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Happy Valentine’s Day!

Zenyatta and her valentines. Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End
Zenyatta and her valentines. Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Happy Friday!

We wish all Zenyatta fans a happy Valentine’s Day, and we’re sending extra love to those of you who put a valentine in the mail for Z. She enjoyed each and every one—particularly the peppermints!

What’s better than to celebrate with some new photos of 13Z in the snow and an up close and personal view of Zenyatta eating her peppermints? Thanks Alys!

Enjoy!
-Team Z

13Z and the boys. Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End.
13Z and the boys. Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End.


Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End
Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End.
Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End.

Reader Interactions

1,289 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Dear Max.Yes, I have some daffs for St David.As you must know we ,in the UK, love our greys.It was when Kauto “came back” in 2011 when everyone had written him off,I will never forget the Betfair chase at Haydock or his 5th king George.Racing at it’s best!! Shame Moose wasn’t included though!!Heard Dave invited Her Majesty to lunch at Chequers.Hugs Sheena

    • / Reply

      Spot has spots. He’s a nice looking gray. He came from far off the pace to win like Z. He’s owned by J.H. Moss, who recently sent him to Nick Zito for training. Jose ‘s ride reminded me of his other rides on Danny. Nice win. This may be the end of 3N’s career on dirt. It was however after a long lay off. Moose, I hope that you are keeping in shape.
      Kauto’s last King George was beautiful to see. Neigh!

      • / Reply

        What a name for a horse. Can’t you just see the headlines if he doesn’t get enough points or is scratched from the Derby? Out Damn Spot!

  2. / Reply

    Dear Judy. Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Little Captain and all the Sweeties.Nissy has got 1,000 friends on FB,he’s so excited!!Is busy now writing tomorrow’s blog. Can’t wait! Love and hugs SheenaX

  4. / Reply

    Thanks so much to everyone who sent along “get well wishes.” It’s been a long week, but I’m feeling much better. Could have managed without yet another winter storm on the doorstep, but maybe the end is in sight (we seem to be saying that a lot lately). Hovis was his usual hysterical self, and thanks as always to Sheena via Max for a greatly needed chuckle.

    • / Reply

      Awesome Baby Splashes to Santa Ysabel Tally
      By Jack Shinar The Blood-Horse March 1, 2014 8:10 PM
      Awesome Baby earned her second straight graded stakes win with a front-running score in the $100,000 Santa Ysabel Stakes (gr. III) March 1 at rain-soaked Santa Anita Park
      Later in article:
      Ridden by Mike Smith for owner Kaleem Shah, Awesome Baby was timed in a swift 1:41.58 on a wet fast track, finishing 2 3/4 lengths clear of the Hollendorfer-trained Artemis, who edged 3-2 favorite Swiss Lake Yodeler for second by half a length.
      Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/83608/awesome-baby-splashes-to-santa-ysabel-tally#ixzz2ulh4rEt6

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Thanks for this replay and for all your very informative posts. Love and Hugs, JB

  7. / Reply

    March 2 Cherokee Devotional

    “I have a right!” Only, says a wise sage, if you accept the responsibility that goes with it. We have a right to be full-fleged people of dignity and decency and respect, as long as we are decent and respectful to those around us. The right for a good life belongs to all of us-as long as we value it, work for it, and keep it good. We have a right to speak our minds, but we have to know the tremendous responsibility of words. We have a right to cultivate our spiritual preferences and to see them bear fruit in every good thing. It is our right to be who we are without the burden of regret and resentment. But we have to remember that our rights are limited to where our rights end-and another person’s rights begin.

    These were not our ways. We kept the laws we made and lived our religion. We have never been able to understand the white man, who fools nobody but himself.
    Plenty Coups 1848

  8. / Reply

    To Abigail,

    I’m truly sorry for your loss. My mother died weeks before she would have turned 91. That was in 2001, and I still hear her voice in my head. And truly, when both of your parents are gone you feel like an orphan. even if you’re in your 50s or 60s. You will go along for a while and think you’re over the loss and something as simple as being someplace you used to go with your mother or even smelling a perfume your mother wore brings everything back so vividly to you and you just feel the emptiness all over again. Try to focus on all the wonderful memories that will bring a smile. Again I’m sorry. Hugs, Kathy

  9. / Reply

    To Sheena,

    Marty likes Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies! lol What a funny rat!

    Enjoy your Sabbath. Hugs from me, kisses from The Pack. Kathy

  10. / Reply

    Dearest Abigail–I am so very sorry for your loss. I, along with other Dumplings, feel your pain. At age 60, I lost my mom 2 weeks before her 94th birthday. That was seven and a half years ago, and not a day goes by that I don’t think of her and miss her. I have a new depth of feeling for those who lose their moms at a young age.
    Joining the rest of the Dumpling nation in prayers for your peace and comfort and big pregnant Zenny hugs.

    @Sandy–so glad you are better so you can go shovel snow (NOT funny, I know!) Hugs.

    • / Reply

      I feel very proud to know that I’ve contributed to Money’s family tree and life story. Equipoise was one of the greatest ever. Despite his short life there’s your Money, carrying his spirit forward. How great is that!!!!

  12. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.Read a very sad post on Zoe’s FB about Little Daniel from Oregon who has only days to live aged just 3.A candlelit vigil was held for him last night,our problems seem to pale into insignificance,such a brave little boy.
    Fubu paid a visit to the vet yesterday,the meds he has to take are upsetting his stomach so he had an injection to help.The vet said he has a strong will to live.
    Hope Audrey is recovering slowly,we also have district nurses in the UK who call with the elderly or anyone who is just out of hospital.
    Saw Marty enjoying his cookie it’s going to be Marty-gras Tuesday!!!Enjoy your Sunday
    Hugs to you, Kisses for the Puppy Pack.Sheena

  14. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    Oh man…that is so heartbreaking. We hear something like that and just ask, “Why???” Poor little Fubu. I pray he recovers. Audrey’s recovery will take a long time I expect. This has been a huge shock to her body. Thank you for your continued prayers. Marty-gras! lol! Good Sabbath. Hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy

  15. / Reply

    Dear Abigail:

    So sorry for the loss of your Mum. As Sheena and other Z’sters know, it doesn’t matter how old they are when we lose them, the grief has no measure. Funny, I used to pick up the phone to call my Mom too; did that for quite some time after she passed. Will keep you in my prayers. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Thank you so much, Judy, for keeping me in your prayers. Mind you, I’m fairly strong — but even that’s no match for the grief. But I know exactly that feeling of wanting to pick up the phone! HUGS

  16. / Reply

    Dear Max. Have you heard THE news???Annie Power taking on Big Bucks,always felt that was the race Mullins would go for!I feel sad in a way especially if they jump the last together what on earth will Ruby think but then he’s a professional and it’s a job.I am far too sentimental for this game.!Great Pic of Kauto in the spring sunshine,he looked gorgeous waiting to go hacking with Laura.Hugs Sheena

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Glad that you liked that photo. Kauto is one handsome horse. He looks terrific.
      I guess that Ruby will ride with Annie Power? I cannot really see him going against Mullins. That will be a very interesting race. Annie might take it all. She’s a big girl and she can jump better than most boys. Can see however why you would be torn between the two.

  17. / Reply

    Dear Max.Yes, Ruby is definitely on Miss Power. Will be a very difficult race for me to watch,I do love them both but have known Big Bucks a long time.Why do these trainers and jockeys make it so difficult for me???Moose’s friend Marty was 3rd at Huntingdon today. We’ve been promised spring-like temps later this week,hope I can send some across the pond for you!Hugs Sheena

    • / Reply

      Sheena. I know that you love Big Buck’s, and I would not blame you for cheering for him. Is Sam riding? Sam’s with The New One against Ruby and The Fly. Ruby admitted that The Fly has saved some of those races because Ruby made some errors in judging the pace or worrying about criticism. The Fly never makes those kind of mistakes and he does not listen to critics.
      Thanks for the spring wishes. It’s very cold here. No significant snow however to add to the mountains that we already have. Hope things get drier for you and the Festival.
      Free the Moose!

  18. / Reply

    @Abigail–I’m replying to your earlier reply to me. Ironically, it is through Money’s QH paternal granddam, Denim n Diamonds, that Equipoise’s bloodline came to him. I think that is so neat. Love all your posts. May have to get a separate notebook just for them. Sympathy hugs.

  19. / Reply

    Abigail-I was very sorry to hear about your mother. The hurt goes away after a while but it is always with you as she is always with you. The recent closing of Hollywood Park brought it all back to me. I spent the happiest time of my life there with her sharing her passion for the horses.

    • / Reply

      Dear Terry,
      Your mother was obviously quite a lady. She had a passion for the horses, and she did an outstanding job with her son. We are indebted to her, and we are grateful.
      Yay, TC GP! You enlighten us, and you make us smile (& laugh)! Thanks and Hugs

      • / Reply

        Thanks, Marshall. I was sitting here feeling sorry for myself. I feel much better now. If someone such as yourself can say those kind things, then I must be doing something right. Sorry to intrude on your loss, Abigail. That was not my intention. God bless you.

      • / Reply

        Dear Marshall:

        I agree; the Blog wouldn’t be the same without our TC GP. Love and Hugs, JB

        • JudyB. You’re right. TC and his talking horse jokes are a ray of sunshine. Always look forward to them. Still laughing about the horse ventriloquist.

        • For at least 2 folks it is y’all.
          2 and more the plural is- all y’all.
          So, all y’all are very special and spread smiles for miles.

        • Dear Ann:

          Y’all have a hand in spreading those smiles too. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Terry: Thank you so much for these loving thoughts. Here’s a Mum Story of mine: Mum used to tease me about being horse-crazed. And especially after all these years. But after she died, I was going through the Baby Book she made for me and discovered that for my very first birthday, she & Dad gave me a “horse and a barn” toy. HUGS

      • / Reply

        Dear Abigail:

        Beautiful story. She and your Dad planted the seed that bloomed into the very wonderful Vault. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena and Z Fans:

      Very funny blog from Nissie today. I’m having Downton Abby withdrawal. Watched the final episode of Season 4 last Sunday; missing it tonight. Won’t be back on PBS here until January 2015.

      Visited Charlie, Hudson and Captain yesterday. Spent time with all of them and Debbie too. Angela was busy with a visit from family. Charlie is doing very well. He was not wearing a blanket. I think Angela has given up. Debbie took him in for me and I was able to talk with him and give him carrots and mints. I visited with Hudson too. She is absolutely loving the attention from Debbie and Amanda. They visit her, groom her and bring her treats at least three times a week. She’s a very happy girl. Here coat is so velvety and gleaming and you can see the dapples.

      It’s been so cold that Charlie and Hudson have not been ridden very much at all, but as soon as the Spring comes, that will change. Debbie is looking forward to riding Charlie and Amanda will ride Hudson.

      Captain is just so beautiful. His coat is a very dark chocolate brown color and his mane has a lot of golden highlights. Will try posting a photo of him. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap and all the Sweeties

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena and Z Fans:

      Very funny blog from Nissie today. I’m having Downton Abby withdrawal. Watched the final episode of Season 4 last Sunday; missing it tonight. Won’t be back on PBS here until January 2015.

      Visited Charlie, Hudson and Captain yesterday. Spent time with all of them and Debbie too. Angela was busy with a visit from family. Charlie is doing very well. He was not wearing a blanket. I think Angela has given up. Debbie took him in for me and I was able to talk with him and give him carrots and mints. I visited with Hudson too. She is absolutely loving the attention from Debbie and Amanda. They visit her, groom her and bring her treats at least three times a week. She’s a very happy girl. Here coat is so velvety and gleaming and you can see the dapples.

      It’s been so cold that Charlie and Hudson have not been ridden very much at all, but as soon as the Spring comes, that will change. Debbie is looking forward to riding Charlie and Amanda will ride Hudson.

      Captain is just so beautiful. His coat is a very dark chocolate brown color and his mane has a lot of golden highlights. Will try posting a photo of himhere. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap and all the Sweeties

      http://www.dropshots.com/littlebigred#date/2013-12-21/13:39:34

        • JudyB. Has Charlie shredded all of the blankets? Like these reports on him and the others. Hoping for warmer weather for them.

        • JB, your double post is a double dose of hugs and love.
          Thanks for the photo, what a cutie!
          Happy to know HT is thriving, oh those fuzzy velvet coats. Bet she loves her spa sessions. Love and hugs back at ya!

        • Judy B,
          I with you about Downton Abbey, VERY disappointed they won’t be back till January……thought maybe it would be Fall……pooh, it’s my favorite show!!!

          So nice to hear about your horses, they’re thriving in spite of our cold winter, Captain has a marvelous coat, bet he’s nice and warm. And Charlie must have decided he didn’t need a coat, they just get in the way, ha, ha.

          So glad you are still able to get our there and see him. Hugs sue

        • Dear Max:

          Yes, Charlie, the Blanket Bandit, has shredded blankets on the other horses and they have shredded his. Literally, Angela has found the stuffing on the ground. I think she gave up because he and some of the other horses did not have blankets on when I visited on Saturday. I think she has been trying to sew them back together if they are not totally beyond repair. Hopefully, the weather will improve soon and they won’t need to wear them. Saturday wasn’t extremely cold and he seemed to be OK without it. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Sue Fredrick:

          Yes, DA is my favorite show too.

          Captain and a lot of the other horses grow much thicker coats in the cold weather, I’ve noticed, than a lot of the TBs. So they don’t need the blankets. Charlie has a very soft, thin coat and so does Hudson (kind of like velvet) so the blankets really do help keep them warm. I think Charlie just gets bored and it’s become a game to tug on the blankets. He’s smart and he looks for something to do. He even knows how to open up the latch on his stall. We have to make sure the little window on the stall is closed if we are not there talking to him or giving him treats so he can’t get at the latch. He’s a devil and I love him. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Ann:

          You are very sweet. Oh yes, Hudson is relishing all the attention from Debbie and Amanda. She not only has a couple of very smart looking blankets, but Deb and Amanda also bought her a Slicker complete with hood that goes under her blanket. I’ll have to take a photo of her in it and post it here. Love and Hugs, JB

        • JudyB. Tiznow can open his stall door too. He then walks around to let the other stallions know who is boss.
          Charlie seems to be a bad boy and proud of it. Love those kind of horses. So Big D.

  21. / Reply

    Dear Mama Z, COZ, Red Prince and Baby Z:

    Hope you are all warm and cozy. Goodnight. Sweet Baby Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB

  22. / Reply

    @Judy Berube–thanks for the report on everything and everyone at the farm.

    Dreadful weather everywhere. Stay safe, Dumplings, and especially you too, Zenny and 13Z. We all love you dearly.

  24. / Reply

    March 3 Cherokee Devotional

    A great man once said that a human soul may be thought of as seeking a creative outlet. If that outlet is clear and free, all is well. But if the channel is clogged with fuss and worry, we can forget the creativity. Even in quiet, we can be in a frenzy. Quiet desperation, Thoreau called it. True silence comes from directing thought to quiet places and still waters. If we allow our minds to drift toward something that could go wrong, then it steals our peace and clogs our creative capacity. Sit quietly and think of softly flowing water, gentle breezes, and the call of the whippoorwill. Reflect on the joy of thinking freely, of unlimited vitality-and don’t tell yourself that it couldn’t possibly happen.

    The American Indian is skillfully artistic, a refined sense that springs from deep wells of ancient vision.
    Murphy

  25. / Reply

    Great photo and article on Bloodhorse.com about my man Muchie. He just gets stronger looking every day.

    • / Reply

      MMM had a workout between races at SA on Sunday. He appears to have put on weight and is a very impressive looking horse. The work was a conditioning type and I would expect Ms. Ritvo to put a much faster work into him before the race. Any chance of Lea coming west for what we refer as the Big Cap? It is called the big cap and the hundred grander at times because it was the first race to offer a purse of $100,000.

      • / Reply

        Terry, Lea is taking a rest for a month of so after his Donn victory or so his trainer said in the Bloodhorse. Glad he isn’t coming as I really thing the competition in the Big Cap might be too much for him right now. As I have said before, I hope Muchie, Lea and Palace Malice don’t cross paths until the Classic next fall.

        • Makes sense to me. The big three, MMM, PM and WTC may be too tough for him right now. Later on, who knows?

        • shirlee. Isn’t Lea happiest at a mile? SA Handicap is a mile and a quarter, and it’s a long trip to get there. They might want to rest him for upcoming turf miles this spring and summer. It’s a wise move because it’s really tough to keep a horse in top shape from January to November.

    • / Reply

      Thanks for that info, TC.
      Shirlee, MMM looks super great. Love his mane, it is just the right length, when the wind catches it, he gets the mohawk look. Fierce boy! Love that look. Exciting race ahead, better trim the fingernails now, can’t wait. Just want them all to arrive back in barn safe and sound!

      • / Reply

        Ann, Who has any fingernails left? I am starting in on my second bottle of Tums. As you said, the most important thing is for all of them to come home safely.

        • Dear Shirlee, Ann, Max and TC GP:

          Agree with all of you. Love and Hugs, JB

  26. / Reply

    Dear Abigail,
    I am sad to learn about your Mum. Will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Am sure she was proud of you and your lovely stories on your blog.
    Hope the love from the Zblog can help during this dificult time.

    • / Reply

      Ann: Thank you so much. You bet that Zenny’s blog helps. It’s such a loving place and the warm thoughts like yours coming my way has brought so much comfort as I wrestle with all these feelings and memories. HUGS

  27. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.Your posts are so good for the soul.Still waters run deep.Do hope Audrey is making a good recovery,has she heard if she needs any treatments yet?
    Did you see Marty in his Oscar de la Ratta?lol that is one hilarious rat and his acceptance speech!!Even Zoe had pretty red bows on just watching the ceremony! At least Fubu is managing to keep his kitty gravy down but he will have to try solids now to put weight back on,his vet broke down when she saw the state of his mouth such a brave kitty. All the other furbabies are well.Have a great week.Hugs to You,Kisses for the Puppy Pack. Sheena

  28. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    Audrey’s recovery will take time. Prayers appreciated! Haven’t heard if she’ll need further treatment. Marty was adorable in all his finery for the Oscars. Love that little guy and his very clever “parents.” Always enjoy the beautiful pics of Zoe. Gorgeous little dog. Prayers going up for Fubu. They are doing everything in their power to save him. God bless him. Have a wonderful week. Hugs from me, kisses from The Pack. Kathy

  29. / Reply

    Dear Abigail: Sorry for the loss of your mum..I lost mine in 2005,Dec. 27. It was a sad, sad Christmas. Losing one’s father is one thing, but, when your mother dies, well, it does make one feel a bit of an orphan. Lucky for me, I have 3 younger sisters & I’m not an orphan as long as I have them. I guess all of us “baby-boomers” are starting to go through these experiences now. It’s the price we pay for getting older. At least I can still dream of my horses. They are such a comfort.

    • / Reply

      Nicki: Thank you so very much for these warm thoughts. I’m experiencing the difference between losing one’s father vs. mother as I write this. Dad died at 65 when I was a young woman. It was swift and sudden, if not entirely unexpected (heart). And I grieved deeply for him and for the fact he would miss seeing his only grandchild grow up. But losing Mum has cut a much deeper wound somehow. I certainly do feel like an orphan, that’s for sure. But again you’re right on my page about horses. They inspire me and warm my soul. HUGS

  30. / Reply

    Dear Abigail: So sorry for the loss of your Mom. I lost mine on 11/11/11. It was really difficult because we lived together. I didn’t know if I could go on. But now I can think of her with happy thoughts though I will always miss her terribly. Being here helped me more than I can express. Everyone here understands your pain and sends prayers and hope for the good times ahead. Love Vicki

    • / Reply

      Vicki: Thank you thank you for all the love you send my way. I lost my Dad when I was relatively young (31) and so, losing Mum has been very, very tough. She was always there — even when she made me crazy — and no-one really loves you like your mother. But thank goodness for my Zen family! Your kindness, support and capacity to recognize what I’m feeling is deeply moving and healing. HUGS

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