Dear Fans,
We hope you have had a wonderful Summer! So many of you have asked about Templeton Farms and possible visits – while we are not yet ready for visitors, we excited to share with you a typical day in Ziconic’s OTTB life at a working Sport Horse Farm.
Templeton Farms Equestrian (TFE) is the realization of our good friend, Gina Bornino Miller’s dream to build a World-Class Sport Horse Training, Sales, and Breeding Facility for both horses and their riders along the California Central Coast. Dream Realized! On this beautiful 52-acre farm Gina and her late husband, Bill, built TFE along the Salinas aquifer, Templeton, CA. We believe that both horses and humans thrive here. In fact, Milyone, Zenyatta’s racing stablemate, has called TFE home for 7 ½ years.
One of the things we love about TFE is it is very welcoming, and horses settle in quickly. Ziconic is no different, he has quickly become right at home and is making friends – he constantly reminds us he is a very quick learner!
For us, when we arrive at the Farm, we immediately transcend into an equestrian experience that is at the intersection of horsey heaven, dressage and hunter/jumper athleticism, exceptional trainers, grooms, staff, and community.
TFE has 3 types of boarding; Ziconic lives in the Main Barn, which houses 24 spacious stalls with individual runs so the horses can freely walk outside – like having a private patio with your neighbors next door. Amenities in the barn include indoor and outdoor cross ties for grooming/tacking and bathing, theraplate, solarium, and personal tack lockers. And the team of grooms – which makes all this happen – are wonderful people with exceptional experience.
Ziconic starts his day about 6:00am when he goes on the walker for 1 hour. This gives him the opportunity to wake up, stretch his legs after being in his stall for the night, and work off some energy. This KRAFT walker is unique as it is an oval, so the horses are not walking on a circle the entire time which is better for their legs, joints, and natural balance.
After Ziconic finishes on the walker, he comes in to eat his breakfast and relax. About 9:00am, Ziconic goes out for morning grass turnout. Templeton Farms is one of the only equestrian facilities in California that has grass pastures all year round – we feel very lucky as this natural state is so good for Ziconic’s overall health, digestion, and well-being just grazing for the morning.
About 12:00pm, Ziconic comes in for lunch and has some time to relax before he has his daily exercise, Monday through Friday. About 2:00pm his Trainer, Sarah Pollock who we introduced in July 2019, will start grooming and tacking Ziconic for his workout.
Depending on day of the week, weather, and how Ziconic is doing in his training program, Sarah and Ziconic have a variety of options to leverage! She will gauge each day what is best suited for Ziconic’s progress. He usually starts his work with a walk around part of the 1-mile track which weaves throughout the Farm. Just like us humans, this warms him up.
Earlier in the week, they may work in the round pen or occasionally the free jump shoot. Mondays tend to be less structured work after having Saturday and Sunday off with just walker and grass turnout.
Ziconic Free Jumping with Sarah And Some Help From Virginia & Tiffany (Video Credit: Linda R. Moss)Usually a day a week, also influenced by weather, Ziconic gets to work on the flat in the covered arena. Here he and Sarah can focus on their lead changes, balance, and building consistency with Ziconic’s gates. This is also fun as Ziconic gets to look at himself in the mirrors!
Ziconic & Sarah Perfecting Their Flat Work (Video Credit: Mikayla Vosseller)We think Ziconic’s favorite work is when he can go in one of the two outdoor jumping courts and, in his mind, PLAY! It is here that they work on cavaletties and poles, low level jumps as Ziconic learns, and different gates and patterns around the jumps.
Ziconic & Sarah Working on Agility Over Poles (Video Credit: Linda R. Moss)Lastly depending on weather, Sarah and Ziconic will either walk the track or go in the covered arena to cool down. And now for the TRUE FUN – bath time! During the warm, summer months Ziconic gets hosed down and groomed every day after his workout.
Ziconic Enjoying Playing with Sarah During His Bath (Video Credit: Linda R. Moss)Typically, Ziconic finishes his bath and grooming by 3:30 or 4:00pm, returns to his stall to relax, and dinner is typically fed around 4:30pm. The horses are then in for the night.
We are forever grateful to Gina and Templeton Farms; without them, we do not know of another West Coast Sport Horse Farm of this caliber, multiple trainer options, and special community.
Sheena Davies
https://www.facebook.com/zuzannalupaphoto/photos/a.261871553856554/2674340825942936/?type=3&theater
A beautiful photo of our Queen and Frankie.Mullins has booked him to ride Buildmeupbuttercup in the Cesarewitch on Saturday
Judy Berube
Dear Sheena:
What an absolutely gorgeous photo of Enable and Frankie. Whatever her connections decide; she has nothing to prove. A Champion for the Ages.
Love the name Buildmeupbuttercup; loved the song too. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Sheena,
Thanks for posting this wonderful photo of Enable and Frankie — truly magnificent mare!
Best of everything to her, and yes, she has absolutely nothing to prove. What a champion among all champions!
I agree with Judy about the name Buildmeupbuttercup. I, too, love the song. ?
Hugs and Love
shirleeinindy
I’m with Judy and Marshall. Love that name and the song! Also, Enable is a champion and if she never runs again, her place in history is established.
Isn’t it something that the mares have been the real heros in racing in the last few years. Thank goodness they stay racing past their 3 year old season. Fans need someone to get close to, love and cheer for. Thank goodness for Zenyatta, Beholder, Black Caviar and Enable.
Sheena Davies
https://www.facebook.com/frankelwatch/photos/a.273616236343952/909136956125207/?type=3&theater
This son of Frankel wenf for 3.1million gns and a Dubawi yearling was bought by Sheikh Mo for 3.6milliongns.He won the bidding war with Coolmore.
Judy Berube
Dear Sheena:
Wow, looks a lot like Dad. Love that side eye to the camera. Thanks for sharing. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL and DC:
Have a restful evening; comfy and cozy. Love You. Hugs, JB
Judy Berube
Dear Z Fans:
Nice article by Steve Haskin on Omaha Beach. Enjoy. Love and Hugs, JB
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/countdown/archive/2019/10/08/how-good-is-omaha-beach.aspx
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy,
Thanks for the Steve Haskin article! Omaha Beach seems to define the quality of versatility. He is exceedingly adaptable. Mike and OB are quite a pair! All the best of luck and good health to Omaha Beach and the incomparable Mike Smith.
Hugs and Love
Judy Berube
Dear Marshall:
Versatile indeed. Love how Mikey bonds with the horses. He’s the best. Love and Hugs, JB
Sheena Davies
Dear Judy.Godolphin certainly spent a bob or 2 .today.Beautiful horses though.Hope life is getting back to normal on the farm now.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Sheena Davies
https://twitter.com/WHR/status/1182256497948086274
My Boy!
Marshall (NC Broad)
He’s looking good!!
Thanks for sharing, Sheena.
Hugs and Love
Barbara Brayton
Sheena, the video had me laughing out loud. Thanks.
Ziconic looks so good and happy.
Did anyone read about Quick Call, who lived to the ripe old age of 35?
Sheena Davies
Yes I heard about Quick Recall on social media.Such a wonderful ageRIP
Judy Berube
Dear Barbara:
I read about the passing of Quick Call. RIP beautiful boy.
I remember him racing at Saratoga. So glad he had a long, healthy life after racing. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube
Here’s Quick Call winning at Saratoga.
https://images.app.goo.gl/McpDtpVm6NExuSEH7
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Barbara,
Yes, I saw that Quick Call had left us at 35. So glad he had a good long life after he retired. He was still quite a handsome fellow, too. In addition, QC made a big difference in the lives of those at Wallkill Correctional Facility. Many thanks to TRF!
RIP Quick Call, a life well-lived.
Hugs and Love
Sheena Davies
I will never understand the Longines World rankingsEnable now shares top spot with Waldergeist and Crystal Ocean is back there again.He only won one group 1 race and is now retired.Even the mighty Winx had to share her no 1 spot wit Cracksman .
There are rumours Enable may come out to the US for the Breeders cup.We should know what her future plans are next week.All power to the fillies/mares!
Judy Berube
Dear Sheena:
Haven’t gotten the OK yet from Angela that the quarantine’s lifted. Soon as I do, I’m going to visit my boy.
Wonderful video of your boy. He is a sweet, gentle soul and gorgeous.
OMG, Enable coming to SA for the BC; outstanding!
I have to agree, I don’t understand how they determine the rankings either. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties
Judy Berube
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL and DC:
Goodnight and Happy Dreams. Love and Hugs, JB
Betty in Tampa
Has anyone heard anything about why the Forum is down? I sure miss following the daily updates and comments by the Forum members. I really hope it is activated again and not closed permanently!
(Note: I’m Bleubetty in the Forum)
Sheena Davies
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/blog/hovis-friday-diary-dont-appreciate-tigger-like-tendencies-698264?fbclid=IwAR2krLmHlYampJ1sBQEJwLofG19W1t-M_z-XrTbNeezonetr5geu2hKHZY4
The mothership has gone Mum-bye and Hovis has another abscess.Herman the German is calling today.Our boy needs healing vibes.I’m worried about him.
Safe trips to all racing today.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Poor Hovis. This is worrisome news — another abscess. I do hope he gets healthy soon and stays abscess-free. Healing thoughts and prayers for our boy.
Hugs and Love
Sheena Davies
http://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/bc-celebrates-10th-anniversary-of-zenyattas-classic/?fbclid=IwAR3oPZfTwM-459QZX9ZAycrbMkvIoq3u4ADFgFsDc_1Hfx4LrolzhZVICt0#.XaB6G_pBRT4.facebook
Zenyatta celebrations at the Breeders cup.Happy 10th anniversary SweetheartX
Kimberly
I’m so glad Ziconic found his calling. He looks happy.
Sheena Davies
https://twitter.com/winx_horse/status/1182382023509307392
Winx is named Australian racehorse of the year for a record 4th time.Her team also won an award.Congratulations to all.
Animal Kingdom has been sold to Japan.
Nancy C-Phipps
Ziconic’s New home is gorgeous looks like both Zenny’s boys have landed on all 4 hooves in a great new career.
I too miss the forums too The Foal Patrol Blog was also down with a major issue but today they solved it so hoping the issue with the forum is soon fixed as well I think it may be due to the discontinuing of Flash Player as many of the Videos used Flash to run. However it would be ice if we were told something so we don’t clog up Ziconics blog entry with Forum type comments.
Sally B. (cherish
Oh so wonderful to see Ziconic living a wonderful life. He is just so beautiful and I am happy he is doing what I think he enjoys and with great people.
Love to you Ziconic,
Auntie Sally B
Mary M
Ziconic appears so very happy and relaxed here. But still the “show off brat” of the barn perhaps. Love Queen Z and her babies!
sue werner
What a great life.
Vampressqueen Sue Colvin
@Sheena how funny?
What a great way to end my nite at dialysis. Too funny
Cally Jo Fritz
Have watched Ziconic since day he was foaled and fell in love with him. He just didn’t have what it took to be a race horse but I think he would make a pretty good dressage candidate. He sparkles when he walks. I will keep watching this amazing Red Prince.
Sally Blank
I am just thrilled to see Ziconic doing so well and enjoying everything around him. He is such a gorgeous boy and I truly am so grateful of the love toward him as I love him so much myself. He is a Zenyatta boy!