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About Racing Hearts
Racing Hearts McIntyre Centre is a charitable equine centre in Pinjarra Hills, Brisbane, dedicated to helping people and horses move forward together. Through riding lessons for people of all abilities, equine-assisted therapy and wellbeing programs, off-the-track Thoroughbred retraining and rehoming, volunteer pathways, education, events and community connection, Racing Hearts provides a place where confidence can grow, healing can begin, and second chances are given the time and care they deserve.
At Racing Hearts, we believe in the profound connection between humans, horses and nature. Our work brings together therapeutic riding, equine-assisted therapy and wellbeing, traditional riding coaching, retired racehorse rehabilitation, community education, volunteering and events — all with one purpose: to create a safe, supportive environment where people and horses can thrive.
Many of our horses are off-the-track Thoroughbreds who have been given the opportunity to begin again. With patience, professional care and thoughtful retraining, some transition into therapy and lesson roles, while others are prepared for suitable new homes. Their journey reflects the heart of Racing Hearts: second chances, compassionate support and meaningful connection.
Empowering
Horses and Humans
A Charitable Equine Centre with
Purpose
Racing Hearts McIntyre Centre is more than a riding centre. It is a place where therapeutic support, education, horse welfare and community connection come together.
Our Brisbane centre continues the extraordinary legacy of the McIntyre Centre while expanding the work of Racing Hearts across equine-assisted programs, riding lessons, off-the-track Thoroughbred retraining, events, volunteering and community engagement. Every lesson, program, market, clinic, donation and volunteer hour helps keep this mission moving forward.
From children learning to ride, to adults rebuilding confidence, to retired racehorses finding a new purpose beyond the track — Racing Hearts exists to support meaningful progress, one connection at a time.
Our Mission
To transform lives through the connection between horses, humans and nature — supporting people of all abilities while giving retired racehorses the care, training and future they deserve.
Our Vision
A thriving equine community where horses and people are valued, supported and given opportunities to heal, learn, grow and begin again.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Racing Hearts is supported by a passionate team of coaches, practitioners, horse professionals, volunteers and community members who each bring care, skill and purpose to the centre.
Our team works across riding lessons, equine-assisted therapy and wellbeing, horse care, retraining, facilities, events, volunteering and community programs. Together, they help create a safe and welcoming environment for participants, riders, families, volunteers and horses.
The Legacy of the McIntyre Centre
The McIntyre Centre has been part of the Brisbane community for more than 60 years. Founded by Peter and June McIntyre, the centre was established to provide horse riding opportunities for people with a disability and became a pioneering place for therapeutic riding in Australia. In March 2024, Racing Hearts Therapy Inc. became the new custodian of the McIntyre Centre. We are deeply honoured to continue this legacy while building a sustainable future for the centre, its horses, its riders and the wider community it serves.
The History of Racing Hearts
Racing Hearts was founded with a bold and compassionate idea: that retired racehorses could be given new purpose while helping people through equine-assisted therapy and wellbeing programs. Since then, Racing Hearts has successfully rehabilitated and rehomed more than 100 retired racehorses, proving that second chances can change lives for both horses and humans. Today, that work continues at Racing Hearts McIntyre Centre, where horse welfare, therapeutic support, riding, education and community connection all come together.
Luna, once a racehorse, now thrives as a beloved therapy horse for children.
Luna's Journey
Oliver's rehabilitation journey united a family, providing healing through riding.
Oliver's Triumph
Bella's successful rehoming illustrates the life-changing possibilities at Racing Hearts.
Bella's New Home
Charlie emerged as a community star, inspiring many with his resilience.
Charlie the Star
Our Facilities - McIntyre Centre
Set on a spacious equine property in Pinjarra Hills, Racing Hearts McIntyre Centre provides a practical and welcoming environment for riding lessons, therapy programs, clinics, volunteer activities, events and community connection.
Our facilities support a wide range of equine and community activities, including covered arenas, outdoor spaces, paddocks, horse care areas, event spaces and The Hub — a growing community area designed to welcome visitors, families, riders and supporters.
Our Locations:
Racing Hearts McIntyre Centre
2963 Moggill Rd, Pinjarra Hills QLD, 4066
Yarraman Territory, 150 Burdens Creek Road,
Virginia, NT, Australia
Upper Hunter RDA, Sandy Creek Road
Muswellbrook, NSW, Australia
Lakelands, 82 Bittern Dromana Road,
Balnarring, Victoria, Australia
Join Our Racing Hearts Community
Become part of the Racing Hearts community and help make a meaningful difference in the lives of our horses, riders and participants. You can support us by booking a lesson, joining a program, volunteering, attending an event, sponsoring a horse, donating or simply sharing our work with someone who needs to know we are here.
