Saving Baby

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

By: Jo Anne Normile, Lawrence Lindner

Narrated by: 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.