Saving Baby

How One Woman's Love for a Racehorse Led to Her Redemption

De: Jo Anne Normile, Lawrence Lindner

Narrado por: Gabra Zackman

"If we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to stop, and do nothing, we make ourselves sharers in the guilt." (Anna Sewell, author of Black Beauty)

Jo Anne Normile was not supposed to keep the foal, an exuberant Thoroughbred with only a few white hairs on his reddish-brown forehead. But she fell in love with the young horse, who had literally been born into her arms. The breeder finally said she could keep the colt, whom she nicknamed "Baby" - but only if she raced him. It was difficult to take Baby away from the safety of his pasture. But Normile had made a promise. Besides, horseracing had always come across as a glamorous blend of mint juleps and celebrity, of equine grace and speed. It was a vision she found appealing. And she fell hard for it, this "Sport of Kings". She experienced a thrill every time Baby sprinted around the track, edging out other horses. But the magic that enchants is a veneer. For every Seabiscuit, there are tens of thousands of racehorses whose lives end in pain and despair, with indifference and corruption that runs rampant through the world of horse racing. Normile knew none of this. Not until an accident on a poorly maintained track. That's when everything changed. That's when Normile founded the most successful horse rescue in the country, an organization that would go on to save more horses than anyone else ever had. That's when she knew she had no other choice.

Saving Baby is Jo Anne Normile's story of perseverance and passion. A heartbreaking and ultimately life-affirming audiobook, it testifies to the transcending power of hope, and the unshakeable bond of love.

©2013, 2014 Jo Anne Normile and Lawrence Lindner (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Excellent

For anyone, especially Thoroughbred race lovers this is a must read. I knew we lived in an ugly world, but truly didn't realize the extent regarding theae wonderful creatures. Changed my perspective..

Horse lovers will love this book

I have been a horse owner most of my life. I appreciate the truth in most of what happens to Baby and how a great life was assured

the abuse is worse than you'd think

it's heartbreaking to know how these horses are treated, even ones that performed well for their owners. the lack of care and short cuts taken to push a horse to win without regard for it's welfare, pain or suffering. it's all about money with no regard for the animal's health or care with injuries.

thank God for people that are rescuing the ones they can. thank you Jo Anne for bringing this issue to light . even the way they slaughter horses is insane, most just tossed away like they gave no feelings or pain....all for the love if money.

Animals are treated like property not living beings & it happens to dogs, cats and other species. Gandi said you can judge the measure of a nation by how it treats it's animals and we have failed miserably!!

Not a horse lover, but loved this book

I've never been one of the girls like JoAnne who longed for a horse. I mostly picked this up as research for my students, but I was completely swept away. I wept I was so moved. I'm recommending this book to everyone.

The performance, I have to say, may have been what sold the book. It was absolutely stunning and made me fall in love with all of the characters, but especially the horses.

Good book, great cause

It was a great story, if you are a horse person, the constant explaining about horse terms can get repetitive, however I understand it was put in for non horse people so they can follow along. good story and great cause, worth a credit.

Great story!

good story. great listen. Be careful listening with kids. some curse words, but only maybe 4 or 5. very informative

tugs on the equestrians heart string

so heart wrenching and emotional. I own an OTTB and can only imagine what he may have gone through and glad he is mine. loved this book!

An Absolute MUST for any Lover of Animals

Where does Saving Baby rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was among my top 5 audiobooks!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jo Anne... for obvious reasons. Her story, Baby's story, is one of complete love and despair. To know a horse is to love a horse, but the revealing truths she shares in this book, not only about the love and care for her horses, but the shocking and horrible truths of the horse-racing industry is thoughtful and imploring.

What about Gabra Zackman’s performance did you like?

She nailed it... it was as if Jo Anne, herself was telling me her story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

BOTH! Having horses of my own, and having worked at an Equine Sanctuary, SO MUCH OF it hit home... the deep, undying love... and the loss. Tragically beautiful-all of it!

Any additional comments?

This is a must read for any animal lover, any lover of horses, and anyone who fancies themselves a crusader for fairness, justice, and the fair treatment of animals.

The Angel of TB's. 1 Women's fight for change

From someone all to familiar with how far Trainer will go. After Showing and raising AQHA for many years. I was so touch, and could relate. After 25 yrs I Lost that special one back in 2011. Your words are everything I've ever felt. the calm looking into there eyes, foals sleeping next to you outside. If you are an animal lover. This is the best!!

Excellent and informational book

I found this book to be excellent read, with great information about what really happened to those horses that aren't fortunate enough to be at the top of the sport. As an owner of 3 CANTER horses from Michigan and several more off-the-track thoroughbreds hich i was able to purchase directly through racing trainers because of Joanns contribution to this sport . I am so thrilled that Joanne wrote this book to get the message out about this organization.