Projet Équestre Goldie
Saint-Liguori, Québec
Projet Équestre Goldie (Projet Goldie) is a nonprofit in Saint-Liguori, in Quebec's Lanaudière region. It offers therapeutic riding, hippotherapy and sessions on an equestrian simulator for children and teens aged 4 to 18 with physical or intellectual disabilities or learning disorders. About fifty young riders take part each year.
- Developmental therapeutic riding
- Hippotherapy with a health professional
- Matteus equestrian simulator with patient lift
- Personalized programs built with health professionals
- Sessions in every season (indoor arena, outdoor sensory trail, simulator)
- Volunteer and student internship opportunities
- Children and teens aged 4 to 18
- Children with physical disabilities
- Children with intellectual disabilities
- Children with learning disorders
- Children with reduced mobility
More about this center
About the Program
Each child follows a personalized program developed with health professionals and supervised by instructors certified by CanTRA (ACET in French). Developmental riding uses structured, progressive exercises on horseback to work on motor control, posture, balance, coordination, concentration and confidence.
In hippotherapy, the child does not guide the horse; the horse's rhythmic movement provides the therapeutic input, and sessions are always carried out in collaboration with a health professional such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. The center also uses a Matteus equestrian simulator, which reproduces the walk and trot. It sits in a heated, air-conditioned room with a patient lift, so children with reduced mobility can use it. The simulator complements the horses rather than replacing them.
The Horses and Staff
Seven horses work in the program: Didi, Cannelle, Chika, Smoky Arrow, Landmark, Jessie and Maina. The herd is mostly Quarter Horses and Quarter Horse crosses, along with a pony, a Paint and an Oldenburg. Didi, Cannelle and Smoky Arrow are sponsored by the Martin Matte Foundation.
Founder Carole Nantel started the project after retiring her arthritic mare, Goldie, for whom it is named. Cathy Duchesneau, a CanTRA-certified therapeutic riding instructor, took over from her as executive director in 2019. The team also includes psychoeducator Maude Robert and instructors in training, with about twenty volunteers helping.
Supporting the Center
Projet Goldie aims to keep its fees as low as possible and relies on donors. It says its annual costs, including rent for the premises, feed and animal care, exceed $100,000 and that it receives no government funding. Donors receive official tax receipts. A horse can be sponsored for $5,000 a year, alone or as a group. Volunteers help in the barn and with logistics, and students can apply for internships.
Location
Projet Équestre Goldie is at 198 4e Rang, Saint-Liguori, QC J0K 2X0, in the Lanaudière region north of Montreal. The site has an indoor riding arena, an outdoor multisensory trail and a heated, air-conditioned simulator room.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
Who can ride at Projet Goldie?
Children and teens aged 4 to 18 with physical or intellectual disabilities or learning disorders. Each child gets a personalized program.
How much do sessions cost?
The center keeps fees as low as possible with donor support. Call 450-821-8157 or email projet_goldie@hotmail.com for current rates.
Are sessions offered in winter?
Yes. Sessions are offered in every season, in the indoor arena, on the outdoor multisensory trail or on the simulator, which is in a heated, air-conditioned room.
How do I register a child?
Contact the center by phone at 450-821-8157 or by email at projet_goldie@hotmail.com.
Location
Saint-Liguori, Québec J0K 2X0
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.