Nighthawk

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ChadCastigliano
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Real Name (first and last name): Chad Castigliano

Nighthawk

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Night Hawk’s Tale

Yavapai Humane Society in Prescott, Arizona operates an equine adoption center to rehabilitate and find forever homes for unwanted equines and horses whose owners can no longer care for them. During September 2016, Yavapai Humane Society’s Equine Center received a call from another local animal welfare group, Circle L Ranch Sanctuary, also located in the Prescott area. They had a horse they felt may be a fit for our program.

The horse was named Night Hawk—his name matches his beautiful black coat. This horse had been dealt an unfair hand and is lucky to be alive. Night Hawk was advertised on Craigslist by his original owner and was sold to a slaughter buyer. The owner’s neighbors heard about this and were distraught. They called the local sanctuary to see if they could intervene in the sale and take the horse in. The sanctuary did their best, but the owner would not budge, saying he was done with it all and the horse was going to be slaughtered.

The neighbors persisted and, with just two days to spare, convinced the owner to let them take the horse. These caring people had never driven a truck with a trailer, let alone haul a horse. They traveled from Tonopah, AZ to Phoenix, AZ—an hour’s drive—to rent a horse trailer, then went back to Tonopah to collect the horse and immediately drove the stallion to Prescott, AZ—another 2 hours–where the sanctuary is located.

When Night Hawk arrived at Circle L Sanctuary, he was more agitated then they expected and he presented aggressive behavior toward volunteers. However, Night Hawk was displaying typical behavior for a young stallion. He needed rehabilitation greater than the resources of the sanctuary, so they turned to Yavapai Humane Society for help.

Before meeting the horse, Yavapai Humane Society’s Equine Center director and trainer was rather certain this horse would not be a fit for the program. Nevertheless, she traveled to the sanctuary to evaluate the horse. Watching this little black horse from the fence, she observed a truly unique individual who awakened interest. Within a few minutes, our trainer and director had Night Hawk walking along her side and she discovered enormous potential. Long discussions, some rearranging housing, and a pledge to share the expense of the castration were all measures that secured a place for this little horse in the program. It was clear that with gelding and rehabilitation, this black beauty could have a great future in a good forever home.

Upon intake to Yavapai Humane Society’s Equine Center, Night Hawk was soon gelded and learned to integrate into the herd of horses that are currently living in the open shelter model at Yavapai Humane Society. The Center has been taking his rehabilitation slowly and gently, working on basic ground behaviors. Night Hawk may even undergo training under saddle before he leaves. He has recently been placed under an adoption contract. Although he is not yet ready to move into his new home, his adoptive family will soon start working with him at the Yavapai Humane Society Equine Center.

Last Fall, Yavapai Humane Society organized a calendar fundraiser with one of their local Fire Districts, Groom Creek. My business, Chronicker Photography, supports Yavapai Humane Society and was glad to donate my time to this project. Night Hawk was a wonderful model, posing to sniff a flower from firefighter Dave Lattman’s hand. Yavapai Humane Society is grateful for the people who saved his life and gave them the opportunity to work with this wonderful little horse, Night Hawk.
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ChadCastigliano
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Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2017 4:35 pm
Real Name (first and last name): Chad Castigliano

Nighhawk in the snow

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Nighhawk in the snow
ChadCastigliano
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Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2017 4:35 pm
Real Name (first and last name): Chad Castigliano

Nighthawk with Fireman

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Photographer: Chad Castigliano of Chronicker Photography

Night Hawk, pictured with Groom Creek Fire District firefighter Dave Lattman. This picture was featured in the Yavapai Humane Society annual calendar as the September 2017 theme photo.
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