A Caballo por Colombia (ACPC) is an equestrian tourism project designed for experienced adventure riders from around the world, committed to economic, environmental, and social sustainability. This document outlines our actions, procedures, and policies aimed at achieving these goals.

PROMOTING PARTNERSHIPS FOR SUSTAINABILITY

We collaborate with partners who are committed to sustainable community and environmental development. From local families who provide traditional lunches during our rides to non-riding activity providers, we prioritize working with individuals and businesses dedicated to responsible and sustainable practices.

Our partners offer a diverse range of experiences — including interactive cultural demonstrations, workshops, historical talks, eco-tours, and outdoor adventures — all designed to promote sustainability and cultural preservation.

ANIMAL WELFARE

We prioritize the well-being of our animals, ensuring they receive proper care throughout their lives. When our horses reach old age, we provide them with a dignified retirement under our care, avoiding the common practice of selling them with uncertain futures.

Additionally, we rescue and adopt dogs from local shelters, providing them with safe and loving homes.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

We actively promote waste reduction initiatives and encourage our partners to minimize the use of single-use plastics. Riders are provided with reusable water bottles, which are refilled from large purified water containers to reduce plastic waste.

During our rides, we collect horse manure when passing through towns and villages to maintain cleanliness and demonstrate respect for local communities.

We also participate in community initiatives such as “La Vereda Más Limpia” (“The Cleanest Rural District”), encouraging rural children to adopt improved solid waste management practices.

CO₂ OFFSETTING

Inspired by our journeys through the Tao territory in Santander, we initiated a reforestation project near Oiba, Santander, planting 40,000 Eucalyptus grandis trees on previously deforested land.

This initiative has helped restore vegetation cover while generating local employment. Through this project, we have offset approximately 6,066 tons of CO₂ emissions, contributing to our goal of maintaining carbon-negative operations.

SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

Our sustainability policy includes the following commitments:

a) Compliance with all applicable regulations, particularly those established under Colombia’s Tourism Law (Law 2068 of 2020) and the National Sustainable Tourism Policy.
b) Prevention of illegal trafficking of wildlife, flora, and cultural heritage assets, and the reporting of any suspected violations.
c) Prevention of child exploitation and trafficking, with strict adherence to reporting protocols.
d) Continuous improvement of our sustainability practices, overseen by our Sustainability Committee.
e) Promotion of social development in the regions where we operate, prioritizing fair compensation and equal opportunities for all employees.
f) Adherence to all applicable legislation, ensuring ethical conduct in all aspects of our operations.

We hold ourselves and our partners to the highest standards of sustainability, verifying the legality, transparency, and ethical alignment of all individuals and organizations with whom we work

Our rides cater to adventure enthusiasts seeking an authentic immersion into Colombian culture and landscapes, eschewing staged experiences for genuine connections with the heart and soul of Colombia.

Ensuring a genuine adventure experience while effectively managing inherent risks is one of our foremost priorities, encompassing the physical safety of participants, food reliability, and biosecurity measures. To mitigate potential risks, our approach includes continuous guide training and thorough safety instructions provided to participants prior to rides. Key aspects of our security protocols include:

Physical Safety:

Our rides take place in safe regions of our country, all of which are considered relatively secure according to recommendations from the U.S. Department of State and various European governments. (You’ll find that these agencies often list travel restrictions for certain areas for many countries around the world.)

We have been running the Villa de Leyva ride continuously and without any security issues since 2004, the Barichara ride since 2007, and the Casanare ride since 2015.

Additionally, we personally check the routes a few days before each ride begins to ensure that the safety conditions remain unchanged. 

Beyond that, we work with trusted local partners who would promptly alert us if they believe there may be any serious safety concerns and we maintain constant communication with support vehicles, assistance companies, and authorities through two-way radios and satellite trackers.

Food Safety:

• Partner Selection: We collaborate with partners who prioritize hygiene in their processes and use high-quality raw materials. Our team conducts pre-checks to verify compliance with these standards at all dining locations during activities.

Biosecurity:

• Compliance with Protocols: We adhere to biosafety protocols established by international standards and national government regulations to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
• Protective Measures: Our practices include the use of personal protective equipment such as masks, adherence to social distancing guidelines, frequent hand washing, and the provision of disinfectants and antibacterial gel.
• Training and Verification: We provide training for support staff on biosecurity measures and verify partners’ adherence to protocols and good practices.

Through these comprehensive measures, we strive to ensure the safety and well-being of our participants while preserving the authenticity of their adventure experiences.