Super Save on Derby Day

On Kentucky Derby Day when Super Saver crossed the finish line after another brilliant ride by Calvin BoRail....an Appaloosa/quarter horse mix with an uncanny resemblance to the fictional race horse, Hayseed, was waiting on another finish line.




Luckily, "Hayseed" as the fortunate horse would be called had several groups and individuals trying to save his life while he was on an auction lot in New Jersey.

The story of Hayseed, started in the imagination of Sally Schrock, a deaf author that was in the process of losing her home due to foreclosure when her book caught the attention of The Second Race back in January.

Read about her story and our original blog post http://thesecondrace.blogspot.com/2010/01/two-stories-of-not-giving-up-hayseed.html

After admiring the story of Hayseed and Sally, I became Facebook friends with her. Sally and I often write each other through the week; and several times we have talked informally about finding a "Hayseed" some day. A month of so ago, I had actually sent a picture to her of a horse that looked somewhat like him, and we together daydreamed about finding the perfect one, one day to rescue...what a story it would make.

Well as fate would have it, this horse appeared on a message I received on April 28th or 29th. I was stunned when I saw him. I sent the picture to Sally, but she had already seen a post as well and knew too, that this was her Hayseed.

Efforts began immediately to save him from the slaughter truck. Voice for Horses Network, founded by Diana Murphy over ten years ago, took the helm on his being saved. A portion of the monies needed to pay the broker fee of $ 900.00 was raised (including a donation from the Quarter Pole Fund, by The Second Race) in time on Kentucky Derby Day to save him, with Voice for Horses dipping into their funds to pay the outstanding balance to secure his safety. Hayseed was across the finish line; just like the millionaire Super Saver in Kentucky.


Interestingly enough, Sally stated that Diana didn't know about the book, Hayseed's First Race, and when told about her book Diana not only stepped up the efforts, but purchased the book too.


Hayseed, will be arriving in Ohio from New Jersey in the next day or so to complete his 30 day quarantine (QT). His QT costs will be $ 200 for the month, and in addition will incur vet bills that will need to be covered. The hope is that sponsors for Hayseed will be found, their names will be added as the story unfolds with Hayseed.

Hayseed's new life is being mapped out by Sally. In the meantime a trainer is needed to assist with the transition to help "bomb proof", Hayseed so that he can be at the race track, county fairs and other places where his story, and the stories of other unwanted horses can be told. If you are interested in helping with his training you may contact us at thesecondrace@gmail.com and information will be forwarded.

If you would like to donate to become a Sponsor of Hayseed, please send your donation via PayPal to sarahstryker@aol.com and you will be listed as a Sponsor in further communications. To pay for his immediate care send your donation to Voice for Horses at www.voiceforhorses.org.


We look forward to hearing the great work that this "Super Saver" will do in the future.

Two Stories of Not Giving Up--- Hayseed and Sally

I like many of you receive several emails in my in box, messages on my Facebook page, and tweets by the truck load. I would like to say that I pay attention to all; but like most of us I simply don't. However, late this morning an email caught my attention, and well I have to share.


Caballo Press, has a divison called Caballito for their Children's books. Their first published title will be Hayseed's First Race by Sally Shrock. To be published in April, 2010.


Not only is the story of the main character, Hayseed, adorable but there is a lesson in it for children (never give up, love yourself, and don't let the opinions of others shape your own). Hayseed loves himself and even knowing he isn't the best looking horse, or the fanciest enters the same race as the others. A message that can easily and sweetly counteract the message children receive everyday. But more compelling is the story of the author.



Sally is not only deaf, but losing her home to a predatory lender. Sally is on the verge of being homeless if she doesn't quickly find a way to stem the tide. Many in this economy are in the same boat. What makes her story a bit different is that people who barely know her want to step up and help. The goal is to accumulate 50,000 to 100,000 pre-sale orders of her Hayseed's First Race book.


"We are going to do everything in our power to secure Ms. Shrock a large number of pre-orders in an effort to give her an opportunity to buy back her home and at the very least find a home she can move into if she is forced out of her current residence", states Caballo Press' Rudy Alvarado.


An effort to spread the word about Hayseed, the improbable race horse and his creator, Sally has started on Facebook. A fan page called "Save Sally & Hayseed" has been created by Linda Wright. Linda (a friend and fellow Horsenameographer) felt compelled to do what she could to help Ms. Shrock out.



In addition, in helping with a pre-order purchase of the book, a portion of the sale will also benefit Anna House, the non profit childcare center located on the backside of the Belmont Race Track. Caballo Press supports several non profit organizations from the sale of their books.

The Second Race wants to support the cause as well, and encourage a purchase of the book. I have placed my order. http://www.caballopress.com/HayseedBook.html

To read an excerpt from the book, please click on the link below.

http://www.caballopress.com/HAyseedPreviewForHrsnmeogrhrsSecurelLinkXY09785THD/files/NrseNmogrphrsPreview.pdf