Tauseef Qadri, An Unbridled Spirit: The Story of Cavago

Throughout the course of human history, the bond between horses and humans has been an enduring and meaningful one. From the nomads of Asia who are believed to have tamed the very first equines some four millennia ago, to the societies that relied on horses for their very survival, horses have played a vital role in shaping the course of human civilization.

Despite the advent of modern technology, horses have managed to maintain their significance in many cultures, with their image often closely tied to heroic deeds and valiant acts of bravery during times of war. Whether charging fearlessly into battle or pulling heavy loads in service of their human counterparts, horses have earned a place of honor and respect that endures to this day.

However, this profound bond between humans and horses may extend beyond their practical roles. It encompasses an emotional connection that grants mankind an opportunity to connect with their innermost selves through the presence of these majestic creatures.

Since he was a child, Tauseef Qadri, felt a fascination for horses. It was an inner pull, which he has nurtured all his life. The majestic creatures, possessing an innate nobility and an exquisite harmony of physical and emotional sensitivities, have remained the object of his unwavering devotion throughout his lifetime.

Growing up in Saudi Arabia, Tauseef ceaselessly sought after any form of literature pertaining to horses, clutching them in his eager grasp. Over the course of countless years, his acquaintance with horses and the art of horsemanship burgeoned, nourished by an ever-expanding repertoire of knowledge and expertise.

Nurtured within a household that fostered an environment of uninhibited creative expression, Tauseef's parents recognized the innate affinity their son held for the equine realm. While his peers indulged in the joys of playing with dinkie cars, young Tauseef found solace in dreaming of horses.

Responding to this, Tauseef's father, who oversaw the running of the kingdom's military hospitals, took his little boy to Tabuk, the eminent capital city of the Tabuk region. This distinguished enclave boasted an expansive equestrian sanctuary with a distinguished herd of 250 high-grade equines. As Tauseef set foot upon the terrain, he felt like a child in a candy shop. The different breeds of horses – all unique in spirit and physical disposition – was thrilling!

Fast forward many years later, today, Tauseef, a graduate of SOAS and MIT, has emerged as the visionary force behind Cavago, a revolutionary platform crafted exclusively for the horse world, by the horse world.

Picture this: a realm where equine enthusiasts unite to embrace thrilling adventures and majestic steeds, Cavago empowers hosts from every corner of the globe to showcase their equine and equestrian offerings on its rich, user-friendly platform. Meanwhile, seekers of horseback escapades can embark on memorable journeys, exploring an enchanted array of riding experiences and securing their dreamlike getaways through the Cavago booking platform.

Emerging as a select startup backed by the UK government's Department for Business and Trade, Cavago is swiftly becoming the paramount destination for equine enthusiasts. With an impressive repertoire of 500 horse facilities distributed across 40 countries, and the distinguished entrepreneur and HM Crown Representative, Boris Adlam, serving as one of the startup's primary advisors, Cavago stands out as a rapidly expanding, high-impact venture.

While Airbnb revolutionizes the realm of home rentals, Cavago pioneers a groundbreaking platform that skillfully connects the captivating world of horses with individuals yearning for an immersive experience.

Whether it's the allure of cantering under a starry sky, traversing sandy shores by the emerald ocean, or embracing the splendor of a picturesque hilltop, Cavago ignites the imagination and connects the dots, granting unbridled access to equine experiences.

“The horse world is a universe in itself,” Tauseef states excitedly while being interviewed by Machinelab over a Zoom call.

“Imagine, there are 60 million horses around the world! The bond between horses and humans goes back centuries – it’s a visceral connection. But because people can’t discover horse farms easily, they can’t access them. Therefore its potential is not fully utilized. There are these beautiful places around the world that are untapped and unless you shine the torch on them, they don’t exist! Cavago’s mission is to connect the horse world and to also be able to empower these agents through Cavago’s digitalization.”

Gearing up to speak at the World Horse Forum in Portugal on ‘Digitalization in the Horse World’ this month, the founder reveals that Cavago has also recently partnered with The Racing Foundation’s upcoming ‘2023 Horse Racing Industry Conference’ at the York Racecourse in the UK. A feather in the startup’s cap as participants from the racing world will be directed tothe Cavago platform for the purchase of tickets.

While the challenges were enormous and the risks of going the entrepreneurial route were terrifying at best, Cavago thankfully made it through against all odds, eventually launching post COVID-19.

This year, in light of the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey in February, the startup, in a remarkable display of compassion and solidarity, orchestrated an endeavor by hosting a charity ride for earthquake relief. Against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Cappadocia, equestrians embarked on a poignant journey, knowing that every penny they contributed, along with Cavago's commission, would be dedicated wholeheartedly to support the victims of the devastating earthquake.

Catering to a diverse range of clientele, Cavago attracts a wide spectrum of customers with a shared passion for horses. From children enthralled by horses to couples seeking a romantic horseback getaway, and even esteemed entrepreneurs and influential figures like Danelle Delago (a Forbes Top 10 Global Speaker), Kerri Kasem (a renowned radio and TV host) who was lucky enough to get an exclusive tour of the renowned Portugese School of Equestrian Art thanks to Cavago, Tuğba (a popular German-Turkish influencer), Reem Birdette (an Emirati Miss Universe finalist) and many others, the equestrian culture resonates on a global scale.

With the horse racing industry poised to exceed a staggering 700 billion dollars and equestrian activities accounting for approximately 300-400 billion dollars, the economic impact is monumental. As Cavago continues to expand, its potential for growth and scalability becomes increasingly evident, capturing the essence of a flourishing startup that transcends boundaries and enriches cultures worldwide.

“I just knew I had to launch Cavago,” Tauseef says, “I didn’t want to go to my grave not doing this. There are approximately over 2 million providers of equine services around the world. And I knew this dream was worthy of pursuing because I can not only unlock the potential of the horse world, but I can also make a huge difference to these very economic agents who need all the help that they can get.”

But perhaps Cavago goes far beyond just a booking platform for horse lovers. Take for instance the exciting Golega Horse Festival - dating back to the 18^th Century - which takes place in the enchanting town of Golega (in rural Portugal) every year. Through Cavago, horse enthusiasts can attend the festival which brings people and horses – both – for an experience which is both magical and mesmerizing.

“[The festival] is a sea of people and horses – it’s so incredible. See, that’s just one of thousands of horse festivals around the world that Cavago wants the world to have access to. The horse world has so much potential to grow and flourish in tourism. Honestly, we don’t realize the potential we’re sitting on,” the founder states.

From Cavago’s very inception, Tauseef's vision has been to cultivate a nurturing realm where agents, scattered across the globe, are emboldened to transcend their own limitations.

Fuelled by Cavago's transformative ripple effect, the founder's passion lies in touching lives, igniting a profound shift through the collective might of a global community.

The goal is not simply to envision change, but to manifest it in its most tangible and visceral form.

“I would love for this company to become a unicorn one day,” he says wistfully, “But for me what’s truly important is harnessing the potential of the community and the difference it can make to every single agent within it.”

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Photos courtesy of: Tauseef Qadri/CAVAGO

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