We’ve lost everything, but I’m worried about the horses

HIS home, vehicles, machinery and livelihood have been destroyed, but like a typical horseman John Moy is worried about his stock.

Moy and his family are among so many who have fallen victim to the devastating New South Wales flood, which has taken over his Maitland property.

Reaching up to four metres on some sections of Moy’s land, the level rose so high the roof of his stables were under water!

“We were told it was only going to be moderate, which is what we have gone through before, but the water just kept coming,” Moy said.

“We had to be evacuated mid afternoon yesterday and by then the water was up to the first story windows.”

With more than a dozen horses stranded on his property, Moy fears they will perish as the water continues to rise.

JOHN MOY’S property

“They were on top of a mound, which was keeping them dry, but the mound went under in the evening,” Moy said. “At that stage the horses were in knee deep water.

“A girl in a dinghy has gone over and given them some hay and said they are stuck standing in water hovering around they upper leg.

“The SES said they are on the way but we’re still waiting.

“I’m trying to get some one with a couple of boats to help get them out, which I’m hoping will happen tomorrow.

“One problem even with that is I have two weanlings which haven’t been taught to lead or anything, so I can only hope they follow the mums.

“Paul Carmody’s place is also under water, but I heard he was able to get his horses out as he is a bit higher up then we are.”

Along with the threat of a strong current, Moy explained the water presented another series danger.

“We’ve been told not to go in the water as there are that many brown snakes,” Moy said. “We did see the nests in the chook pen are full of them…they are everywhere!

“We’ve lost everything at this point, but I’m just worried about getting the horses to safety.”