VERSAILLES, KY — (April 13, 2016) It is with heavy hearts that Team Zenyatta and Lane’s End Farm must announce the passing of Zenyatta’s 2016 foal by War Front. His death occurred at approximately 9:00 am this morning due to complications of meconium aspiration syndrome. We express our deep gratitude to Dr. Peter Morresey and the professionals at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital who worked tirelessly to support the mare and foal. Zenyatta is in good health and back home at Lane’s End Farm.
Update — 5:30 pm
Zenyatta has returned to the field that is her original home at Lane’s End. She has been paired with the mare Vixana, who is also owned by Jerry and Ann Moss. Zenyatta and Vixana are the same age, and they trained together under John Shirreffs at Barn 55. The two are becoming reacquainted and have already shared a drink at the water bowl.
Kris (Lombard, IL)
Very sad news. Condolences to Zenyatta, Team Z, and all of the fans.
My daughter was born with this condition as well, but was fine after medical intervention (as is usually the case for humans). Hopefully the vets learn something from 16Z that could be useful in future treatment.
Any idea how long it takes a mare to recover from the loss of a foal?
Z13Rulz
While I cannot say this is the procedure for Rood and Riddle / Lane’s End / the Mosses I do know this is one of the coping mechanisms they use on farms.
They will allow the mare to stay with the body of the passed foal and allow her to recognize that the foal has died on her own terms. Her sense of smell, the fact that the foal is no longer moving, it will all give her an understanding and acceptance of the loss. Usually it takes only a couple of hours before the mare accepts the death and walks away from the body.
It sounds sad, I know but it is how she would confront death in nature and is designed to give her closure and allow her to move on with her life.
As you can see from the follow-up picture with Ann and Vixana, Zenyatta is back at Lane’s End, grazing calmly and not looking around frantically for her lost foal. She will get over his loss, long before those of us who frequent this website and her human family get over the loss.
Patti Lederer
My heart goes out to Mr and Mrs Moss. He was a beautiful Prince! Such a tragedy! Thank goodness Z is doing well although being the wonderful Mom she is I’m sure she is trying to figure out why her baby isn’t with her.
Sue Farmer
I follow Zenyatta from the UK almost daily and this just breaks my heart – again after Princess Z!! The poor connections who obviously love her so much! I was worried after the update following the birth they were ‘putting a brave face on things’. It is just so unfair. I hope perhaps she could be a surrogate for another foal, it may help her?
Delamont
I was stunned by the news. My condolences to all involved.
Jackie Feinberg
I am just heartbroken. My condolences to the Mosses and everyone connected with our Queen?
Barbara Wood
My heart is still so broken over Z Princess, and now this. Too stunned right now to cry, but that will come.
Jerry and Ann, and all of Team Z, everywhere–
Please know that all of Dumpling Nation is in mourning right now, both for baby and Mama Z. I was just so worried about her, because this time, everything was so late. I wish we could all be there for a huge group hug and to lay flowers.
Love and hugs to all, amid the sadness.
Lisa Buzzard
Dearest Team Z my sincerest condolences.
I am heartbroken. Thank God Zenny is doing well. RIP sweet boy, Run free with your sister. You are loved and will never be forgotten.
Prayers and Hugz to Mr. and Mrs. Moss, the doctor’s and staff at Rood & Riddle, Team Z and Lanes End.
Nancy Mattox
So sad to hear the news. How could this happen twice. All my condolences to you and Zenyatta.
Cathi
This did not happen twice. Z Princess had a paddock accident when she was about 6 months old. But yes Zenny lost the last two foals. So deeply sad for The Moss’s. Lane’s End and all connections.
Cathi
Ann, Jerry, Lane’s End,
I am so sorry for the loss of Z16, he was a beautiful colt. There are no words that can be said to lighten up the sadness you are feeling.
If it helps, you are in so many, thoughts, hearts and prayers right now.
RIP Dear sweet boy, you will always and forever be remembered. Run Free, with your sister and all the greats who have passed.
The Rainbow Bridge now has another foal to watch over all of us.
Audrey
Thoughts and prayers to Z, the Moss’ and L.E. from one of your many Canadian supporters.
Delores Baker
My tears wont stop. My heart is so broken. He was so beautiful. I am glad Zenyatta is doing good and back home. My prayers are with the Moss’ s and Team Z. I know God has plans for her babies. I am so sorry that this happened. Hugs and kisses to Zenyatta. I am so glad that the Moss’ s are with Zenyatta. Gives her lots of hugs and kisses from me. Xoxox
Ann Brown
My heart is just broken i as with everyone else have waited for this precious foal to be born, and now to hear that he has passed . Your loss is felt around the world by horse lovers everywhere. He was such a little prince ,so beautiful may he R.I.P. ….Love & prayer to the owners of Zenatta the world feels there pain and loss ….May God Bless All Of You and a special thanks to those that tried to save his life …
Karen Pluger
oh no..
Alexandra Bowdoin
I am So, So Very Sorry. In tears here at work, the site keeps crashing. First ZPrincess and now this little guy. Hugs to Team Z.
Debbi
So, so sorry….beyond what words can convey. Thoughts and prayers to Team Z and the staff st Lane’s End.
Susan
My heart is broken.. Praying that God will give you peace .Knowing that this precious baby is running in his pasture.. Crazy Horse Stables
Jodi S., Raleigh, NC
Tears streaming down my cheeks as I type. I’m so very sorry for Queen Z & her entire family -team. Thank you for all you did to save him, I know this has to be devastating to you all! Prayers for my sweet Z, I love that girl so much!! Sure hope she recovers soon, my heart just breaks for her most of all. Maybe no babies for quite awhile, just too sad. First the Princess, now this …poor sweet baby. Thanks for sharing your beloved horses with us!
Joan
Devastating news. I am heartbroken. I am so sad for Zenyatta, the Mosses, all of her connections and fans and especially for this little foal who had such a short time on earth. I am thankful Zenyatta is home and all right but my tears continue to fall. Rest in peace, little one.
janet luzell
Iam so very very sorry for the loss of Zenny’s foal. What a beautiful baby boy. May he rest in God’s loving arms with his sister. Mr. and Mrs. Moss, Team Z and everyone at Lane’s End you have my heartfelt sympathy. I sincerely hope that Zenny is ok and she gets over this loss. Our beautiful queen. My tears are flowing. God’s blessing on everyone at this terrible time.
Lyn
My heart breaks… Deepest condolences to the Mosses and everyone on Team Zenyatta.
Linda Hoffmeister
There are no words for this tremendous loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the Moss’s, Zenyatta and Team Z. Rest in peace, sweet prince.
Gwen
I am so very sorry. Run free little one, Z Princess is waiting for you.
Christine Holland
WHY? WHY? WHY? This news is beyond heartbreaking! So sad for Zenny and the Moss’s. Don’t know what else to say.
Nancy/Ca.
First place I logged onto this morning was here,thinking there could be pictures up or you’d be home big girl with your new foal. In tears now. I am so very sorry for all of you that love our awesome Queen and take such good care of her. Feel so bad for Ann most of all. Poor Zenyatta,such a loving mom. Hurts to think of her looking for him. We love you big Z!! xoxoxo
Cathi
I too went to Zenny’s Webpage this morning, hoping to see that Zenny and her new Colt were home already and settling in.
Heartbreaking news. :-(
Leslie
So very sorry! What a special little colt with a very short life. RIP
sharon in seattle
another heartbreak for Team Z and Z fans. Words are inadequate to express the grief that everyone is feeling. Rest in peace, little Z colt.
Maureen Davis
Dear Team Z,
All our hearts are broken, right along with yours with this devastating news. I had a horrible feeling something was wrong, not hearing any updates. Please accept my condolences to all who were close to and loved this beautiful boy. God bless you all. To all of us who love Zenyatta, we’ve lost one of our family members – I can’t seem to stop crying…
alma minter
I am so sorry. This is heartbreaking. Condolences to all who love Zenyatta and all her babies. Hugs to Zenyatta.
JJ the TV Watcher
Heartbroken to hear this. Condolences to all those involved in his all too short life.
Allie in Texas
Rest in peace, precious one. Zenyatta, I love you so much and will pray for you and Mr. and Mrs. Moss.
Gloria/NM
This is so heartbreaking! I had tears in my eyes when I read this and then had to make a business call…I just about got through that call as I gazed at this little one’s face….