They belong to Helen Riek, whose home on Pappinbarra Road was destroyed in the fierce blaze on Sunday February 12.

Despite the best efforts of firefighters, flames swept through and ravaged her property, and five of her beloved horses were badly burned.  Sadly, one passed away.

A Go Fund Me account, Helen’s Horses, passed the $20,000 mark two days after it was set up. Wauchope Vets donated their services free of charge, but Helen still needs help over the coming weeks.

The ongoing care of the horses involves fluid therapy, regular bandage changes, antibiotics and pain relief for several weeks at a significant expense that Helen is not in a position to afford.

The Wauchope community has rallied around her since the dreadful day when she lost her home.

Businessman Dale Miller has given the horses shelter at his property in Rosewood, and Helen goes there twice a day to put cream on their burns.

Wauchope Vets owner Michael Ferguson says the news about the horses is positive.

“They are going much better than they were.  They are stabilising. It’s hard to tell how long it will take until they are well.  At the moment, our vet, Vicki Lawrence is happy with how they are going.  They certainly look a lot better.

“We are providing the care for free, but just the cost of materials to keep the animals alive and aid their recovery is substantial.

“To see the support has been unreal.

“We have had people offering hay, to come and help, to use their property and so on. It has been amazing to see the community rally around and provide care for these horses.”

Wauchope Vets have also helped a dog named Diesel who had burnt his paws by running over some hot ash in the aftermath of the fires.

They gave him a free vaccine and he’s doing well.