Horseback Travel Operators

I think it's important to initially recall the difference between what constitutes horseback rides, trail rides, and horseback trips. The first two activities have a short duration; low to medium logistical complexity, and are promoted by stables, farm hotels, equestrian centers, and associations.

On the other hand, a Horseback Trip—a ride lasting more than one day—has a longer duration; medium to high logistical complexity and is organized by equestrian tourism operators, but often also by saddle horse clubs and associations. Some farms in Brazil and ranches abroad promote trail rides lasting more than one day. However, equestrian tourism operators are more specialized in this type of programming.

Agencies work by marketing programs developed by partners or their own itineraries. Regardless of the case, they are entirely responsible for the product they sell. Qualified companies intervene and require strict criteria to be applied in the operation of their local partners as a condition for marketing their programs. The requirements encompass the quality and health of the animals, the conditions of the saddles and tack, the availability of safety equipment, the services offered, and the management of the business. Abroad, particularly in Europe, Africa, and the USA, the sector is more organized and professionalized. There is a significant concern for safety. Representatives from companies in these countries travel worldwide prospecting new routes while checking the service conditions provided by already established partners. Many partnerships are dissolved due to repeated complaints from users.

Some national agencies and other international ones have an enormous variety of itineraries across numerous destinations worldwide on their websites. They cater to diverse tastes, skills, and budgets. These agencies market the routes of local operators.

Local, national, and international operators are those who effectively create and execute the itineraries. In other words, they put their hands to work. They have their teams and horses, are knowledgeable about the location, and handle all the organization and logistics of the trip. They often operate exclusively in the region and offer various itineraries within the same area. They sell their programs to national (of their own country) and international agencies but also frequently market their routes directly on their websites.

Viajaracavalo is a national equestrian tourism operator—specifically in the horseback trip segment—that has its own teams and specialized horse troops dedicated to its programs in various parts of Brazil. It also works as an agency, marketing its own programs and those of partners. Currently, some of its programs are sold internationally through international agencies, such as Travessia Country Mar and Cânions do Velho Chico.