The Reality of Rescue | Nighthawk's Story

[@hazelgosham3906]

I'm so glad the last thing Nighthawk felt was the love and kindness you all gave him, he is pain free at last. Thankyou ❤

[@patriciafarran9742]

Shame on every single person who saw this horse suffer and did nothing about it! Thanks to HPHS, he’s not suffering anymore.

[@geminidream4347]

Agreed! There needs to be laws put in place for this kind of thing! And severe punishments for those caught breaking these laws! If they can do this to animals, what would stop them from doing the same to a human, huh?

[@patriciafarran9742]

@@geminidream4347 Yes, agreed 👍

[@RC-vb1hz]

Agreed!!

[@niaharmes9256]

@@geminidream4347 ♾️ Agreed

[@akantiia]

It's heartwrenching seeing horses in states like this, Nighthawk should have been given the last act of kindness long before he ever hit the slaughter pipeline

[@joannatassin3238]

Agreed, which is why we should have more regulations on auctions and the slaughter pipeline.

[@n.weath7653]

I absolutely love how honest you all are and the help you have given them all . I love the most that you give end of life as well . Nothing worse than me seeing people give donations and they make horses suffer. Thank you ❤

[@3232siobhan]

So many of these beautiful standard bred horses are discarded like rubbish. It's so PAINFUL to watch 💔💔

[@FeatheredLife]

Run free Nighthawk the pastures in Valhalla are green and peaceful. You are free from the neglect, the abuse and the pain. There will be others to greet you, and show you the way. Rest in Peace beautiful boy.

[@geminidream4347]

Valhalla, what a great choice for a horse like him. Thank you ever so much.

[@sparkle.-buggg3610]

Beautiful words ❤️

[@loribaker8339]

This is sick. I know you'd love to file abuse charges on people that bring in horses that get dropped off in this condition, but then you'd be in court every day all day and unable to help more horses. So glad you have Dr. Lydia and Dr. Gina to take care of these poor horses. It seems like you're getting more horses that need the last act of kindness and not any horses to save. God bless you guys for helping these critical horses.

[@jcmac47]

Where was this horse for "months" with this injury? I will never understand how people can turn a blind eye to any creature in pain.

[@dragonites8659]

I really appreciate the ”reality of rescue” series..

[@tripthelightfantastick6035]

Agree! They are sad, but it is great to see the entire story and get some closure.

[@ellenbesase1136]

Disgusting - who are the sick people that don't treat this injury and then send him to an auction in this condition. We need better laws for horses in this country

[@geminidream4347]

Agreed!

[@MollyGrue1]

it even makes one cringe to watch the video. How can anybody just ignore that?

[@geminidream4347]

@@MollyGrue1 Because they are not human and our laws are way to lenient.

[@lynn7086]

I hear you 👏😭

[@JulianaBlewett]

What makes this story even more heartbreaking is that he was a young horse barely out of his teen age phase. They ruined him and then they threw him away for a few bucks. These animals are sentient beings. They are not tools to be used and discarded when they break. It's not just the laws. It's the whole culture that people grow up believing animals don't have feelings.

[@KimWhitney-d3o]

This breaks my heart to know that he has been suffering, the people who turned a blind eye to his suffering. Thank you for allowing him to know kindness and love.

[@namasu101]

OMG That poor boy. Shame on his old owners. At lest he was given kindness and love in the end.

[@kimberlypfleuger4261]

What type of trauma would he have endured for such a severe injury ? This is so heartbreaking and thank God for the amazing people at Horse Plus for showing them love and kindness before crossing the rainbow bridge .

[@Flash3-22]

Once again, they triage and treat the horses quickly. Heartbreaking and impressive at the same time. You provide excellent thorough care and share the medical information to your viewers. Thank you Dr. Lydia and the HPHS team for addressing the needs of these horses.

[@1929modelagirl]

Was this traumatic injury from a fall or hit by, say a car? Trailering fall or abuse at/by the auction? Regardless, you gave him relief far sooner than he would have gotten. I fully understand what rescuers see, I did Pitbull rescue. Unspeakable abuse. Thank you guys for doing what you do & what you can. Blessed be

[@Cosmic_Kitten2]

It’s so very heartbreaking to see injuries that may have been fixable were they treated immediately. If you can’t care for ANY animal properly, don’t get them. If your finances become untenable while the animal is already in your care, there are people that can help. If anything, rehome them to someone who can and is willing to take them in and provide proper medical care. Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help. For God’s sake, don’t let them languish until it’s irreversible.

[@yankeedoodledarling9232]

Heartbreaking. He deserved so much better. Difficult though it is, I am so grateful that you are able to offer the Last Act of Kindness to those who suffer and cannot get well. This boy got love and water and hay and now he is free. Thank you.

[@starlenekalinski5633]

I had to say goodbye to a 3 1/2 month old filly that was playing and did a quick turn , it was really Sandy and her foot was stuck in the sand and didn’t turn with her leg which caused the pressure to break her femur. The vet explained the operation and what she would have to go through with a poor chance of survival. I couldn’t put her through that much pain and gave my consent to put her down. It was very peaceful and my vet was awesome. I can’t understand how people can just put an animal in that much pain just to get money instead of giving it the last act of kindness. The vet and I were loving on the filly as she took her last breath.

[@dreamcatcher3861]

I’m so glad these babies landed safely in your hands. Dr Lydia is simply amazing. If a horse has a chance, she’s the first one to give it every shot. If a horse is suffering, she does the right thing. I wish I could hold your hands at these difficult times, you’re all so precious. Thank you for you. 🙏🏻

[@rosemarygraham2815]

You guys go through so much trauma with every trailer load of horses that comes in!!! Some of them are just too damaged when they get to you for you to be able to do anything more than just relieve their pain and stress and give them love and kindness some of them have never known before then mercifully give them the last act of kindness. 😪 I know this takes an enormous emotional toll on all of you but most of all on the poor vets who are the ones who have to perform the hardest task of all - to end and animal’s suffering. They were trained to save lives so this goes against everything in their being!!! But somehow they find the courage to perform this most painfully difficult thing in order to save the animal from suffering any further. How incredibly brave is that?? And they have to do it time after time week after week year after year!!! No wonder vets have the highest rate of suicide in the world!! They have my respect!!!❤❤❤

[@siansmith4471]

He has shoes on!!! FFS what people do this. Thank you for all you do.

[@kristiwetsel9531]

Amish

[@RataPerry]

​@@kristiwetsel9531 Not necessarily. Be careful before you throw accusations around.

[@traceydrost2159]

Thank you so much everybody for being there for this sweet , innocent boy .

[@abbebladon]

I’m so glad he died with a name ❤ he was loved and you did the right thing for him, no matter how hard it was. Gallop in the fields of heaven Nighthawk, no more pain now xx

[@maryjanepate4359]

I pray that someday there will be a way to heal broken bones for equines. Thank you Horse Plus for all you do for the animals.

[@ramonarichwood9544]

What a beautiful horse. So sad. Yet he is healthy and happy again over the rainbow.

[@patriciamountin9564]

OMG! That was a sad story..Poor Nighthawk. I'm so happy he was fed, watered and given pain meds and a sedative before he received his last act of kindness. Thank you so much for what you all do. You'll be rewarded in heaven and all those horses you've helped will come running to greet you. Many, many thanks for your kindness.

[@PencilaPaper]

I felt terrible just by watching him move, I live with chronic pain so I can very well understand the torment he must have felt for all of those weeks, in absolutely horrible amounts of pain!! Thanks for ending his suffering!! I live in a country where it’s illegal to treat animals this way…. therefore I struggle to understand how this is allowed to continue - the severe (systemic) neglect of animals should’ve been stopped A LONG TIME AGO!

[@joannatassin3238]

unfortunately USA is very backwards towards all life. We offer few laws for treatment of humans, animals, and our planet, and it's an upward battle daily to get new legislation.

[@AvaPotterfieldandFriends]

Thank you for being a place of love and kindness for him and for bringing him peace.

[@saram4427]

Awe those standardbred eyes always get me 😢

[@stilllearning8360]

THIS is why I support y'all !! Thank you for the loving kindness you show each animal that comes into your care!!! 💙🌺💜🌷Janice

[@geminidream4347]

Thank you for your support.

[@NancyBiker]

I really really really don’t understand how people can be so cruel. Thank you for showing him kindness in the end.

[@judyboyle9232]

Fly High, beautiful Nighthawk with the Horsey Angels. (Shame on those in the human race who continue to act with hate by dumping animals.)😡

[@Krookavan]

Rest in peace nighthawk 😢 you're not in pain anymore.

[@R.a.p.h.a.e.l.a]

Poor Nighthawk. Thank you for giving him love and making his last hours as comfortable as possible. As a matter of interest, do you guys ever do necropsies to get a better look at these kinds of injuries than radiograph equipment can provide?

[@yasmilady]

Thank you for giving him love and peace at the end. Infuriating how people let these horses go through this.

[@lindarhode8737]

This is so painful to watch. My husband and I just rescued (April 2024) two horses from the slaughter pipeline and unfortunately one did not make it and we made sure she had a last act of kindness. We loved you so much, Bella. I hope you and Nighthawk are running pain free now.

[@jillking5876]

It is my wish that the people who can leave an animal in such pain should have to bear the pain that the animal feels. They aren't held accountable for the abuse that the animal goes through. By itself, that is a crime that needs to be addressed. When you give so much pain medicine as you did and the animal's heartbeat is still in the 80's, the pain the horse must be feeling is unthinkable. Thank you for intercepting Nighthawk, and giving him the peace he deserved. Rest well, beautiful Nighthawk. You deserve green pastures to run in pain free, and love in your heart. RIP, and thank you HPHS, for being there for him.

[@darlenemckay265]

Sickening that anyone thought it was ok to send who knows how far, in that condition! At least thankful he came to you guys!

[@hphs]

Thank yoy soooo much!

[@sharonchittell3504]

RIP Nighthawk 🌈

[@sstarkey1695]

Just so vey sad. He was a beautiful animal.

[@sparkle.-buggg3610]

Its a crying shame this poor boy was in agony bless the team at horse plus for hiving him the meds and loving on him you could see the relief in him just the kind strokes Dr lydia was giving him made a huge difference bless his beautful ❤️ run free special boy pain free your safe now ❤

[@EppingForest304]

I’m impressed by Dr. Lydia, she explains her diagnosis very well 👍🙏

[@charlotteralff769]

Thank you for caring for, and about, Nighthawk.

[@HeRo-qd6tk]

❤

[@NaunetteMartin]

I want you guys are doing a great job for the horse 🐎 Nanette ❤and you are good a great job for the horse 🐎 Nanette and you guys have a great vet and she is a good vet and I like the vet you have Nanette

[@nfa6386]

Rest in peace beautiful boy

[@cowgirlval5216]

Thank you for doing the right thing❤

[@debragiannetti9755]

Beautiful horse 🥰. God rest his soul

[@colleenmonahan3114]

It’s sad to see the criticism and questioning of Horse Plus practices and decision making in some of these comments. As a long time ( beginning at CA rescue) donor, I’ve been nothing short of AMAZED at the way Tawnee & Jason have developed this organization. The long range planning and steps taken to evolve into what they’re able to do today (2024) are truly impressive. How they’ve managed to create a balance between getting the urgent horse care accomplished…and providing SO MUCH video-sharing is mind boggling. If folks are concerned about ‘transparency’, head over to your local State rep office and call into question WHY auctions can make money off CRITICALLY injured/ill/starved horses…WHY owners aren’t held accountable for their horse’s condition…WHY isn’t there an ‘animal care assistance’ program ( within Animal Control?) to help owners that have fallen on hard times get some assistance, funds to help with euthanasia costs, etc…so the horses aren’t suffering?? Focus your energy on creating POSITIVE changes to the entire situation. Become ‘accountable’ yourself!

[@lisac1110]

So so sad you really loose the trust in humankind 😢 there are still wonderful kind people you just see the worse of it god bless for all of you ❤❤❤

[@andreaciceri794]

Thank you for sharing his story. Its a very sad tale that needs to be told.

[@carolirvine3367]

Thank you for staying strong and doing the right thing for him, it breaks my heart to see these precious souls suffering like this.

[@geogriapeach5211]

So sad. Blessings. To all of you and the sweet Nighthawk.

[@Boyland8692]

Thank you for dedication and respect you show to these animals in distress you are such genuinely wonderful people.💜🤩🙏🇦🇺

[@Kmdmzm]

Love and peace to the poor darling horse nighthawk rest easy

[@janejdough2230]

Thank you.

[@NM-ub6ml]

How the heck is it legal to sell or take a horse or indeed any animal to an auction in that state?!!! This is ridiculous! Horse with a broken leg beyond very minor stress fracture is put down. Otherwise it is abuse

[@lynn7086]

We need to enforce, create and pass stricter laws.

[@fairygodmomma2313]

😭thank you for your kindness

[@jeno264]

His eyes - he looked he was in so so much pain.

[@stardust949]

Y'all do a fantastic job. I sure as heck wouldn't be able to last, taking care of so many critically injured and suffering animals.

[@KarinIsaac]

💔I have no words😢(you guys are superheroes thankyou)

[@aprilchapman2758]

God has gained his beautiful creation and may he have mercy on whoever threw him away like that.😢

[@bcgrote]

I have noticed that with the UK, they have "equine passports". In these passports, you can specify that you do not want your animal to end up "in the food chain". That would be amazing to have in the US.

[@janethomas78]

thank you so MUCH!!

[@vickie30]

Thank you for all you do for our magnificent horses..

[@ChantalsCritters]

Great video guys

[@kelliparker3107]

I am so sorry Nighthawk, RIP sweet boy. P.S. People suck! Once the usefulness is over, people just throw everything away including other humans and animals 😢....

[@ddawe31635]

Well said! ❤ he's a beautiful horse. If you can't afford the vet care & overall care for ANY animal, perhaps pet ownership is not for you. Also, in my opinion, this is a clear cut case of abuse. May KARMA pay this hateful owner back 10 fold. OR MORE. Run pain free MY BOY! ❤❤❤

[@PO-vx2pq]

💔

[@kathlynterry8196]

I’d really like to see an organization of equine vets that do the last act of kindness for a small fee. Hoping this would get horses taken care of faster and not have to suffer. They have low cost spay and neuter clinics so why not for horse euthanasia?

[@cynthiacarter514]

2:30 I have never seen a horse hop before!👀His injury must be severe.

[@lucy7b]

❤❤❤

[@jenniferadams3605]

🙏❤️🙏

[@SuperRabbi1]

just out of curiosity did you do a necropsy to learn about the full extent of the fracture?

[@lindag4484]

🌈Nighthawk ❤

[@kristiwetsel9531]

5E559 will not come up on ustrotting ?

[@MollyGrue1]

Well thats interesting. In 2020 I had my own (old) horse put down due to a hurt fetlock. He was suffering and sweating and laying down in pain and 3 days of pain medics did not result in anything. The option was to get him into a horse clinic (old, sweating with pain in spite of the meds) or to wait for radigraphy. As the pain could not be controlled I did not wish to have him suffer for one night - we had nearly 26 years together and further trying and transporting him or waiting did not seem acceptable to me. You cannot tell a horse to just hang on. You here have all the means to investigate on the spot and still wait out the results of pain med. Quite reasonable thinking. Like seeing an animal like this suffering for months and nobody put a stop to it - i cannot wrap my brains around it. Hate the idea.

[@dtulip1]

So he has had a broken leg MONTHS ago and th owners did what? made him still work? god damn those people to hell 🤬

[@bcgrote]

Can you xray holding the plate against the haunch, and shoot up from the other side? Or is that too much muscle for the plate to read through?

[@wb8517]

No results for his freeze brand. How is that possible?

[@lisacarson6223]

I have been searching his freezebrand with different variables but none match his markings, or lack thereof. It's possible he may have had the brand done but never registered or raced.

[@jaynegalloway6232]

Why are people not charged with neglect for this? Its heartbreaking

[@carolinecaro6327]

Depends on the state laws.

[@erwynright9080]

Where can i get in contact to adopt a horse like this, I want to help.

[@lisacarson6223]

There are many Standardbred rescues, mostly in the Eastern part of the country. They are wonderful horses and you won't be disappointed if you give one a home.

[@sheilasmith5481]

😢 I am guessing all of these injured horses are results of helicopter wrangling! Such extreme abuse tolerated from federal and state government to local organizations!!

[@vickie30]

Heartbreaking because when I see an animal eat, they still have the will to live..

[@lisacarson6223]

Kim's not right. It could be SE559, 5E559, 5ES59, or it may not be a 9 at the end. The closest one I found was 5E553 Try Boy.

[@karenricci3712]

What happened to Dr Scott.

[@vickie30]

Sweet little orange cat waiting for petting...

[@cassandra4146]

How do these owners allow they're horses to get in this condition!!!!

[@kristiwetsel9531]

guarentee he was amish

[@RataPerry]

How do you know? That statement isn't necessarily true. Be careful about throwing false accusations around.

[@traceywoodbridge3396]

Absolutely disgraceful.

[@michleb708]

Another brutal consequence on of the horse racing Gris mill.

[@lisacarson6223]

Actually, it seems he didn't race but he was likely an Amish buggy horse. They use the horses up and dump them at auction for a few bucks. Horrible what they do!

[@RataPerry]

​@@lisacarson6223 Once again Lisa, be careful with your accusations.

[@lisacarson6223]

​@@RataPerryoh please, I've had rescued Standardbreds for 30 yrs. I know of what I speak. Stop the denial.

[@VisjesVanIetje1989]

The second horse coming out the trailer, is this a 20 ish year old mare? Is she head/ear shy, and cronical leg issues, i hooe its not the horse i think it is,, i compared the white coll to the horse i that it was, but its not her,

[@carolineridlington5010]

So if he had shoes on.shoes only last 8 to ten weeks max.....he was a riding horse up to this recent injury....badly done by his owners...they should be banned from ever owning a horse or any animal again....

[@kathyduvall6384]

God bless all of for care of GODS creatures

[@AreYouKittenMeRtNow]

@Horse Plus Humane, is there some kind of tracker on your website where it lists every single horse that comes in, and how it goes out, for lack of a better way of saying it? So, if it’s euthanized you tell us why and how the decision was made; if it was adopted, if it’s still at the shelter, if it was sent to another shelter … etc. it’s possible that this already exists but I went to the website and wasn’t able to find this information readily, so if it’s there it needs to be a bit more obvious. I believe in this rescue and feel they overall make very good sincere choices when it comes to the animals in their care… and while I don’t expect them to make a video about every single horse, I certainly agree that clear follow-through is important for many reasons.

[@rodandjudibowen5665]

Such a beautiful soul, who was brave 'til the end. Sleep well, then run, run, run and play in green fields and sandy beaches with many, many friends, sweet Nighthawk. 🥲❤‍🔥

[@NaunetteMartin]

Can I ask you way do people do this to horse they don't need horse because they do this to horse s they need to go to jail

[@LaRa-xm3um]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@Sweetpeaslovrr]

Again before we move to the April buy out what about the rest of the March horses? Kory said there were 18 still around. Why were an additional four horses given the last act of kindness? How are the few that were left in quarantine doing?

[@marissanorth85]

It's impossible to feature every single horse.

[@Sweetpeaslovrr]

@@marissanorth85 Then they’re taking too many in. If they cannot be transparent that’s a huge red flag.

[@AreYouKittenMeRtNow]

I’d like those answers too, while understanding that it takes a ton of work to keep the audience fully up to date on every single horse. What I would really like to see is some kind of tracker on their website where it lists every single horse that comes in, and how it goes out, for lack of a better way of saying it. So, if it’s euthanized tell us why and how the decision was made; if it was adopted, if it’s still at the shelter, if it was sent to another shelter … etc. it’s possible that this already exists but I went to the website and wasn’t able to find this information readily, so if it’s there it needs to be a bit more obvious. I believe in this rescue and feel they overall make very good sincere choices when it comes to the animals in their care… and while I don’t expect them to make a video about every single horse, I certainly agree that clear follow-through is important for many reasons.

[@Sweetpeaslovrr]

@@AreYouKittenMeRtNow They clearly keep records of their intakes and they have numerous staff members. It should be easy to let their followers know what has happened to each horse.

[@JustJoyHowdy]

I betcha a whole bunch are in the quartaine pasture eating grass, rolling in the dirt. Safe at last. Able to rest. At some point you got to trust an organization that has two vets on staff and is fully staffed with competent and caring people. They ain't chasing the almighty dollar. They ain't into ripping off nobody. Pray for these folks. This stuff is hard. It breaks your heart. You gonna cry. Real tears. You can't un-see what you saw. It hurts. If it bugs ya so much a-wondering about stuff, call that office and ask your questions. Don't go putting no spoon in no pot to stir. Love em a lil bit.

[@DebraSears-k8y]

I’m so sick of people ❤

[@DebraSears-k8y]

As in the ones who neglect and mistreat. Thank you for what you’re all doing ❤

[@bretoner2]

Did anyone look up his number

[@HughLlewellyn]

They did. They weren't able to find it listed.

[@lisacarson6223]

I have looked it up with different variables but nothing matching him comes up. The ones that do are 2007 or 1997 birthdates.