Battling Biff the wonder-horse is on the road to recovery after being trapped by flames when arsonists set fire to his stable.

The gelding's tearful owner had to make the heartbreaking decision as to whether or not he should be put down when she saw him blinded and charred after the attack in the early hours of yesterday.

However, when owner Diana Watt first saw Biff after the fire he whinnied to her, despite the pain of his injuries. She said she knew then it was worth doing anything to save him.

The ten-year-old horse is now under expert care in a top equine hospital and although they will not be certain for a couple of days, veterinary surgeons are quietly confidently he will pull through. He is even starting to look a little perkier, despite the injuries.

Diana Watt spent yesterday by her beloved horse's side at the hospital in Liphook, Hampshire.

Biff was one of four horses trapped in the blazing stables on the Hyde country estate, near Handcross.

Firefighters and police suspect the fire, which destroyed more than a third of the stable block, was arson.

Three of the horses were rescued by a neighbour, Adam Bloomfield, who rush-ed to help when he was woken by the sound of crackling flames.

But Biff had already jumped out of his box to get away from the flames and took the skin off his badly burnt belly and legs as he leapt to safety.

His face and ears were also burnt and vets fear he may lose the sight in one of his eyes.

It is only three years since Diana spent a similar agonising time with her other horse, Biggles, who was also in the stables, when he fractured his leg.

He was pinned up by surgeons, and despite the serious injury, made a complete recovery.

Diana, professor of human anatomy at Brighton and Sussex Medical School said: "It was horrific.

"I just couldn't recognise him as the injuries were so bad. He was charred completely."

Anyone with information about the incident should contact PC Tim Hadfield at Haywards Heath police station on 0845 6070999.