Zenyatta

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Lane’s End Video Interviews: Part 1

Happy Friday!

While we were at Lane’s End at the beginning of the month, we spent time dreaming up ways to share the experience with all of you.

Zenyatta and her colt enjoy life on one of the most beautiful farms in the country, and they are cared for by the extremely knowledgeable and experienced Lane’s End staff.

We thought you would like to meet some of the people who are involved with Z on a daily basis, so we created a series of video interviews.

The first in our three part series is an interview with Alys Emson, who is in charge of Client Management at Lane’s End. Alys takes many of the photos that we use on this website. Thanks Alys!

Alys Emson: Client Management
“I was born and raised in the South of England, and my love affair with horses began at a very early age—I was able to ride almost before I could walk! My career began in Newmarket and continued in France before I settled in America. The early years were spent gaining valuable experience in every division of the farm including a couple of breeding seasons with the stallions and a stint on the racetrack. My duties now mostly involve evaluating the yearlings and foals and keeping our clients current on their progress and development. Zenyatta has been a welcome and special addition to the Lane’s End broodmare band and it has been both rewarding and memorable to watch her fulfill the next chapter in her life.”

Baby Z is enjoying the Spring weather. We hope you are too! Photo by Kyle Acebo

Enjoy!
-Team Z

Reader Interactions

1,012 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Kim in Louisville,

    Thank you for the link to the video. That is priceless. I just love his squeel and Wow, that speed! He is not even 2 months old yet, what is he going to be like at 2 years?? I will be showing this off to my friends just like I do my grandkids.

  2. / Reply

    Good morning. I just loved the video on Zenyatta and Baby Z – wow, just awesome. I am crying watching Lava Man with the little girl from the Make A Wish Foundation. He is such a great champion. Everyone enjoy this weekend of great racing and may God protect everyone, let everyone come back safe. Good luck to all.

  4. / Reply

    @Zenyen — this video offers a less ‘conservative’ take on the personality of The Prince — extremely independent, feisty, fractious, throws tantrums constantly, refuses to do as he is told … You have to love this colt and his mother — what a gem!

    ave3.com/story/18063402/zenyattas-first-foal-a-handful#.T6H_5Wnx7Jl.facebook

      • / Reply

        I can only see the video I have no sound here at the place I get paid by the hour. He looks like a stinker. I love that he is so happy and playful. I am looking forward to watching again at home. Baby Z needs a name that goes with that attitude. I believe that Zendinie was a previous suggestion. Maybe we can add Prince Zendinie. Although my favorite was MyMommaCanDance I don’t think that fits the little rascal. Thanks for the link.

        • Yes, I loved My Momma Can Dance, was it you that had suggested that name? I agree, it doesn’t fit him at least right now!! ha More like, Shake Rattle and Roll. What a little character he is.

      • / Reply

        The BIG personality emerging from this colt is priceless. We can only dream that he has the same BIG race talent. There is just something magical about him! I hope we don’t have to wait too long to learn his name, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Jerry and Ann Moss have waited intentionally to see some character traits become apparent before deciding on the right name. My own preference is that it not be a name that combines the names of mom and dad, but something that shouts who Little Z is…after-all everyone around him is saying that he squeals as if to say Look at Me.

    • / Reply

      Loved the video but I think they might have embelished some of it. I think the little guy is just full of himself and it’s great!

  5. / Reply

    Way to go Black Caviar! Talk about girl power. She is a beauty.
    I just looked at her wikipedia. She runs 1200 m which is approx 3/4 mile. Her maiden was 1000 m.
    Zenyatta’s maiden was 6 furlongs approx 3/4 mile. Zenyatta’s raced from 1 1/16 to 1 1/4 mile races.
    Not to say Caviar is not a great race horse. I would like to see her run in the BCC.
    Love to see the girl power anyway.
    Love hugs and kisses

    • / Reply

      Black Caviar is a sprinter. She’s never run in the Classic, as she has never run a route race. Put her in the turf sprint.

      • / Reply

        Agree. However, the turf sprint at Santa Anita is partly down hill and over dirt and would be foreign to Black Caviar. It is a quirky course that not all can handle. Would love to see her win, though.

    • / Reply

      She is beautiful. She is my favorite color of horse. I would love to see Hollywood Park. Mountaineer is not nearly as pretty.

    • / Reply

      Roxanne O is a beauty — we’ll be rooting for her. That reminds me that the song “Roxanne” is Zenyatta’s favorite.

      • / Reply

        She finished third, but had a burst of speed coming around to the stretch …. just maybe a little long for her? She sure is a beauty – a Rock Hard Ten mare.

        • Love RHT, amazing such a big muscular horse can be so light on his feet, when you watch some of his races.

          Calvin Borel would have a hard time getting him through any of his small holes close to the rail, though.

        • Dear Sally B.:

          You’re so welcome. Yes, RHT is at Lanes End. I’m doing OK and thanks for asking. Hope you are well. Hugs, JB

  11. / Reply

    @ Barbara Wood–Oh my gosh—if there had been mirrors,he probably would have fainted!! This arena is in a huge red barn and is mainly used by folks riding cutting horses for pleasure and for competition. My friend Sue and I are the only folks boarding or training there who ride english—we are quite the curiosities!!! It’s all very rustic and wonderful,but not the kind of arena that would have mirrors–thank goodness!

    Barnaby has had so many new experiences thrown at him in the last couple of months that it’s no wonder he is a little worried about strange things. It is wonderful that I can coax him into doing what I ask,even if he is worried I think he can really tell how much I love him and that gives him some confidence.

  12. / Reply

    @ Sue Fredrick in Wisconsin–The last time I was in Wisconsin it was 1950!! It was on the same trip when I got to visit the horse farms in Kentucky and kiss War Admiral on the nose!! I forgot to bring the envelope today with my friend’s address,but the town starts with a V and has a short and hard to pronounce name. We are,as of now,planning to head south when we start west as I hope to visit Winterset,Iowa and do a sort of “Bridges of Madison County” pilgrimage. It is one of my favorite all-time movies!!I don’t even know how many times I have watched it!!

    Clint Eastwood has a home here and I have talked with him several times. He is one of my all-time favorite actors and is a wonderful person as well. I have also been fortunate enough to meet his amazing and beautiful wife,Dina. The combination of the story of “Bridges” and his great portrayal in it just touch me so much. I want to visit places that were in the film.The farmhouse that was used in the movie used to be open for tours and I was just dying to see it. However,some time ago it was damaged in an arson fire and is no longer open. I can’t believe anyone being so cruel. Well,on second thought,with some of the things that go on in the world today,I guess I can!! Anyway,I would really have loved to see it. Hope I can at least find out where it WAS and drive by.

    At any rate,will let you know as the time gets closer just what our plans are. We should be heading west onWed. May16 or Thurs. the 17th. Hope we can get together–that would be so fun!! I’ll bring pictures of Barnaby!!!

    • / Reply

      Winterset is a great place to visit. I went there about 10 years ago when I was living in Kansas. The people there are very friendly. I did not know about the farm house burning. I did hear that one of the bridges had some damage. I met Clint Eastwood in Lake Tahoe, Nevada some 30 odd years ago when he was there for John Denver’s celebrity ski tournament. He invited me to sit at his table for the show that evening and a good time was had by all. He used to compete in fast draw competitions but I think he has hung up his irons. Don’t forget to visit John Wayne’s birthplace in Winterset.

      • / Reply

        I’m sure that Clint Eastwood is a great guy and all, but . . . . did you meet JOHN DENVER?????? ♥♥♥ I will never get over him just falling into the ocean – I cried for days. If you aren’t a fan, you can just pretend you didn’t read this.

        • I never met John, he was merely hosting the event. He did perform at the show that evening. I am a huge fan, always loved his music. I especially like Perhaps Love, a duet he sang with Placido Domingo. I also like some of his obscure stuff like Berkeley Woman and the The Marvelous Toy. His death was indeed a tragedy. There is a guy out there who does a tribute show to John, I have seen him a couple of times. His name is Jim Curry. If he comes to your area, don’t miss his show.

        • Oh yes – Perhaps Love is one of my MOST favorites ♥♥♥ I thought I had all of his stuff on CD’s (not to mention videos I paid too much for on PBS auction sites), but I have never heard of those other two songs. Had no idea there was someone doing a tribute show!

        • Dear Sandy:

          Always loved John Denver and his music. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        I didn’t meet John Denver, but I saw him years ago, sitting in the row behind me, at the 10-Year Anniversary event, showing all the “Star Wars” films, back-to-back-to-back (with half-hour intermissions). We had to wait in line for 4 hrs., just to get tickets, about a thousand people all at once, cheering and hissing at all the right places, it was great! I was surprised and sad later, when John was gone too soon.

    • / Reply

      Sue Noel,
      Oh my gosh that is too cute. I am also a big fan of Clint and the Bridges movie, as of right now I tvoed it and have it on file. We went thru Iowa and saw the house from the movie and the bridge, too bad it burned. We also went to John Wayne’s humble home and as I got out of the car to take a picture across the street, a busload of Japanese tourists, must have been 50 of them, pulled up and went screaming inside. Had to wait for my pic till they were gone, not all of us could get into that house it’s so tiny. Do try to get there though, and if on your way you come near the Dells let me know, it’ll be fun to meet you. Hugs

      P.S. Clint directed my favorite movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” if you get a chance to rent it, I think you’ll like it too, it’s a true story about Savannah. GA

      • / Reply

        Sue, I didn’t know Clint Eastwood directed Midnight in the gar
        den of good and evil. That is a great movie with a great cast. The story was somewhat spooky.. :)

  13. / Reply

    I sent the video about Barnaby by e-mail to Marlene at Valley View Equine Rescue and she liked it so much she will be showing to US SEnator Barbara Boxer at a meeting she is having with her today. I was very honored to have Barnaby’s story be able to help Marlene help other horses!!

    I’m going to tell him all about it when I go down to see him on Saturday!! I can hardly wait–I’m so glad he loves being kissed and hugged because I just can’t keep from doing it!! It is fun just to groom him and talk to him.He’s a very good listener!!

  15. / Reply

    Terry I so agree with you. I never expected Dr. Hansen to even think about the children during the week of the Kentucky Derby. What a nice man he is.
    As for Our Madame Mistletoe she is a 3 year old and We Think a Real Beauty : )

    • / Reply

      I’ve heard great things about Dr. Hansen – donates $$$ behind the scene, etc.

      It seems peeps rather comment on what they feel is a “negative” trait, like – painting Hansen’s tail a bright color to celebrate racing, and sharing his happiness with the fans… I, personally, can think of “worse” things owners and/or traIners have done than using “washable paint”…

      Judy G

      • / Reply

        Yea, I believe some one was talking about this the other day and Saint Liam was brought up. Conspiracy therists are everywhere. They are the reason us normal people have to take anger management classes. LOL

    • / Reply

      Well, just from what has been posted here Doctor Hansen gets my vote as man of the year in horse racing. The sport needs more men like him. Mistletoe, then , is not a cougar.

      • / Reply

        I agree Terry – Dr. Hansen is what racing needs more of. You Da Bomb Dr. Dude!

  16. / Reply

    When will we get a name approved for this next superstar? He is growing so fast Baby Z does not fit anymore.

  18. / Reply

    Baby Z is sooo darn cute! Thanks for the update and photo’s can’t get enough. hope the other interviews will be a little bit longer, but very much enjoyed.
    LOVE YOU FOREVER AND EVER
    XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXOOX

    • / Reply

      Karen! Thank you for posting. I can’t stop watching. I got so emotional seeing little Z run and getting a real glimpse of his personality for the first time. The still photos are nice, but I’ve been waiting for something a bit more exciting and this video certainly provided that boost of excitement. I keep asking myself “Am I seeing a Champion? Yes, he looks to be all that and more.”

      To all Z posters who take the time to post links to videos and photos…Thank you! Without your considerate act of sharing I know I would miss out on many wonderful Zeny and Baby Z updates.

    • / Reply

      Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! So nice to see one that actually “works” on my computer :-) They are both just adorable!
      S

  26. / Reply

    Hansen Survived His Mother to Achieve Acclaim
    By Deirdre B. Biles The Blood-Horse
    If horses celebrated Mother’s Day, 3-year-old Hansen probably wouldn’t ever get his winning dam, Stormy Sunday, a present. Because of her, the champion and Kentucky Derby Presented By Yum! Brands (gr. I) contender didn’t have it easy in the first months of his life.
    “He had to survive his mother, who was not a good mother,” said Annice Johnson, who operates Kentucky-based Land o’ Goshen Farm, where Hansen was foaled, raised, and broken.
    “The first foal she tried to kill and then when we took the foal away from her for a little bit, she decided she would kill us instead,” Johnson said. “I almost got a nurse mare, but finally she sort of settled down and she tolerated him nursing. With Hansen, she was a little better than with the first one, but she was never going to be Mother of the Year.
    “She would never share her feed tub with either baby,” Johnson continued. “They learned real quick not to even look at her feed tub; they would just step away. I had another tub for them, but I had to put it far enough away that Stormy Sunday didn’t try to take both of the tubs for herself.”
    But Hansen thrived anyway, showing no ill effects from the lack of affection
    Read more: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/69476/hansen-survived-his-mother-to-achieve-acclaim#ixzz1tqJap5uo

  27. / Reply

    Here is today’s horse joke, slightly reworked to include some familiar names. A burglar took note that there were rumors of lax security at Barn 55 at Hollywood Park so he thought he would try his luck by going there and lifting some valuables. As he was prowling the area, he heard a voice say “Jesus is watching you.” He paid no attention and continued place stuff in his sack. Again, he heard a voice say “Jesus is watching you and time is running out.” The burglar decided that he had better check this out. He looked around and found the source of the voice, an old horse who must have been 30 years old. He apparently was there as a barn pet. The burglar then said “You can talk?’ “Yes,” the horse said. I am sort of a night watchman here. My name is Clarence.” The burglar starting laughing. “Clarence?” the burglar said. “Who on earth would give you such a stupid name?” “Mr. and Mrs. Shirreffs, the people who run this place,” the horse said. “they are the same people who named the rottweiler behind you Jesus.”

    • / Reply

      LOL! LOL! I’ll have to look for ‘Jesus’ next time I am at the barn, I just may hear that voice when a dumpling is watching me watching them!!

    • / Reply

      That was your best one yet. Loved it! Have you considered going on tour with Mr. Foxworthy and Larry the cable guy? I am sure you would be a great fix with those 2 fellows. Thanks and please keep them coming. You can’t stop know we are hooked.

    • / Reply

      Dear Terry Crow:

      Barb Wood is right, you outdid yourself on that one. Russ would love it. Too funny. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Belatedly (too many threads for my aging brain to keep up with today) – this is a really GOOD one Terry! Thanks as always (especially for the ones where I don’t have to wonder if I’m missing something – ha, ha).

    • / Reply

      Terry C.,
      This is the best yet!! Cracked me up! You had a great idea to insert “Barn 55” and the Shirreffs — YAY! Love Clarence, the horse and Jesus, the rottweiler.
      Thanks a million for keeping us laughing! Hugs!

  28. / Reply

    @Sue Noe-ll do you remember anything more about War Admiral?

    LOVE the Lava Man story (Karen Gogue?). I hope he spends his last days at KHP or Old Friends.

    Also kove the “feisty foal on the farm” video. Isn’t it beautiful when Zenny turns up the speed to run him down? Thank goodness he is faring better than Hansen did with his mom.

    @Sandy–(Northeast Ohio)– we are/were HUGE John Denver fans! Am sending you an e-mail about that. Hugs.

    @Shari Voltz–thanks for sharing the Dr. Hansen story. You should be a Teacher of the Year! If I could vote, you would be!

    Does anyone have any info. on our Dawn Conrad? I know we are all missing her and we’re concerned.

    Hugs to all and kisses on the nose for our Z. and Baby Z. Bet he thinks that’s “kid stuff”. LOL!

    • / Reply

      Barbara you are to kind. Thank you for saying such nice things. I really love my job and love the children. I tried to call Dawn tonight but no answer. I will try tomorrow. I am worried too.

      • / Reply

        Dear Shari:

        Please let us know if you reach Dawn. Haven’t seen a post from her in quite a while. Hugs, JB

  29. / Reply

    Here are today’s redneck jokes. You might be a redneck if you have more than three cousins named Rufus. You might be a redneck if your dog is your alarm clock. You might be a redneck if your high school fight song is Dueling Banjos. You might be a redneck if you consider your annual bath to be one too many. You might be a redneck if you and your spouse get divorced and you are still relatives. You might be a redneck if you go into a liquor store and come out with all of your Christmas shopping done. You might be a redneck if you hang toilet paper on the line to dry. You might be a redneck if the holidays are not complete unless you go to the “pen” to visit momma. You might be a redneck if you have ever given rat traps as a gift. You might be a redneck if the highlights of your parties is when you flip out your false teeth. You might be a redneck if your mom’s maiden name is bubba. You might be a redneck if your Christmas cards include a copy of your butt. You might be a redneck if you use a piece of bread as a napkin.

    • / Reply

      His dam may not have given him love and attention, but Hansen is certainly getting it now. Very interesting piece.

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