Coinciding with the horses’ birthday – celebrated in Australia on August 1 – the awareness week will help to draw attention to Wagga’s need for more RDA horses.

Gidget will turn 24 at the weekend, while there are several horses at the centre even older.

“Most of the horses the RDA has were aged when they arrived and live out their semi-retirement doing a wonderful job for people with disabilities,” said Gidget’s owner Heather Baker, who has been a volunteer at the centre for more than 30 years.

“It is becoming very obvious to RDA that a few of our most special horses are now close to 30 years old and their time in this world is nearly over – sadly.”

The RDA is seeking sound horses around 14 to 14.2 hands high with a solid build.

“Horses have to be quiet, but not totally unresponsive,” Heather said.

“They can be either on loan, a gift or for sale.

“There must be lots of horses out in the community that are just wasting away in paddocks.

“Perhaps the family has grown up or just lost interest.”

Heather said RDA horses receive the best of attention.

“There is a resident caretaker who keeps a close watch over them all and is on hand to provide immediate attention should they need it,” she said.

“RDA has a good relationship with the new CSU veterinary school, which ensures the very best treatment is close by.”

If anyone has a horse around 14hh to 14.2hh and of solid build, and sound, that they think would be suitable, call the RDA on 6922 3550 and ask for one of the coaches.