Stockist News December 24

As we approach the end of 2024, we're excited about what lies ahead in the new year and grateful for your continued support as part of the Scootboot family.

If you haven’t seen our announcement, we’re thrilled to share that Scootboot will launch a new brand identity early next year to mark our 10th anniversary! Inspired by the freedom we deliver to horses and riders worldwide, this refreshed look reflects everything Scootboot stands for.

This rebrand coincides with the launch of revolutionary new products designed to meet the needs of even more horses and mules throughout their barefoot journey. We’ll share product details and launch dates soon, along with tools and resources to support you.

Thank you for being part of the Scootboot family as we take this exciting next step together!

Equitana Australia

The Scootboot team had a fantastic time at Equitana Melbourne 2024, connecting with Stockists and meeting barefoot enthusiasts from across Australia. Held every two years, Equitana is one of the country’s premier equestrian events, and our booth was packed with visitors keen to learn more about barefoot freedom and our products.

We were thrilled to see many of our Stockists stop by to meet the team, including Tanya French, a long-time Scootboot Stockist and barefoot advocate. Tanya gave an inspiring presentation as one of Equitana’s featured educators, and her work continues to make a positive impact in the barefoot community. We also welcomed our manufacturing partner from Indonesia who visited to engage with customers and talk about the hoof boots he’s been producing for the past nine years.

This year’s Equitana marked the first public unveiling of our new logo, set to launch in 2025. The design reflects the innovative elements of our hoof boots, including the arch, pastern strap, and front straps, and was met with positive feedback from Stockists and the public alike.

Thank you to everyone who visited the booth and helped make Equitana such a memorable event!

Share your freedom competition closed

The 'Share Your Freedom' competition has officially concluded, and we were overwhelmed with the global response with thousands of entries. 

We couldn't have done it without your incredible support in promoting the competition to your customers, both online and in-store.

Every mention of a Stockist in the entries highlights the vital role you play in the Scootboot community, and we deeply value your contribution to this campaign's success.

The winner will be announced on the 5th of December, and we’ll be sharing the results on our website and social media platforms. Stay tuned, and feel free to share the winning stories with your customers as an inspiring way to celebrate the freedom Scootboot offers!

The benefits of Sizing Shells

Sizing Shells are an essential tool for ensuring a perfect fit when introducing horses to Scootboots. But what exactly are they, and how can you use them most effectively? Let’s break it down.

What are Sizing Shells?

Sizing Shells are Scootboots repurposed to assist in hoof fitting. They are made from the same high-quality TPU material as our Scootboots and are cast using the same moulds. The key difference?

Purpose: Sizing Shells are boots that haven’t passed our stringent quality control for riding due to minor imperfections, like small air pockets in the casting process.

Repurposing: To distinguish them, large holes are drilled into the Sizing Shells, ensuring they’re unsuitable for riding but perfect for fitting.

By repurposing these boots, we reduce waste and provide a reliable tool for Stockists and hoof care professionals.

How Sizing Shells relate to Scootboots

Since Sizing Shells and Scootboots come from the same moulds, their size and shape are identical. 

Incorporating Sizing Shells into your business

We do not offer a Sizing Shell service to our retail customers. This gives our Stockists the opportunity to provide customers with a greater array of sizing services.

In-Person Fitting:

Use Sizing Shells during face-to-face fittings for the most accurate results.

Remote Sizing:

Offer Sizing Shells for hire and guide customers in sending photos for a remote fit assessment.

Work with Fitters:

Partner with local farriers or trimmers to use Sizing Shells for accurate fittings. Always verify that the fitters you or your customers consult are reputable and aligned with Scootboot’s high standards, as their actions impact both your business and the Scootboot brand.

Educate your team and Follow Up:

Share the resources available on the Stockist Hub and the educational materials provided by Scootboot with your team to ensure they are well-informed on how to use sizing shells effectively. Follow up after purchase to confirm the fit, address any issues, and maintain customer satisfaction.

Sizing Shells are versatile tools to streamline sizing, reduce returns, and boost customer confidence.

Getting the best out of Sizing Shells

To ensure the best fit, it’s important to know the customer's trim cycle, especially if you're not their farrier or barefoot trimmer. Sizing Shells should be used within the first two weeks of the trim cycle for the most accurate fit throughout the 4-6 week cycle.

After sizing with the Sizing Shells, consider if any adjustments might be needed to the recommended size.

Understand the variables:

Changes in fit can often be traced back to hoof-related factors, such as:

Trimming style:

Different trimmers may subtly alter hoof shape.

Seasonal or environmental changes:

Wet or dry conditions can impact hoof dimensions.

Barefoot transition:

Hooves naturally expand and adapt during this phase.

Dietary adjustments:

Improvements or setbacks in nutrition can affect hoof health and size.

Collaborate with customers:

Encourage open discussions about any recent changes in trimming, environment, or care. Ask questions to identify the root cause of fit concerns.

Engage with hoof care professionals:

Work with the customer's trimmer or farrier to ensure consistent communication about the horse’s hoof history and needs.

Educate the customer:

Share insights into how external factors influence fit and provide guidance on maintaining hoof health. Empowering customers builds trust and confidence in the Scootboot experience.

Why Sizing Shells Matter

Sizing Shells are more than a fitting tool—they’re a bridge to understanding the horse’s hoof journey. By addressing fit concerns with a proactive and collaborative approach, Stockists can strengthen relationships with customers and their hoof care teams, ensuring the best outcome for the horse.

Sizing Shells are a powerful resource in delivering exceptional service and reinforcing confidence in the barefoot journey with Scootboots.

The New Year is nearly here: Is your Returns Policy up to date?.

As we approach the new year, it’s a great time to review your returns policy. A clear and customer-focused returns process is essential for building trust and ensuring smooth transactions for both you and your customers.

Do you have a customer-focused Returns Policy?

As independent businesses, Stockists must comply with good business practices and local regulations. One key part of this is ensuring that your returns policy is easy for your customers to understand and access. Customers must be able to review your returns policy before placing their orders, giving them confidence in their purchase.

Even if you don't keep stock on hand, it's important to have a straightforward returns process in place. If you’re ordering Scoots for a customer, make sure they understand that, if needed, returns may involve waiting for a replacement to be ordered.

Warranties vs. Returns

It’s important to note that warranties are separate from your returns policy. Scootboot covers boots that are not of acceptable quality, have a defect, or appear faulty or damaged by crediting your wholesale account so you can replace the Scootboots. This keeps communication simple for customers, as they only need to deal with one point of contact, you, for both returns and warranty matters.

Key Points for Your Returns Policy:

Clarity:

Make sure your policy is easy to understand and includes clear steps on how returns work.

Access:

Ensure customers can view your returns policy before they place an order.

Communication:

Be transparent with your customers about how long returns may take, especially if a replacement is needed.

Compliance:

Follow your local laws and best business practices for returns policies.

The new year is the perfect time to make sure your returns policy is clear, fair, and customer-friendly. By doing so, you’ll help ensure a positive experience for your customers and set yourself up for success in the year ahead.

Our retail policy

James Arkins moves more of his competition horses to barefoot

When we heard that our Showjumping Brand Ambassador James Arkins wanted more of his competition horses to transition to barefoot we jumped at the chance to assist. With James currently located in Europe, we engaged Master Barefoor Trimmer Barbara Hoekstra who works closely with our Stockist Marjanka Lever from Equishoen.  

Barbara’s expert assessment of the hoof pathology of his horses now has James and his team on a firm track to transition. We thank Barbara for her expertise and advice, and look forward to following James’ transition success.

As the holiday season approaches, we want to inform you that the Scootboot office will be closed from 24 December 2024 and will reopen on 2 January 2025. 

Please plan ahead for any inquiries or support needs, and we’ll be ready to assist as soon as we reopen in the new year.

Orders:

For Australian and New Zealand Stockists, please place your orders and make payment by Sunday 22 December to ensure fulfilment before our closure.

Stockists outside of Australia and New Zealand will not be affected and orders will be fulfilled as normal throughout this period.

Thank you for your understanding – here’s to a wonderful holiday season!

Brand awareness spotlight

Every month, the marketing team works to spotlight our product across various media and other outlets, including event sponsorships and magazine placements. Here is where you can spot Scootboots this month:

• Hoofbeats - (USA)

• Equita Lyon (EU - France)

• NRHA  - (USA)

• Horse Deals - (Australia)

• Bridle and Bit Magazine - (USA)

• American Farrier’s Journal - (USA)

• The Horse Review - (USA)

• Horse&Rider / The Horse / Equine Network (EU - France)

• The Horse Rider

• Grand Prix - (Europe)

• Horseman's News - (USA)

• Barefoot Horse Magazine

• The Horse Review News - (USA)

• Ridsport - (Sweden)

• Worldwide Slide Magazine - (USA)

• NCHA’s Cutting Horse - (USA)

• Western Equestrian - (USA)

• The Horse Review | Hunt & Field Magazine - (USA)

• Cowboy States Reining Mag 

• Horse & Country Magazine - (UK)

• Forge Magazine - (UK)

• Elite Equestrian - (Australia)

November's Roundup________________________

Missed any updates in November?

• Scootboot new look preview

• We want your wester events knowledge

• Black Friday

• Share your Freedom