A 49-YEAR-OLD Ballarat man who let an elderly horse suffer to the extent that it had to be put down has avoided a conviction.Ballarat Magistrates Court was told Sam Antonio Casella's horse was euthanised at Smythesdale last April, after two witnesses reported its deteriorating condition to the RSPCA.Prosecutor Trish Riddell said one witness described the bay gelding as very skinny with its ribs, hip bones and withers sticking out.She said another witness told the inspector the horse was very distressed and obviously weak.Casella yesterday pleaded guilty to one count of unreasonably failing to provide treatment to an injured animal.His barrister Raoul Stransky said the horse was about 30 years old and was bought from a man who had moved from the area.He said Casella visited the property and provided food, and and telephoned a vet because he was concerned that the horse had lost weight."He was doing what he thought appropriate in the circumstances," Mr Stransky said.The court was told the RSPCA inspector made contact with a vet who later attended the property and stated "It is clear to me that this horse has been neglected and was suffering".The court was told Casella had owned the horse for 12-18 months and it was in slightly better condition when he got it.Casella was released on a 12-month good behaviour bond, without conviction, with the condition he pay $1000 to the RSPCA. He was also ordered to pay $2500 in costs.