Our Volunteer Program

Join a welcoming community of people who care about horses, inclusion and making a meaningful difference. Our volunteers help us deliver safe, supportive programs for riders, participants, families and the wider community.

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Volunteer with Racing Hearts

Our volunteer program is a large and comprehensive part of the Racing Hearts community, supporting the day-to-day care of our horses, the delivery of our lesson and participant programs, and the wider operation of our facility.

We welcome volunteers aged 15 years and over, with opportunities available for those who would like to work directly with horses and support our lesson programs, as well as people who prefer general, non-horse roles across the property, events, administration and community activities.

Because our volunteers play an important role in the safety and wellbeing of our riders, participants and horses, all volunteers are required to complete the appropriate forms, training and induction before beginning. Ongoing guidance and support are provided to help every volunteer understand their responsibilities, build confidence and contribute safely within their approved role. Whether you bring horse experience, practical skills or simply a willingness to learn and help, there may be a place for you within the Racing Hearts volunteer team.

Why Volunteer with Racing Hearts?

Volunteering with Racing Hearts is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution while building practical skills and becoming part of an inclusive, supportive community. Volunteers may help people with disability participate in riding and horse-based activities, assist with the care of our horses and their environment, and develop valuable horse-handling and program-support experience. Through this work, volunteers also help strengthen the long-term sustainability of Racing Hearts while gaining insight into equine, community, disability and not-for-profit settings.

What Do Volunteers Help With?

Program Support

Assisting during riding lessons and group programs - preparing, grooming and tacking up horses to support a lesson
Supporting riders, participants and instructors before/after lessons
Leading horses or acting as a side walker once appropriately trained
Helping prepare & maintain equipment and program spaces

Horse Care

Grooming, tacking, rugging and preparing horses
Feeding, watering and cleaning
Paddock and stable duties
Assisting with horse wellbeing routines under staff direction

Property and Events

Helping at community events, markets and fundraising activities
Gardening, maintenance and general property support
Setting up and packing down activities & events onsite/offsite
Administration, content, marketing or other specialist support

Who Can Volunteer?

We welcome volunteers aged 15 years and over who are dependable, respectful and genuinely committed to supporting the Racing Hearts program. Volunteering is a responsibility: our riders, participants, horses and staff rely on volunteers to attend their agreed shifts, arrive on time and communicate promptly if an unavoidable absence occurs. Volunteers must be comfortable working as part of a team, following staff direction and placing the safety and wellbeing of people and horses first at all times. Horse experience is helpful for some roles but is not required for every position, as training and support are provided according to each volunteer’s approved duties.

Before beginning, every volunteer must complete the required application forms, waivers, agreements and induction training, including our Child Safe Commitment and Code of Conduct, confidentiality requirements and relevant safety documentation. Volunteers aged 18 years and over must hold a valid Blue Card and be correctly linked to Racing Hearts before commencing their volunteer duties. Volunteers under 18 are generally exempt from holding a Blue Card but must still complete all Racing Hearts forms, agreements, training and junior volunteer requirements.

Men’s leadership and team connection program with horses in Brisbane

How to Get Started

Step 1: Create Your Website Account
Create a Racing Hearts website account, or log in if you already have one.

Step 2: Go to “My Account”
Open your account dashboard and select Become a Volunteer (top menu on the right).

Step 3: Complete All Volunteer Forms
Complete all application forms, waivers, Child Safe documents and confidentiality requirements.
Junior volunteers must also submit the Junior Volunteer Permission Form.

Step 4: Wait for Your Application Review
Our team will review your forms and contact you regarding:

Blue Card status
Induction training date
Any missing forms or information
Suitable volunteer roles

Step 5: Attend Volunteer Induction
Induction covers:

Essential training on horse skills & lesson support
Property safety
Emergency procedures
Child Safe responsibilities
Volunteer conduct
Horse safety & program protocol
Participant support - training to support horses and riders, depending on interest/skill
Communication and reporting
Volunteer Roles

Step 6: Complete Blue Card Requirements
Volunteers 18 and over must have a Blue Card prior to volunteering. You can attend the induction while your Blue Card is in the works.

Step 7: Receive Your Volunteer Card
Once paperwork is received, you've attended an Induction Training and shared your Blue Card info, we will issue you a Volunteer card and grant access to our Volunteer Portal. Your card will identify your approved volunteer level, completed training and relevant skills.

Step 8: Access the Volunteer Portal
Once approved, you will receive access to the Volunteer Portal, where you can: