Oh my goodness!! My birthday wishes are coming late, but my greetings from New Jersey are sincere!!

    HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, JOHN!!!!

    Sorry I missed your special day. Thank you so much for making my visit to Hollywood Park last July for the Gold Cup so very special. Seeing Zenny race at the Del Mar was one of the highlights of my life. My visit to Barn 55 and meeting you ranked right up there.

    Hope you had a great day!

    – Linda

  9. / Reply

    Susan, so sorry to hear about Chester. RIP

    About the Champ herd. This is crazy! Farel and wild are the samething! I posted the link to my fb page asking that my friends that have not heard the story, do and to help save this family of mustangs. It’s not like they’re bothering anyone . I just don’t understand why Man can’t leave these historic animals alone! The story alone was such a feel good story and shows how intelligent the horses are and how they thrive together in their lil herd. This would be the same as trying to do this to Cloud’s herd. This just makes me sick to my stomach just thinking about the possible horid outcome for this beautiful herd!

    • / Reply

      @Heidi K.–I know, Heidi. We can’t seem to stay ahead of those who plot evil. Thank you so much for responding. Don’t think I could put my head on the pillow tonight if I hadn’t. Hugs.

  10. / Reply

    For newcomers to this site, Susan Carothers (Susan in TN) was volunteering at a horse rescue and posting here about Chester and his horse friends there at River Edge Farm Horse Rescue, so he became near and dear to us all–and particularly to Sharon Call in Atlanta in addition to Susan. Together the two Z-sters adopted Chester and his friend Chopper in October 2011.

    A Poem of Farewell for Chester
    (June 2, 2012)

    We’re saddened to hear
    That Chester the Pony, so dear
    To Susan Carothers and Sharon Call,
    Indeed, so dear to us all,
    Did pass away
    As Susan has related,
    Lovingly aided
    On his way
    When nothing more could be done
    To save him from his colic.
    Chester, now you’re once again young
    And, in the infinite celestial field
    Above,
    Pain free
    You do gallop and frolic,
    Whilst here below,
    We, who out of our love
    Did believe
    It too soon
    For you to go,
    Do grieve.
    We mourn
    The eternal truth
    That ever the body must
    To earthly death yield
    So the soul, reborn,
    May receive
    That miraculous boon
    Of restored youth.
    Dear Chester, I trust
    You do know
    ’Twas with great sorrow
    That Susan bade
    You good-bye.
    We have our hopes
    That the thought
    That you’re now among new friends
    Who’ll happily show you the ropes
    Will dear Sharon Call
    And Susan Carothers aid
    To cope,
    And all others too
    Who are, I fear, desolated.
    Run joyously now, dear Chester,
    In the heavenly cavalcade.

    • / Reply

      Adorable, this is heavenly! I am sure Sharon and Susan feel all that you expressed in your poem and KNOW that Chester is at peace running free …. pain free … running free …… Thank you for saying what we all try to.

    • / Reply

      Dear Trina,
      Thank you for the lovely poem about Chester, Susan and Sharon. Once again, you have given us all a beautiful tribute poem. Bless you for sharing your talent with us!

    • / Reply

      Lovely poem Trina, so very glad Chester had a
      Wonderful last year of life with Susan.

    • / Reply

      Trina; God sure gave you a gift, beautiful!!! Some how “ditto” does not appear heartfelt, but Susan C. and Sharon, I truly am saddened to here of Chester and feel terribly for you both.
      Chester will be in a pain free happy place.
      hugs

    • / Reply

      Trina, you have risen to yet another occasion with your usual grace and eloquence. Once again I feel like an “echo,” but you have spoken for all of us. I know that Susan and Sharon will begin to find some healing through your words.
      Hugs to them and you.

    • / Reply

      Dear Trina:

      Thank you for the beautiful poem for Chester, Susan and Sharon. Chester is happy now. Chopper will miss him too but he has the love of Susan and Sharon. Hugs to both of them, Chopper and you.

    • / Reply

      Just beautiful, Trina. I know that Chester is happy now and pain-free at the Rainbow Bridge.

    • / Reply

      Dear Trina – what a wonderful tribute to Chester – just reading the poem is comfort for as you well point out, Chester is once again young “in the infinite celestial field” — just lovely words. May they be a comfort to Sharon and Susan

  12. / Reply

    Dear Susan and Sharon my heart breaks for both of you. Trina said it for all of us. May God send you comfort and know he crossed the Bridge and is running with all the other horses in a place where the frields are green with clear water to drink I know there is a place called Rainbow’s Bridge and he will meet you both there someday as all are furbabies will be there too. Love and God Bless, Shari

    PS Thank you Dear, Sweet and Talented Trina

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the link on Hansen. Prairie Meadows is just outside of Des Moines and the people there will be overjoyed that a horse like Hansen is to race there.

  15. / Reply

    Susan and Sharon, so sorry about Chester. You’ll see him again. May the Good Lord be with you now and I know he has Chester with him. Thank you always Trina.

  16. / Reply

    I’ll Have Another Pedicure

    6 hours ago.

    WE SMELL A FUNDRAISER! Purple “piggies” for the ponies!

    Let’s show our support for I’LL HAVE ANOTHER’s Triple Crown effort by painting our toes purple — the color of the racing silks of IHA’s owner, Mr. J. Paul Reddam/Reddam Racing LLC. Let’s go, girls AND guys!

    By the kind generosity of Paul and Zillah Reddam, Team O’Neill, and jockey Mario Gutierrez, $20 (about the price of a pedicure) will… be donated FOR EACH PHOTO POSTED HERE of purple pedicures to Thoroughbred Charities of America (www.tca.org). Only posts here will count towards this fundraising effort.

    Don’t forget to Tweet your friends using Twitter hashtag #IllHaveAnotherPedicure

    Sincere thanks and GOOD LUCK to Team O’Neill, Mr. and Mrs. Reddam, Mario and to I’LL HAVE ANOTHER in their quest for racing’s most elusive prize: the Triple Crown.

    • / Reply

      Karen, Count me in! I love purple. Hek, if I didnt have to work this weekend I might even put purple streaks in my hair. Posting the picture may be a bit challenging if I cant get my husband to help me. He already thinks I’m totally obsessed and over the edge with all this “Zenyatta and racing stuff”. But I will for sure have purple toes! Go I’ll Have Another!!!

    • / Reply

      Chicken to compete in the big arena, suspected
      This would happen.

    • / Reply

      Oh brother! What else can they throw at IHA and Team O’Neill? Do you really think the gate crew will strike on the biggest race day? I don’t think so. I think they’re just blowing steam and they have every right to. NTRA in the last couple of weeks have really shown their incompetence. This is a freaking joke. I say, stop racing in NY until all the issues are ironed out. The only thing I can say about this is, this: ” Go I’ll Have Another!” Then get the heck back home asap!

    • / Reply

      I think the “big gulp” issue and the” marijuana” issue is keeping them too busy.
      Sounds like The NYRA might be foggy from having experience w/ the second issue???

      Now in the words of a good ole RN, Mr.Cuomo, ya got ya sum splanin to do!

    • / Reply

      Great article KG, wondered about the historical
      Change in breeding, greed over stamina !!

  20. / Reply

    Good night to all and sweet dreams. Thoughts and prayers to all those who are sad and grieving the loss of a loved one.
    May time and pleasant memories heal your broken hearts.

    • / Reply

      I don’t know why there is this statement at the beginning of my post: “Your comment is awaiting moderation.” I did not type this sentence so disregard it, please.

      • / Reply

        Dear Marshall:

        I got the same statement to a couple of posts on two different occasions. I think it’s just a glitch that happens every now and then. Hugs, JB

        • Thanks, Judy B.! I see that the statement is now gone — no harm, no foul.
          Love and Hugs!

      • / Reply

        It means that your comment is being evaluated
        By the web master. Also if you try and put two links
        In a post it will be put in moderation. They hold for
        Awhile, few minutes to hours and release it for post.

        I just repost right after getting the message and it
        Goes through.

        • Thanks to you, too, Sign! It’s good to have an explanation.
          Cheers!

  21. / Reply

    Susan & Sharon, sending prayers your way and so sorry to hear of Chester’s passing.
    He is now whole again and happy at that Rainbow Bridge Heaven in the sky. ;))
    Peace & Blessings to all in the Land of Zen,
    Kathy from SoCal xoxo

  22. / Reply

    Judy and the others that responded to my post about Joker ( don’t feel like scrolling up forever to find it). I just wrote a short and humble letter to Mr. Stivers. However, I can’t print here at home, so, I have to send it to Cindy at work. From there, she can do that and send it for me. Let’s see what happens. Here’s what I wrote.

    Dear: Mr B. Stivers. My name is Heidi Kruckenberg and I used to work for Ellen Jackson out of Victory Rose. I foaled one of the horses you got from her and I was wondering where he is and how he’s doing. His name is B.a.Joker ‘97?’ He was such a loving colt and always demanded hugs. He got that from his dam: Keyster. But, also, the way I raised him. If you have any information concerning Joker that you can share, I’d appreciate it. He’s been on my mind for awhile and I finally had some help locating the last known trainer. Thank you and I’ll leave my email so that it will be easier than “snail mail.”

    Sincerely,

    Heidi Kruckenberg

    • / Reply

      The 2009 BC was a race for the ages. I will never forget the spine tingling feeling watching Zenny cross that finish line first.

      • / Reply

        That is the best race I have ever seen in 34 years of watching. I love it every time I look at it I just am so filled with love for Zenny. Best ever

    • / Reply

      No disrespect to the Kentucky Derby, Preakness or the Belmont Stakes, the Breeders’ Cup races are more exciting to me. Horses from around the world compete!

      Being at Santa Anita and cheering our Queen Zenyatta in the 2009 BC was by far the most rewarding race I have every seen! What she accomplished (even in the 2010 BC) gives me goose bumps God bless her always. She will always be a Rock Star – thanks for John Shirreffs and Barn 55!!!

      ♥ Auntie Judy JAG

  24. / Reply

    I have a message for all who were so kind to contact officials yesterday about the Salt River horses. I received a somewhat negative reply from a lady there (Paige) who received my voice mail message. I wrote her back and thanked her for responding but told her that many people are watching the situation, and that what I expressed in my letter was reflective of our wishes that no harm come to these horses, now or in the future. Today I have had running e-mail messages back and forth from Dawn at Horse and Man. She is making an effort to get the exact information that was found in the Freedom of Information Act.
    You can follow this saga on FB if you are a member. Just do a search on Salt River Horses. This is very important. Thank you so much.

  25. / Reply

    If Susan and Sharon agree, I would like to make my old friend Chester the celestial mascot of the redneck club. What do you think, members?

  26. / Reply

    I typed a long message yesterday and when I hit the submit button,it did something strange and the message didn’t go through. So-o-o-o will try again today and see if this makes it.

    @ Susan in TN and Sharon Call–I am SO very sorry about Chester–we all came to love him,through you,and he will be missed by all. Loved hearing about how he was doing and hoped he would get some more time here. He will surely be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge! I may have told you before about Mike,a Percheron/Quarter Horse cross that I bought from the Sun Valley Resort after his brother and pulling partner died (named Pat,of course!).They kept trying to put him with another horse and he would run away with the wagon!! I bought him when he was 23 and he lived to 30. Once he got a punture wound,bumping into something in a pasture where I had him boarded. He had to take anti-biotics for 5 days. After I had tried to disguise the medicine for four days,he was getting smart and didn’t want any more of the nasty tasting pills,in apples or carrots or whatever! I tried to catch him to give him the last dose and he just kept moving away. He was in a pasture that was about 20acres so he could keep going for a long way!! Finally,I just stopped and told him from a distance how important it was that he take this last bit of medicine,that I only wanted to keep him from dying and that it would only be this one more time and how much I loved him. He came right up to me and took the medicine!!!! It was just amazing!! I LOVE old horses-they have such dignity about them.

    @ John Sherriffs-A belated Happy Birthday to the world’s greatest trainer!! You are such a wonderful example of the very best way to care for horses and Zenyatta was so fortunate to be in your care!! It will be so great to follow Ebby as she does her thing. She sounds so sweet! Would love to see her when we all come to the BC!! Please give YOUR DOTTIE and the DARLING SOPHIE my love–let them know we all miss hearing about them!!

    So many were commenting about “War Horse”— I must say,it is now on my top ten list of all-time best movies!! I have seen it so many times–I bought it right away. Saw it three times the first week it was out!! Although The Artist was a clever and innovative film,I think it was a crime that “War Horse” didn’t get the Oscar!!!

    @ Trina–Your poem about Chester was so touching,I was sitting here at work with the tears rolling down my face!! So hard to answer phones when you are trying to keep from sobbing out loud!!

    I am appalled to hear the story about the horse named Champ and his herd!! Has anyone called CNN or NBC news?? It seems like the kind of story they would pick up and then there could be a huge swell of public outrage,which might stop this travesty!!

    Barnaby and Traveller have been moved up to their “summer home” in the East Fork canyon of the Big Wood River. They seem very happy there–it is beautiful,with mountains all around. It’s the place Traveller thinks of as home and she was ecstatic when she came out of the trailer and saw where she was. Barnaby loves all the green grass,now that they have had some days in the arena just being on the grass for a short while to get acclimated. Now they are in the big pasture and have their shelter,which is good,as the weather took a “dive” today and it is supposed to go down to 25 tonight!!! Ah–springtime in the Rockies!!!

    @ Zenny and Baby Z–Hope you are having a lovely mild day,with the sun on your backs and a soft breeze to ruffle your manes! LOVE YOU BOTH!!!!!

    • / Reply

      Sue–thank you for this great post. WHat a beautiful story about Mike. Thank you for sharing that.
      I agree with you about the Oscar.
      There are people behind the scenes working on the Salt River horse story. I will update here as anything changes. If anyone want to contact the media, it will make them deny what they themselves said is a possibility . I think the more they know we are watching, the horses might be safe.

    • / Reply

      Sue Noel,
      What a great story, just goes to show you how much more they understand then we think they do. Hope your Barnaby is enjoying his summer home and having you around a little more! Hugs

  28. / Reply

    good day to all…
    been gone a couple of days
    been riding…wish it had been a horse instead of a harley
    oh well …its the hubbys thing…
    so sorry about Chester and Buck…
    just a question…
    can anything else go wrong at belmont?….seems like which ever way little red turns..something throws up a road block…

    • / Reply

      Karen. This is a great link. So nice for IHA. I also liked the photo of Secretariat’s Belmont run. The other horses look like they are in a different race. Just amazing.

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