Horseback riding as a therapeutic tool
Located in Boisbriand, the Goldie Equestrian Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of children living with disabilities or learning disabilities.
About the Project
Each year, nearly fifty young people aged 4 to 18 participate in personalized programs designed to meet their specific needs. These programs are developed in collaboration with health professionals and supervised by instructors certified by the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA).
Our Approach
Three approaches are offered: developmental therapy through horseback riding, hippotherapy, and, more recently, the use of an equestrian simulator. These practices have a specific goal: to improve muscle tone, coordination, balance, attention, self-confidence, and much more.
The project also relies on the involvement of some 20 volunteers and the dedicated work of seven carefully trained horses, which are essential to the children’s progress.
Our goal
Managed by a dedicated board of directors, the Goldie Equestrian Project has a clear goal: to make these services accessible to all families by offering them at the lowest possible cost. Because we believe that every child deserves the best conditions to progress at their own pace, one stride at a time.
THE NEXT GENERATION
Passionate about horses since childhood, Cathy fell in love with the Goldie Equestrian Project when she volunteered there. For her, taking over from Carole was a natural choice. Driven by great determination, she obtained several certifications, including one in therapeutic riding from ACET (CanTRA). In 2019, with heart and dedication, she embarked on this wonderful adventure to continue the mission started by Carole in 1999.
HISTORY
A story born from the heart and an exceptional mare
The Goldie Equestrian Project adventure began in 1999, driven by the vision and sensitivity of its founder, Carole Nantel. At the time, Carole was looking for a new path for her beloved mare, Goldie, who was now retired due to arthritis problems.
While exploring the possibilities, she discovered a center in Montérégie that specialized in therapeutic riding for children with disabilities. It was a revelation: a way to combine her two passions—horses and working with children—in the service of a deeply human cause. Inspired by this discovery, Carole made a momentous decision: she quit her job to devote herself fully to creating a place where young people could be cared for, encouraged, and supported in a different way. Thus was born the Goldie Equestrian Project, named in honor of the mare who started it all.
Developmental therapy through horseback riding
Unlike simple animal presence therapy, developmental therapy through horse riding uses a structured approach based on the horse’s movement. Through a series of graduated exercises, participants work on their motor control, posture, balance, and proprioception.
This type of intervention also aims to promote sensory integration: the ability to capture, process, and organize information received from the environment (sounds, images, sensations, etc.) in order to respond appropriately. In the saddle, children are encouraged to engage and strengthen targeted muscle groups, while developing their concentration, coordination, and self-confidence.
Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy is a specialized approach that focuses on the direct effect of the horse’s movement on the rider’s body. Here, it is not the child who guides the animal, but rather the animal’s natural gait that acts as therapeutic stimulation. This rhythmic, repetitive, three-dimensional movement replicates that of the human pelvis when walking.
Thanks to this unique dynamic—which no medical device or technology has been able to replicate—the child gradually improves their posture, balance, mobility, and functional abilities. Hippotherapy is always carried out in collaboration with a health professional, such as a physical therapist or occupational therapist.
To learn more about this recognized approach, we invite you to visit the websites of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) and the Quebec Therapeutic Riding Federation.
The Matteus equestrian simulator
Although it cannot replace contact with a real horse, Matteus, our equestrian simulator from England, is an excellent therapeutic complement. Thanks to the three-dimensional movement of the horse, Matteus realistically reproduces the movements of walking and trotting, which are essential for working on:
- balance and stability of the trunk,
- muscle tone (in cases of hypertonia or hypotonia),
- coordination,
- overall posture.
Used indoors, in a heated and air-conditioned space, Matteus allows us to offer sessions even in hot weather or bad weather conditions—while giving our loyal therapy horses a little break.
The simulator is also equipped with a patient lift, allowing children with reduced mobility to access it safely. At Goldie, every tool is designed to promote the well-being of participants, and Matteus is no exception.
EQUINE THERAPY
much more than just contact with the horse
Working in a stimulating, fun, and extraordinary environment is a great way to challenge yourself and improve your quality of life. Equine therapy, a therapeutic approach that has been around for over 150 years, focuses on this unique dynamic between humans and horses.
At Goldie Equestrian Project, sessions are offered year-round, whether in our indoor arena, outdoors on our multisensory trail, or using our equestrian simulator in a heated and air-conditioned space. Three types of intervention are offered, each tailored to the specific needs of riders.
INSTRUCTEURS et THÉRAPEUTES
Carole Nantel
Founder
Cathy Duchesneau
General Manager
ACET-certified therapeutic riding instructor
Alessia Fent
Therapeutic riding instructor in training with the ACET
Jessica Hartwell
Therapeutic riding instructor in training with the ACET
Maude Robert
Psychoeducator
TEAM
It would be impossible to imagine the Goldie Equestrian Project without the invaluable involvement of our dedicated volunteers. Their daily presence and commitment are essential to ensuring high-quality services that are accessible to all.
C. A.
Cathy Duchesneau, Executive Director and Treasurer
equine therapist
Myrianne Méthot, President
Senior Technical Advisor, National Bank
Danielle Bonin, Secretary
Parent of rider
Catherine Syrard, Administrator
Senior Procurement Advisor, National Bank
Carole Lamarre, Administrator
Volunteer at Goldie
HORSES
At the heart of each session are our precious partners: the horses. Carefully selected for their calm temperament, balanced gait, and sensitivity, they play an active role in the therapeutic process. Their unique and natural movement becomes a valuable tool. Thanks to their gentleness and consistency, they offer children a sense of trust and security, which is essential to their progress.
Didi
Quarter Horse mare
17 years old
Didi is very calm and affectionate with everyone.
Sponsored by the Martin Matte Foundation
Cannelle
Mare, Quarter Horse x
21 years old
Cannelle is very close to humans, affectionate, and loves to be brushed!
Sponsored by the Martin Matte Foundation
Chika
Pony mare, dark bay
16 years old
Chika is exceptionally calm and loves fresh grass!
Smoky Arrow
Mare, Solid Paint
23 years old
Smoky Arrow is exceptionally gentle and calm, and she loves having her chest scratched!
Sponsored by FNF Canada.
Landmark
Gelding, Oldenburg
21 years old
Landmark loves working freely and is very attentive to his rider.
Jessie
Gelding, Quarter Horse
23 years old
Jessie loves to be brushed for hours on end and is devoted to his rider at all times.
Maina
Mare, Quarter Horse
17 years old
Maina loves working on the ground and always wants to be close to her rider. She is very affectionate.
