Colombia is enjoying peace after many years of civil war and with it a resurgent interest from tourists all over the world. Colombia, at the northern tip of South America, is a country of lush rainforest, towering mountains and coffee plantations. In the high-altitude capital, Bogotá, the Zona Rosa district is known for its restaurants, bars and shopping. Historic Cartagena, on the Caribbean coast, is one of the old capitals of the Spanish Empire. It features a walled colonial Old Town, a 16th-century castle and popular beaches. Nearby, culture-rich Barranquilla hosts a massive yearly Carnival. Medellin was reclaimed from the drug lords in the 1990's and is now one of the most popular cities to visit with its vibrant nightlife, cultural features and friendly and helpful citizens.
Horses are part of the fabric of Colombian culture and history. Almost all Colombians are mad about horses. Fairs, festivals and horse parades are common all over the country. The Columbians also have their own breed: the Columbian Paso Fino.
On his second trip to America, Christopher Columbus (who the country is named after) brought some horses with him. These horses were a mix of Andalusian, Berber, and the extinct gaited Spanish horse the Jennet. They formed the basis for the horses with which the Spanish conquered the Caribbean and South America, ancestors of the current Criollo breed, the stock horse of Latin America.
Hundreds of years breeding with those bloodlines, especially in Puerto Rico and Colombia, optimized the gait, endurance and strength. This is how the Paso Fino, literally translated as The Horse with the Fine Step, has been created. The Paso Fino Colombiano is, despite its sophisticated appearance a very strong horse that was mainly used for long distances. Its smooth and natural gait were much appreciated.
Unicorn trails offers an exploration of the highlands, travelling from Hacienda to Hacienda, staying with authentic local people and exploring the horse culture of Colombia as the locals like to do: from horseback. To truly experience Colombia come on the Hacienda Horse Trail with Unicorn Trails.
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