Well, Zen had her date!

[Baranduin]

http://www.zenyatta.com/news/diary-post-92-2

[CoronadosQuest]

Im not going to lie, I giggled at


Well, WE GOT RAVE REVIEWS! It all went very well. In horse terms, it was ‘one jump….and a very good cover’….meaning that everything went perfectly in our first meeting. Per the guys from my crew….”it was TEXTBOOK. ZENYATTA was unbelievably professional…..especially for a maiden mare. It was all nice and easy and went PERFECTLY.” Oh, my guys…Mike, Charles, and Matt are TOO CUTE! They really love me! Blush-Blush!


I must say….Bernie was also extremely professional and very focused on his job! WE MAKE A GREAT COUPLE!

[brigadier gerard]

Giving it up on the first date... What a tramp!

[serenassong]

That was cute, now the other "Chosen" one has hopefully been conceived. Would be too funny if there were both born on the same day.

[serenassong]

TT article:
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/breeding-news/2011/02/23/zenyatta-bernardini-bred.aspx

[WesternDreamer]

That was cute, now the other "Chosen" one has hopefully been conceived. Would be too funny if there were both born on the same day.

Born on the same day, one colt and one filly...go on to be epic rivals...later are bred, and produce the next coming of Man o War...sigh. Fairy-tale land is fun. :becky:

[TapitsGal]

i'm soo looking forward to Rachel and Zen's foals,i bet they'll be equally cute

[moonwalker]

Born on the same day, one colt and one filly...go on to be epic rivals...later are bred, and produce the next coming of Man o War...sigh. Fairy-tale land is fun. :becky:

I was thinking along the same lines. It's like something out of the "Thoroughbred" book series. All it needs is some guy named Brad to be the villain with the rival horse, Townsend's Whatchamacallit and some horse-crazy teenage jockey wannabe girls sleeping in the "next Man o' War's" stall.

Mary MMM

[islandgirl45]

Im not going to lie, I giggled at

Me too. I wonder if Dottie rehearsed how she'd write this up for the diary.:)

[moonwalker]

I know it's so twee, but I get a kick out of Dottie's "too cute," blushes, CAPSLOCK, etc. I too have been wondering how she was going to describe the "event." Turned out well, I think.

It's sweet for Dottie to write all these posts and include pictures. It says a lot about Dottie as a person, especially when she has Zenyatta saying, "My dear John" and getting all excited about seeing David. You can hear the voice of the loving wife and beaming mom coming through.

Also, she answers some horse related questions and makes updates about the Zenyatta Lounge on the backside of the racetrack. I was afraid the diary was going to get stale and be "Oh, Zenyatta is happy today, grazing in the field with the other mares" over and over, but Dottie's managing to keep things lively. Thumbs up, Dottie, keep it coming!

Mary MMM

[islandgirl45]

I know it's so twee, but I get a kick out of Dottie's "too cute," blushes, CAPSLOCK, etc. I too have been wondering how she was going to describe the "event." Turned out well, I think.

It's sweet for Dottie to write all these posts and include pictures. It says a lot about Dottie as a person, especially when she has Zenyatta saying, "My dear John" and getting all excited about seeing David. You can hear the voice of the loving wife and beaming mom coming through.

Also, she answers some horse related questions and makes updates about the Zenyatta Lounge on the backside of the racetrack. I was afraid the diary was going to get stale and be "Oh, Zenyatta is happy today, grazing in the field with the other mares" over and over, but Dottie's managing to keep things lively. Thumbs up, Dottie, keep it coming!

Mary MMM

I also like that she weaves in some racing-related educational topics such as the discussion on shoes, bridles, saddles, etc. It makes racing seem more approachable and less like an "inside baseball" activity.

[Intelligent Male]

Giving it up on the first date... What a tramp!

I heard they did it in the van.

The slut.

[Sheepish]

I was thinking along the same lines. It's like something out of the "Thoroughbred" book series. All it needs is some guy named Brad to be the villain with the rival horse, Townsend's Whatchamacallit and some horse-crazy teenage jockey wannabe girls sleeping in the "next Man o' War's" stall.

Mary MMM

I lol'ed so hard.

[Sun King]

I'd take Rachel's date this week over Z's any day of the week.

[Hermes]

I'd take Rachel's date this week over Z's any day of the week.

I am sure Bernie cribbed really hard when he read this.:evil:

[Psychotic Parakeet]

I'd take Rachel's date this week over Z's any day of the week.

I am uncertain how to interpret that statement as that could mean something very suggestive.

[Sun King]

I simply meant that Curlin is better looking. For a horse. Not anything suggestive. If I was a HORSE, a female HORSE, I'd take Curlin over Dini.

[moonwalker]

I simply meant that Curlin is better looking. For a horse. Not anything suggestive. If I was a HORSE, a female HORSE, I'd take Curlin over Dini.

I work night shift and I know it's time to go to bed when I read a line and it sounds like something out of a song from "The Sound of Music." Sing that last sentence to the tune of "Do-Re-Mi":

"If I'm a HORSE,
a female HORSE,
I'd take Curlin over Diniiiiiiii!"

(And no Sun King, not making fun of you! I've just been awake for nearly 24 hours and I'm a little punchy!)

Mary MMM

[Hermes]

I can't think of any horsemen in Kentucky that thinks Curlin is a better looking horse than Bernardini. Nothing against Curlin.

[Rainyday]

I can't think of any horsemen in Kentucky that thinks Curlin is a better looking horse than Bernardini. Nothing against Curlin.

I happen to agree that Bernardini is the better looking one, but that's horsemen. How do we know which one mares prefer?

[Hermes]

I happen to agree that Bernardini is the better looking one, but that's horsemen. How do we know which one mares prefer?

Probably prefer the teaser.

[FlowerEssence]

I happen to agree that Bernardini is the better looking one, but that's horsemen. How do we know which one mares prefer?

We'll never know since they don't ever get a choice!

In terms of breeding, "professional" always cracks me up.

[Kurenai]

And here I hoped that neither are your type.

I Loled irl. Hahahaha! :tape2:

[violabella]

Probably prefer the teaser.


Hahaha! That's about it! They are the ones who actually know how to sweet talk!

[Cigar]

Did Bern send Zenyatta flowers or candy the next day?

[horsecrazygal21]

We'll never know since they don't ever get a choice!

In terms of breeding, "professional" always cracks me up.

Can any animal be expected to be anything more than professional? They're animals for chris sake it's what they do. But that's just a farm girls opinion.

[Blue Jeans]

I finally go out of town one day .... and missed the most exciting day for a Zenyatta & Bernardini fan! Yikes! So happy for both of them.

What a month, huh? Feb. 11th was Zarkava and Sea The Stars :kiss:, then the 21st was Rachel and Curlin :love: ... and the 23rd was reserved for Zenyatta and Bernardini. :rapture:
Cheers to all three couples! :cheer2:

[second_glance]

Can any animal be expected to be anything more than professional? They're animals for chris sake it's what they do. But that's just a farm girls opinion.

In this instance, as in many others relating to animals, I think people use the word "professional" merely to describe an animal that makes it easy for them. So . . . Z didn't cause anyone any trouble, any extra work, or delay the proceedings. :)

[drjohnh]

i would think a maiden mare is not especially expected to be professional. the only T-bred breeding i have seen involved a mare who had been bred before and she was freaking out, at least at first. plus i assume that Z wore the leather shields and hobbles ....it isn't exactly a natural situation

[islandgirl45]

From Bernardini's Facebook page...
What a romantic guy!:)

https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/188121_183698388328464_1200866_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bernardini/183698388328464)

Things to send Zenyatta
by Bernardini (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bernardini/183698388328464) on Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 5:19pm

1. Flowers (no thorns)
2. Carrots
3. Guiness
4. A card <3
5. Peppermints
6. Love Letter
7. Sugar cubes
8. Red apples (in basket)
9. Romantic music (instrumental)
10. My Cologne;)
11. A poster of me
12. Darley Ad:Bernardini
13. My portfolio
14. A polished Shoe of mine
15. One of my Halters
16...
Have any more Ideas make a comment and I will add it to the list :)

[horsecrazygal21]

i would think a maiden mare is not especially expected to be professional. the only T-bred breeding i have seen involved a mare who had been bred before and she was freaking out, at least at first. plus i assume that Z wore the leather shields and hobbles ....it isn't exactly a natural situation

I meant from a seasoned stallions point of veiw I should've clarified in my last post.

[Cigar]

If her offspring run against the offspring of Rachel, the board will crash. And I hope they do race eachother.

[brigadier gerard]

If her offspring run against the offspring of Rachel, the board will crash. And I hope they do race eachother.

You heard it here first-- they'll debut in the same race towards the end of the Saratoga meet.

[JD]

I work night shift and I know it's time to go to bed when I read a line and it sounds like something out of a song from "The Sound of Music." Sing that last sentence to the tune of "Do-Re-Mi":

"If I'm a HORSE,
a female HORSE,
I'd take Curlin over Diniiiiiiii!"

(And no Sun King, not making fun of you! I've just been awake for nearly 24 hours and I'm a little punchy!)

Mary MMM

I love musicals. I'm going to post this on another thread, but I had to share it here first:

Song of Bernardini (from Lane's End Story- you know... tune of "Maria" from West Side Story)

Zenyatta
I just saw a mare named Zenyatta
I'm walking to the shed
I think I'm off my head
It's HER!

Zenyatta
I just met a mare named Zenyatta
We're barely introduced
But I think I've been seduced
By her!

Zenyatta
Say it soft, and the future looks glorious
Say it loud – and our foals are victorious
Zenyatta!
Zenyatta! Zenyatta! Zenyatta!

Zenyatta
I danced with a mare named Zenyatta
She has such a kind eye,
I know that I'm the guy
For her!

Zenyatta
I just met a mare named Zenyatta
I think it's very clear
She must come back next year,
She's mine!

Zenyatta
Say it soft, and the future looks glorious
Say it loud – and our foals are victorious
Zenyatta!
Zenyatta! Zenyatta! Zenyatta!

[Blue Jeans]

[QUOTE=JD;176601]I love musicals. I'm going to post this on another thread, but I had to share it here first:

Song of Bernardini (from Lane's End Story- you know... West Side Story)

QUOTE]

Be sure to add to list above .... "Bernardini's list of things". You're very good, but I can't carry a tune in a bucket anymore! Preferred reading .... not singing. lol

[JD]

[QUOTE=JD;176601]I love musicals. I'm going to post this on another thread, but I had to share it here first:

Song of Bernardini (from Lane's End Story- you know... West Side Story)

QUOTE]

Be sure to add to list above .... "Bernardini's list of things". You're very good, but I can't carry a tune in a bucket anymore! Preferred reading .... not singing. lol

Thanks Blue Jeans! I bet you'd know it if you heard it!

[Blue Jeans]

[QUOTE=Blue Jeans;176616]

Thanks Blue Jeans! I bet you'd know it if you heard it!

Oh, I know the song, but it's my horrible singing that would ruin it! I love the music!

[Blue Jeans]

Here's something readers will enjoy .... just found at another site.

Three Stages of Foaling

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/horse-health/2011/02/23/three-stages-of-foaling.aspx

[Blue Jeans]

If her offspring run against the offspring of Rachel, the board will crash. And I hope they do race eachother.

Don't forget Zarkava's offspring! What if all three compete in a BC? Whoa Nellie! lol

[CoronadosQuest]

Don't forget Zarkava's offspring! What if all three compete in a BC? Whoa Nellie! lol

Good thing that Baby Z and Baby RA will be dirt horses. Hopefully one will be in the BC Juve, the other in the BC Juve Fillies and the other in the BC Turf

[Flanders]

Does anyone know who Zarkava is going to this year? I read that she had her Sea The Stars colt in France. The Aga Khan only stands 2 stallions in France, Kahyasi(her broodmare sire) and Sinndar. Sinndar was a very good racehorse and has sired some nice runners. The cross would give a 4sX5d to Mill Reef, 5sX5d to Northern Dancer and Secretariat.

[CarsonCity]

i would think a maiden mare is not especially expected to be professional. the only T-bred breeding i have seen involved a mare who had been bred before and she was freaking out, at least at first. plus i assume that Z wore the leather shields and hobbles ....it isn't exactly a natural situationYou are right John, it is not natural. The thing is you have stallions that are being protected because of their insurance, and believe it or not to protect the humans involved. Not every horse needs a cape...or "leather shield", and virtually no one uses hobbles any more. Mostly kick boots and a leg strap, but when one gets right down to it, hobbles are probably safest, but require a little more attention.

[moonwalker]

Wonder if Mikey Smith was kicking rocks with his toe and pouting when he heard the news. "There's no stallion good enough for her! *mumble mumble Bernardini mumble mumble*"

Mary MMM

[moonwalker]

I love musicals. I'm going to post this on another thread, but I had to share it here first:

Song of Bernardini (from Lane's End Story- you know... tune of "Maria" from West Side Story)

Zenyatta
I just saw a mare named Zenyatta
I'm walking to the shed
I think I'm off my head
It's HER!

Zenyatta
I just met a mare named Zenyatta
We're barely introduced
But I think I've been seduced
By her!

Zenyatta
Say it soft, and the future looks glorious
Say it loud – and our foals are victorious
Zenyatta!
Zenyatta! Zenyatta! Zenyatta!

Zenyatta
I danced with a mare named Zenyatta
She has such a kind eye,
I know that I'm the guy
For her!

Zenyatta
I just met a mare named Zenyatta
I think it's very clear
She must come back next year,
She's mine!

Zenyatta
Say it soft, and the future looks glorious
Say it loud – and our foals are victorious
Zenyatta!
Zenyatta! Zenyatta! Zenyatta!

LOL! I just hope Bernardini and the rest of the "Darley boys" don't get in a knife fight with the "Coolmore gang," dancing and singing or not!

Mary MMM

[Hermes]

You are right John, it is not natural. The thing is you have stallions that are being protected because of their insurance, and believe it or not to protect the humans involved. Not every horse needs a cape...or "leather shield", and virtually no one uses hobbles any more. Mostly kick boots and a leg strap, but when one gets right down to it, hobbles are probably safest, but require a little more attention.

CC, how would you handle a maiden mare with a recent serious front leg injury in the shed?

[CarsonCity]

CC, how would you handle a maiden mare with a recent serious front leg injury in the shed?Depends on where the injury is, extent of the injury... sometimes you can put up the right leg instead of the left. If she jumps well, honestly you could go with out, but I would usually have a little chemical assist in that instance. Maidens will usually have more issues with a leg strap than the horse mounting them. So I may jump them with the teaser a coupla times without a leg up, and if she's ok with that, breed her without the leg up, or with a quick drop, but be ready to turn her fast if she does so much as just gets a hump in her back. Also depends on the horse. A good one jump horse would factor into if I tried it or not. Others that play and jump two or three times I would not be so inclined to try. It can be done with a good crew, horse, teaser and sometimes vet.

[Hermes]

Depends on where the injury is, extent of the injury... sometimes you can put up the right leg instead of the left. If she jumps well, honestly you could go with out, but I would usually have a little chemical assist in that instance. Maidens will usually have more issues with a leg strap than the horse mounting them. So I may jump them with the teaser a coupla times without a leg up, and if she's ok with that, breed her without the leg up, or with a quick drop, but be ready to turn her fast if she does so much as just gets a hump in her back. Also depends on the horse. A good one jump horse would factor into if I tried it or not. Others that play and jump two or three times I would not be so inclined to try. It can be done with a good crew, horse, teaser and sometimes vet.

Thanks for that detailed reply CC. I was thinking that that might be a case where stallion selection would consider if he is a quick one jump horse, too.

[horsecrazygal21]

According to her post a few minutes ago on facebook Zen is no longer in foal :sad:

[Lava Man Fan]

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/breeding-news/2011/03/29/zenyatta-no-longer-in-foal.aspx

[Slewfan2]

So sad..........I hope they'll breed her back, but my guess is they won't.

[Purcocious]

So sad..........I hope they'll breed her back, but my guess is they won't.

It's too bad, but I don't see why they wouldn't breed her back. It's early in the year and she wasn't far enough along in her pregnancy to effect her getting pregnant again.

[ComicalCat]

So sad..........I hope they'll breed her back, but my guess is they won't.

Oh yeah, they'll breed her back. It's still early in the season. She'll probably come back into heat again within the next few days to a week and go back to the breeding shed over the weekend or early next week.

We've already had 3 mares reabsorb the embryo. It happens. Sometimes there's an obvious cause for the reabsorbtion, sometimes there isn't. It's not uncommon and when it happens early in embryonic growth, it generally doesn't affect the mare's capacity to conceive and carry to term.

Once a mare gets past 42 to 45 days roughly, structures develop within the ovaries which are meant to sustain the pregnancy with hormone production. If a mare aborts after these structure form, it's very difficult to get them to cycle back again within a few months and you generally end up missing the rest of the breeding season and have to start over the next season.

[EquineAnne]

Oh yeah, they'll breed her back. It's still early in the season. She'll probably come back into heat again within the next few days to a week and go back to the breeding shed over the weekend or early next week.

We've already had 3 mares reabsorb the embryo. It happens. Sometimes there's an obvious cause for the reabsorbtion, sometimes there isn't. It's not uncommon and when it happens early in embryonic growth, it generally doesn't affect the mare's capacity to conceive and carry to term.

Once a mare gets past 42 to 45 days roughly, structures develop within the ovaries which are meant to sustain the pregnancy with hormone production. If a mare aborts after these structure form, it's very difficult to get them to cycle back again within a few months and you generally end up missing the rest of the breeding season and have to start over the next season.

Thank you for that detailed explanation.

[horsecrazygal21]

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/62178/zenyatta-loses-foal-will-be-bred-again?utm_source=twitter

[Jas]

Yeah, once the "cups" form, it's tough to get the mares going again. But Z was no where near that point.

Our mare Justine was checked in foal but at the 30 day heartbeat check there wasn't one, just an irregularly shaped embryo. So we've been cleaning her out and getting her ready for another dance with Tale of the Cat.

It happens and usually there's no major complications in the re-breedings. Good luck to her this go round.

[Claim To Fame]

Yeah, once the "cups" form, it's tough to get the mares going again. But Z was no where near that point.

Our mare Justine was checked in foal but at the 30 day heartbeat check there wasn't one, just an irregularly shaped embryo. So we've been cleaning her out and getting her ready for another dance with Tale of the Cat.

It happens and usually there's no major complications in the re-breedings. Good luck to her this go round.

And good luck with you and Justine on the second "date" with Tale Of The Cat

[Daliapour]

Thank you for that detailed explanation.
I second that - Thank you ComicalCat for taking the time to explain the science behind it.

[serenassong]

I know that it happens, but how common is it in mares bred the first time? It just wasn't ment to be, hopefully all will go well the next time.

[WesternDreamer]

I know that it happens, but how common is it in mares bred the first time? It just wasn't ment to be, hopefully all will go well the next time.

It's more uncommon that she DID get in foal the first time bred. I've worked around many mares, and more often than not, the maidens took a few covers to catch...and a few of them would reabsorb and be sent back yet again. I was surprised to hear both Z and Rachel caught on first covers, and figured at least one of them wouldn't maintain to 60 days and be bred again. Even our mares that weren't maidens would reabsorb in the first 4 weeks and be sent back again. We didn't really start to breathe until the 42-60 day mark.

[MightyMitch]

I really think tomorrow's diary ought to explain things in more detail. I was reading some of the replies on the diary and had to restrain myself from a face smack or two. Many people seem to think that she won't be re-bred and will have to wait until next year.

I realize that not everyone is horse-savvy, but if you read those replies, you'd think someone had killed their puppy or something. Yeah, it's a real bummer that she slipped the foal, or reabsorbed or whatever, but it's not the end of the world. I read a post that someone was asking if Bernardini was holding up as well as Zenyatta was. I had to blink at that one. I mean, REALLY?

[Retrospectiv]

I really think tomorrow's diary ought to explain things in more detail. I was reading some of the replies on the diary and had to restrain myself from a face smack or two. Many people seem to think that she won't be re-bred and will have to wait until next year.

I realize that not everyone is horse-savvy, but if you read those replies, you'd think someone had killed their puppy or something. Yeah, it's a real bummer that she slipped the foal, or reabsorbed or whatever, but it's not the end of the world. I read a post that someone was asking if Bernardini was holding up as well as Zenyatta was. I had to blink at that one. I mean, REALLY?

I gave up reading most of the posts, just too much of what you posted above. There's too many people out there living in some alter reality from the rest of us... I wonder how many came to that blog from ABR...

[Sheepish]

I agree to a degree (ugh, accidental rhyming). I think it's cute that the diary is from Z's perspective, but when you're trying to get actually news from it, it's like a newspaper written in baby-talk. I don't even bother to read the comments, it's just people being overly emotional. Which is fine, it doesn't affect me one way or the other. I think it's easier to read Facebook posts in the horse's point of view than an entire blog post.

[MightyMitch]

I gave up reading most of the posts, just too much of what you posted above. There's too many people out there living in some alter reality from the rest of us... I wonder how many came to that blog from ABR...

Oh man, did you read the one from the whacko who went on and on about Barbaro and how he was supposed to be Zen's horse-husband, and how Bernardini only won the Preakness because Barbaro died under mysterious circumstances and how god doesn't want the foal to be born from that mating but if they breed her to Nicanor or Lenetor, she would like totally be in foal and keep it.

*sigh* So many of these people aren't horse people, they don't understand the process, and they definitely don't understand that Zenyatta didn't even know she was pregnant. It's one of those times when you just have to grit your teeth and look the other way, I guess.

[djnorth]

I'm with you guys on the posts. I think it's great if non-horsey people are interested in Z and others. I think it's fine if they post and ask questions or give opinions.

It's when those few that are so far out there it's frightening step up to the plate. It was so much worse with Barbaro but when we read some of the Zen posts, it gives me flashbacks.

[CoronadosQuest]

Sad that Zenyatta lost her foal, however some of the comments on the diary page... I dunno, I'll keep most of my comments to myself but I feel bad for those people and agree with what MightyMitch and Retrospectiv had to say about it.

[EquineAnne]

Sad that Zenyatta lost her foal, however some of the comments on the diary page... I dunno, I'll keep most of my comments to myself but I feel bad for those people and agree with what MightyMitch and Retrospectiv had to say about it.

I read one or two when her site first came out. That was it. Now, I just read what "Zen" writes and close it up.

[Vertigo]

Oh man, did you read the one from the whacko who went on and on about Barbaro and how he was supposed to be Zen's horse-husband, and how Bernardini only won the Preakness because Barbaro died under mysterious circumstances and how god doesn't want the foal to be born from that mating but if they breed her to Nicanor or Lenetor, she would like totally be in foal and keep it.




okay....i just laughed at that

[Blue Jeans]

Just posted the following at "Zenyatta news" ... interesting and informative article.

http://www.paulickreport.com/feature...mbryonic-loss/ (http://www.paulickreport.com/features/the-breeders-cup-forum/the-breeders-cup-forum-early-embryonic-loss/)

Best wishes to Zenyatta.

[serenassong]

Just posted the following at "Zenyatta news" ... interesting and informative article.

http://www.paulickreport.com/feature...mbryonic-loss/ (http://www.paulickreport.com/features/the-breeders-cup-forum/the-breeders-cup-forum-early-embryonic-loss/)

Best wishes to Zenyatta.

Interesting read, thanks for that.

[CoronadosQuest]

I read one or two when her site first came out. That was it. Now, I just read what "Zen" writes and close it up.

I usually do too but sometimes when Im at work and bored, I scroll through but after I read a few from yesterday.. I realized I shouldn't do that anymore because then I feel sad for the people. Not all but there are a few.

[islandgirl45]

The "Barbaro woman" is so out there I have to wonder if she's not playing a role. She's shown up in other venues, and was discussed on TBC a while back. She's the one with the "shrine" to Barbaro on her kitchen table who insists "the Mafia killed Barbaro."

I doubt all the folks posting on Zenyatta's blog, or Uncle Mo's Facebook page or the site/page of any "star" horse are all horse people. I bet most are not. They're just people who were captured by the charisma and performances of a particular horse.

Ultimately, that's what draws a lot of fans to horse racing. Which is a good thing.

[EquineAnne]

I don't know, IG. It's hard to chalk it all up to being a good thing. I don't see the same thing happening in baseball or basketball or soccer or any other sport. Instead, because these are animals, we seem to draw in some "unusual" fans.

LOL V!

[islandgirl45]

I don't know, IG. It's hard to chalk it all up to being a good thing. I don't see the same thing happening in baseball or basketball or soccer or any other sport. Instead, because these are animals, we seem to draw in some "unusual" fans.

Have you seen the guys who paint themselves, get drunk and scream throughout games? Or, how about the man who got so wigged out about a college football rivalry that he poisoned trees?

I don't think people writing innocuous blog comments can compare anything but favorably to those. And I'm sure Xpressbet or Twinspires are happy to take their money if they bet.

[second_glance]

Have you seen the guys who paint themselves, get drunk and scream throughout games? Or, how about the man who got so wigged out about a college football rivalry that he poisoned trees?

I don't think people writing innocuous blog comments can compare anything but favorably to those. And I'm sure Xpressbet or Twinspires are happy to take their money if they bet.

The idiots who send death threats to high-school quarterbacks (or other sports stars) for picking the "wrong" college to attend.

[islandgirl45]

The idiots who send death threats to high-school quarterbacks (or other sports stars) for picking the "wrong" college to attend.

Hadn't heard of those. Wow, that's seriously unhinged.

[djnorth]

I don't know, IG. It's hard to chalk it all up to being a good thing. I don't see the same thing happening in baseball or basketball or soccer or any other sport. Instead, because these are animals, we seem to draw in some "unusual" fans.

It could be because the horses can't speak for themselves and some of these folks (I'm NOT talking about the folks working in retirement, veterinary care etc. who DO know what's going on!) feel that they can be the animals' voice. Some of the really extreme ones think that the horses do talk to them. I think there was (is?) one of the Barbaro faithful who claimed to get emails from the horse.

[Della]

Why does anyone read those comments?

[ourmims]

Why does anyone read those comments?

For the sheer entertainment value.

I've stopped reading Zen's diary. I love Zen but the way it's written is just to childish for me. I've been reading paulick report, TB times, and the bloodhorse for any news on her and while I'm thrilled that non-horsey people are racing/Zen fans some of the comments scare me.

I gave up on ABR when a friend posted a thread about having her much-loved mare euthanized and people were all over her about not saving her. The mare snapped her cannon bone and due to the nature of the break it would have been inhumane to try and save her. People blasted my friend and insisted that the mare be saved and that my friend was cruel to not try and save her.

[Sheepish]

I remember when a famous dressage horse, Blue Hors Matiné, broke her leg and people crapped themselves over her being put down. Some people were even going on about how they could have given her a prosthetic leg, but didn't because the insurance money was worth more than the horse (never mind that they were planning on breeding her and her offspring would have been worth a metric f*ck-ton).

People will just never get it. I finally blew up at someone saying "Yes, I'm sure you loved that horse you've never even touched far more than her rider, owner, and caregivers. They killed the horse to piss you off and get rich." And sadly, I've said that to multiple people since about several different horses. People just don't get it.

[horsecrazygal21]

Those people are insane if they really did their research they would realize that most of the time it is impossible to save them even when we want to.

[Pronzini]

I remember when a famous dressage horse, Blue Hors Matiné, broke her leg and people crapped themselves over her being put down. Some people were even going on about how they could have given her a prosthetic leg, but didn't because the insurance money was worth more than the horse (never mind that they were planning on breeding her and her offspring would have been worth a metric f*ck-ton).

People will just never get it. I finally blew up at someone saying "Yes, I'm sure you loved that horse you've never even touched far more than her rider, owner, and caregivers. They killed the horse to piss you off and get rich." And sadly, I've said that to multiple people since about several different horses. People just don't get it.

And I'm sure when you point this out to them, their retort is "It's my opinion and that's as good as anyone else's."

Um no it's not.

[ourmims]

I remember when a famous dressage horse, Blue Hors Matiné, broke her leg and people crapped themselves over her being put down. Some people were even going on about how they could have given her a prosthetic leg, but didn't because the insurance money was worth more than the horse (never mind that they were planning on breeding her and her offspring would have been worth a metric f*ck-ton).

People will just never get it. I finally blew up at someone saying "Yes, I'm sure you loved that horse you've never even touched far more than her rider, owner, and caregivers. They killed the horse to piss you off and get rich." And sadly, I've said that to multiple people since about several different horses. People just don't get it.

People don't. I spend alot of time riding, grooming, and taking care of Houdini. And if anything were to happen that I would have to put him down it would devastate me. But if he sustained an injury that would make it inhumane to try and save him or if the treatment would be too risky I would do the right thing and have him put down vs seeing him suffer. I believe that doing what's best for the horse may not be what's best for the human sometimes. I would miss having him around though.

[Second of June]

I've stopped reading Zen's diary. I love Zen but the way it's written is just to childish for me.

agreed. i'll check it every once in awhile, and i think it's fantastic that her connections put so much time and effort into keeping her fans updated, but the baby talk really turns me off. if they could mature it up a bit, i feel like it would be just as effective and informative, but might not attract quite so many crazies who really believe that it's Zenyatta doing the typing. some of her entries are just so over-the-top babyish that i can't even stand to read them.

[drjohnh]

i like the way it is written..in fact i think it is TOO CUTE!
on the other hand i don't care what anybody else's thought are so skip all other posts. i am glad so many people are interested though

[Starine]

The diary is very childish.

I imagine even if I were a complete neophyte when it came to racing I would still find it cloying and mawkish and certainly a turn-off.

I believe it is possible to keep fans informed without making it sound like a thirteen-year-old inhabits the vessel of a horse. More importantly, it is possible to keep fans informed without addressing them like children.

[TBird]

The diary is very childish.

I imagine even if I were a complete neophyte when it came to racing I would still find it cloying and mawkish and certainly a turn-off.

I believe it is possible to keep fans informed without making it sound like a thirteen-year-old inhabits the vessel of a horse. More importantly, it is possible to keep fans informed without addressing them like children.

I totally agree. Except that I think she sounds like a seven year old, and not a very bright one at that.

[Vertigo]

And I'm sure when you point this out to them, their retort is "It's my opinion and that's as good as anyone else's."

Um no it's not.


That is the absolute worst.