The horse, known as Flame, is owned by Karen Masters of Nowra, who keeps him in a paddock off Douglas Street.

Last Tuesday night someone lit fires in the paddock, on Wednesday night Ms Masters found trespassers in the paddock and on Thursday night the side of her horse had been spray painted with a bull’s eye.

“When I got to him he had clearly been chased around the paddock, to the stage where he was sweating and exhausted,” she said.

“I took him home and he went straight into the garage and just stood there with his head down.

“It is heartbreaking to see.”

Ms Masters has had Flame since he was born at Nowra Hill and often rides him around the outskirts of the CBD.

“He’s a very social horse, people love him, when I’m riding him near Nowra Fair people always come up and pat him, and feed him.

“There are a lot of shoppers who go home with half empty bread bags and a few less apples.

“I’m surprised he has been abused like this, he’s so gentle.

“I have been to the police and the RSPCA, and along with the people who live near his paddock will be keeping a close eye on it in future,” she said.

RSPCA inspector Tony Croker said the matter was the sort of incident that could result in an offender being fined $5500 and jailed for six months.

“Any cruelty complaint is treated seriously, in relation to anyone doing this sort of thing.

“We will investigate and put the full force of the law behind it,” he said.

Mr Croker said that if it was found that the offender’s actions had caused the horse a permanent disability they could face a fine of $22,000 and two years in jail.

“Anyone with information relating to animal cruelty of any kind should phone the RSPCA on 9770 7555,” Mr Croker said.