Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ziconic

Meet Ziconic’s Trainer, Sarah Pollock

Sarah and Ziconic. Photo by Linda R. Moss

Dear Fans,

We are excited to introduce you to Sarah Pollock, Sarah Pollock Sporthorses, who trains at Templeton Farms – Ziconic’s new home. Sarah has been involved with horses her entire life and began competing at the age of 9. She now competes and trains at the upper levels in both Hunters and Jumpers on the AA circuit.

Sarah is the perfect collaborative partner to transition Ziconic because of her personal and professional experiences with Off The Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs), and her attitude and approach. According to Sarah’s philosophy, which we share – “Focus on the best interest of the horse first and the sport second. Let horses tell us what they are good at and like to do. It lets horses want to do their job. I want every one of my horses to want to work hard because they truly love what they are doing.”

When I met Ziconic 6 weeks ago, “I knew he was a special horse. He has a very strong sense of self and is extremely proud. He is smart, but practical. Like his Mom matured slowly, he’s a bit immature for his age so he is very playful. Our training has focused on exposing him to new things, keeping his mind occupied, and keeping it fresh and fun.”

“At first it was about getting a relationship built on the ground in the round pen and learning to trust each other. With this trust quickly built, he has been very willing to do what is asked and remembers everything he learned the days before. Now we have started poles and cavelleti work, introducing him to the flower boxes in the jumping court, mirrors so he can admire himself in the covered arena, and going out on the track which he really enjoys. No surprise there!”

“Ziconic shows a lot of expression when he jumps; I have started a lot of young jumper warmbloods who were bred to jump but few demonstrated their potential as quickly as Ziconic. He’s a natural in that area and we think he really enjoys it.”

“Templeton Farms is great for developing and training horses because of all the training options at the Farm. It also exposes the horses to other working Sporthorses, so they all learn great socialization skills. I’m so honored to have this opportunity with Ziconic, and very excited about working with Linda and George. We have a goal of setting an example for what OTTBs can do after their racing careers and having Ziconic become a great OTTB Ambassador in the West.”

We look forward to sharing his progress with you. Thank you for your continued interest and love for our special Boy, Ziconic!

Sarah and Ziconic, first time in the round pen. Photo by Linda R. Moss
Ziconic admiring himself. Photo by Emily McCarthy
Intro to mounting block. Photo by Linda R. Moss

Reader Interactions

162 Comments

  1. / Reply

    So happy to see Ziconic enjoying his new training.
    This makes me smile since there is such sad news in the
    Thoroughbred world. Just heard that Deep Impact was
    euthanized. He had surgery and no details that I could see.

    RIP Deep Impact at age 17.

  2. / Reply

    I’m glad to see this boy is happy, and doing well. Thanks for keeping us informed on Zenny’s kids.

    FYI, elsewhere, it was said that Deep Impact had cervical problems, neck surgery they thought had gone well, but then he was unable to stand the next morning, and they found cervical fractures, with no chance of recovery. He was 17, and already his stud season had been shortened because he was having problems.

  3. / Reply

    Thanks Team Z and Sarah for the update! It’s wonderful seeing Ziconic happy. He’s gorgeous and I know he’ll be a great OTTB Ambassador in the West. I look forward to watching his and Coz’s progress.

    Hugs to all,
    Leslie

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      This is good news indeed. Continued prayers for healing to Roaring Lion — Power up!

      Thanks for the update, Sheena.

      Hugs and Love

  6. / Reply

    Zi looks wonderful, and looks like he is enjoying his new carer. Looks like Coz and Zi may take the event world by storm. I know Zenny is very proud of her boys. Thanks for the update.

  7. / Reply

    Thank you for sharing this great update and all the wonderful photos of Ziconic! It lifts my heart to see him appearing so happy in his new endeavors, his new life style. Thanks!!

  10. / Reply

    Dear Sheena:

    So sad the passing of Deep Impact. Run free in God’s Heaven Beautiful Boy.?

    Congrats to Stradi and Frankie; well done. So glad to hear Roaring Lion is roaring again. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties.

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy.Stradi only the 2nd horse to win the Goodwood cup 3 times in it;s 200yr history but first to win 3yrs in a row.Bjorn hopes to keep him in training next year such an uncomplicated horse.He was roaring at 5am ready to go.Frankie’s 10th group one this season.
      Winx’s mum Vegas showgirl is in foal to Deep Impact.He will live on.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

      • / Reply

        Dear Sheena:

        Stradi and Frankie; another wonderful bond. Oh yes, Deep Impact lives on in his wonderful offspring.

        Wow, that Vegas Showgirl/Deep Impact foal has Royal pedigree. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,
      Thanks for posting this article about Deep Impact. Very sad that he has left us at 17. Condolences to all connections including Shaddai. RIP Deep Impact. Run free with your sire, Sunday Silence. You will not be forgotten.

      Big Congratulations to Stradivarius, Frankie, J. Gosden and all connections on the Goodwood win! Stradivarius is one strikingly handsome member of the chestnut club — what a fighter!

      Hugs and Love

  13. / Reply

    Templeton area is not particularly close to where I live but if he was to eventually show in areas a bit North of there like Pebble Beach, it would be great to go watch him.

  14. / Reply

    And I would be envious, Kathleen. Doesn’t he look wonderful and seems to take so quickly to something new. Love his admiring himself. Blessings to him, Zellda and our precious Zenyatta.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Congrats to Too Darn Hot and Frankie D.

      Nice video tribute to Frankel by TVG. He has the kindest eyes. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties

  18. / Reply

    Thankyou so much for the update on Ziconic. He looks so happy, and taken care of with love and appreciation. He is a smart boy with good work ethics, and they are giving him the chance to show how good he can be. I really think he resented the whipping during racing. He is a horse who will give you his best, and doesn’t like the whipping; just my opinion. Thank-you for loving him; he has a lot of aunties who love him, and enjoy hearing about him so much. So glad he is remembering his lessons well, and has stayed proud of himself.

  19. / Reply

    thank you for the update and info about Ziconic! he looks wonderful and it sounds like he is going to have a very happy new exciting career ahead – a new adventure for him – I am sure he will do very well – wishing him all the best always – stay healthy and happy handsome Zi boy!! as always, thinking positive thoughts and sending love and best wished to our dearest Zenyatta – bless her and her offspring always and forever – will love them always!!!!

  23. / Reply

    Thank you for the update. I am so happy for him. He is enjoying his new life. Beauty, brains, great DNA, talent and the desire great combination.

        • Dear Judy and Sheena,

          Ditto on all counts! Great news and continued prayers for both.
          Happy Birthday Subbie!

          Prayers for Roaring Lion — Power up brave one.

          Hugs and Love

  25. / Reply

    I read Whats Going on Here on Bloodhorse. Thought is was right on the money. Things have to change in horse racing.

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy.Great article in Bloodhorse.So many think of the reward rather than the horse.Take Roaring Lion what need was there for him to travel to NZ after a season here.Hopefully he will recover.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HTand all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

  30. / Reply

    How wonderful to see Ziconic enjoying himself and being challenged in a new job! He is a really handsome boy and looks to be in excellent hands!

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