The fairytale finish to the sad tale of Bill, a 6-year-old bay ex-racehorse, and Chilli, an 8-year-old chestnut harness racing mare, is largely thanks to the rehabilitation efforts of Jade Willis, of JW Equestrian.

Ms Todd, who works for JW Equestrian, said it had made her "physically sick" to see the condition of the two horses when they first came in.

"It breaks your heart; how anyone could let them suffer like that is beyond me."

Ms Todd said her daughter Jennah, 18, had immediately fallen in love with Bill when he arrived.

"Jennah had a horse by the same sire as Bill's, God's Own, and he was a good horse," she explained.

"We're hoping one day, if he's able, to do a bit of showjumping and eventing with him."

Ms Todd couldn't bear to separate the pair so she took them both.

"They're both really sweet; Chilli is really quiet and easy going while Bill has a big personality," she laughed.

But there's "still a long way to go" on the road to recovery.

Chilli developed pneumonia because of her weakened immune system and Bill has "big head" syndrome from being severely malnourished.

"He has big lumps on his head from the vitamin and mineral deficiency and quite severe muscle damage so he sees a body worker monthly," Ms Todd said.

"Jade did an amazing job of feeding them up, getting vet checks and rehabilitating them.

"It's still slow and steady to get them strong."

News of the happy ending for these horses has delighted supporters who first raised the alarm on the pair's plight in January.

Albury-Wodonga Equestrian Centre was forced to terminate the previous owner's agistment after a public outcry over concerns the horses were starving to death at the facility.

The horses were taken to JW Equestrian and an RSPCA investigation launched.

Ms Todd said Bill and Chilli "look so amazing from where they were".

"I do want to say good on Kate (Young) for standing against animal cruelty; she is one brave woman," she said.

"They will never be hungry again and now have a home for life."