Hoof boots are the biggest innovation in horseshoes for centuries
Scoot Boot, Media Release, 14 December 2023
Scoot Boots are a healthier, natural barefoot alternative to metal horseshoes to help protect horses’ hooves and the innovative Australian company has taken out the prestigious E-Commerce Exporter of the Year Award at 61st Australian Export Awards.
The company, which manufactures and supplies equine hoof boots to almost 100 countries around the world, took out the award ahead of four other national finalists.
Scoot Boots were designed by Co-Founder David Macdonald, a former farrier. They are constructed of a strong material called thermoplastic urethane which has high abrasive and shock absorbing qualities making them extremely robust and lightweight and allow horses to travel over any type of terrain, no matter how harsh, with comfort and support.
The boots slip on and off when needed, as opposed to horse shoes, which are nailed to the hoof 24/7, which may compromise the integrity of the hoof structure making hooves susceptible to hoof pathologies.
They are easy to fit on and off, won’t get soggy or heavy when riding through mud and wet terrain, have superior traction and are easy to clean, making care for horse’s feet simple and easy.
The win is Scoot Boots first national export award after being awarded at the state level five times.
Scoot Boot Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Annette Kaitinis said the win was an unexpected surprise for her team who had worked since 2015 to establish the brand and build the export market overseas.
We have expanded now to close to 100 countries with parts of Europe and the US accounting for 80% of our revenue, and we continue to grow into new territories.
“Just last week we received our first order from Saudi Arabia and Lithuania (my father’s home country); we recently onboarded two wholesale customers from Russia and we have growing interest from Latin American markets including Mexico,” she said.
“It really shows how the awareness of the benefits of going barefoot for horses is increasing, which means more horses are having healthier and happier lives because of our product.”
“The unique design of Scoot Boots allows the boot to hug the hoof wall, keeping the boot secure. This video explains fitting Scoot Boots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIgYF_oVxgE.
Ms Kaitinis said she believed the barefoot movement was accelerating largely because of social media which was a major component of the Scoot Boot marketing strategy.
“Using social media we are able to engage more and more with some very specific segments from top ranking showjumpers and reining horse champions to pony club members and serious trailriders,” Ms Kaitinis said.
“Winning this award means so much to us in further building our brand and internationalcredentials.
“We thank Austrade for this opportunity and all the organisations who continue to support us including the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), the TAS Information Communications and Technology (TASICT) Department of State Growth TAS, AusIndustry, and Department of foreign Affairs (DFAT).
For more information, please visit https://scootboots.com/.
