For us, sustainability isn’t just a trend – it’s a way of life. At Kavalkade, we’re actively committed to creating a more environmentally friendly, socially responsible and fairer equestrian world. We don’t just want to set riders’ hearts racing; we also want to keep our ecological hoofprint as small as possible. In this article, we’ll show you exactly what we’re doing and why our vegan cork collection, ‘Cortica’, is a real highlight.
People: Responsibility we put into practice
Fair working conditions, open communication and respect – for us, these aren’t just buzzwords, but part of our everyday life.
- Code of Conduct: Promoting transparency and fairness with our suppliers.
- On-site inspection: A trained member of staff checks that our standards are being met in India.
- Employee benefits: Ergonomic workstations, flexible working hours, working from home, back care classes, and even the option to bring your children or dog to work when childcare is unavailable.
- Team-building & bonuses: Regular events, vouchers and discounts help to keep spirits high.
Helping where help is needed – the projects close to our hearts
Since 2023, we have been supporting a school in India that came to our attention through the organisation Aktion kleiner Prinz . Over 400 children there are given the chance to receive a school education – a valuable contribution in a region where poverty often bars access to education.
For us, sustainability is not just a trend, but a way of life. At Kavalkade, we are actively committed to a more environmentally friendly, socially responsible and fairer equestrian world. We don’t just want to make riders’ hearts beat faster. As our production is closely linked to India, we know how urgently help is needed. Our support ranges from donations of items such as mattresses, shoes and rucksacks to financial aid to ensure the children’s daily needs are met. In 2025, our managing director was able to visit the school in person and see for herself the difficult conditions on the ground. The visit has further strengthened our resolve to continue our work.
You can find out more about the project here.
But here in Germany, too, helping others is second nature to us: we regularly donate products to animal sanctuaries, support farms affected by floods and fires with whatever is most urgently needed, and are always happy to lend a hand when help is required. Just get in touch with us!
Furthermore, we support the ‘Vielfalt Pferd’ initiative, which campaigns for greater openness, respect and tolerance in equestrian sport. Not only do we do this, but we also strive to keep our ecological hoof-print as small as possible. In this article, we’ll show you exactly what we’re doing and why our vegan cork collection, ‘Cortica’, is a real highlight.
Environment: Substance-driven sustainability
Here, we’re all about actions rather than words – see for yourselves!
- Vegetable-tanned leather: Biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals.
- The vegan Cortica collection: cork instead of leather – a real game-changer in equestrian sports.
- Packaging: 80% plastic-free; instead, paper, kraft paper and uncoated cardboard.
- Green site: On-site photovoltaic system, heat pump, bee-friendly areas and sustainable irrigation.
- Digitalisation & Recycling: From the new ERP system to recycled paper and the reuse of cardboard packaging.
- Route planning & carbon-neutral printing: Fewer journeys, fewer emissions, greater responsibility.
Good to know
Our environmentally friendly decisions are always guided by our in-house sustainability guidelines.
Economy: Fairness on an equal footing
- Fair payment terms for all our suppliers.
- Regular visits by senior management to the production sites for quality assurance and to foster good relations.
- Circular economy products: Research and development into durable, repairable items made from recycled materials.
Through our sustainability initiatives, we are also helping to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). You can find details of all our initiatives on our sustainability page.
Cortica: Our vegan cork collection
Cork has long been a staple in the fashion world – and now we’re bringing it to the world of equestrian sports! Our aim: vegan, sustainable and stylish equestrian accessories.
Cork products have long been established outside the equestrian world as a sustainable alternative to leather. We’re making sure they find their way into the equestrian world too. As one of the few equestrian companies, we offer vegan riding accessories made from cork. Our aim is to provide vegan horse lovers with a great alternative to leather. We spent just under two years developing these products, putting them through their paces, and repeatedly refining and adapting them. The result is our sustainable and vegan ‘Cortica’ collection, comprising bridles, reins, girths, browbands, chaps, ankle boots and spur straps.
Why cork?
- Renewable & biodegradable
- Free from chemicals and tanning agents
- Durable, water-repellent & easy to care for
- Vegan & unique in appearance
Our most popular cork products
‘Cortica’ cork bridle
The “Cortica” bridle features an English-style combination noseband with an anatomical headpiece. Both the headpiece and the noseband are softly lined with imitation leather. The bridle is adjustable on both sides and the stop strap is detachable. The sparkling browband is a real eye-catcher.
‘Cortica’ cork pre-form
The vegan ‘Cortica’ three-point chest harness has a slim, elegant cut with contrasting coloured cork piping as a decorative feature. It is multi-adjustable and the lower carabiner can be removed. No elasticated sections.
‘Cortica’ cork spur straps
Our “Cortica” spur straps are sustainable, unique and easy to care for. The black straps with cork-coloured loops are particularly notable for their high tear resistance and durability, and are also water-repellent.
Conclusion: Sustainability at Kavalkade
Our journey doesn’t end here. We’re constantly working on new ideas, such as using more recycled materials and further optimising our packaging. For us, sustainability means continuous improvement.
Our vision is clear: we want to lead by example and make equestrian sport more sustainable – step by step. With Cortica and many other initiatives, we are proving that style, functionality and sustainability go hand in hand.