Scoot Boots co-founder, Dave MacDonald, is a pioneer of the barefoot movement, developing one of the first practical hoof boots – the Old Mac – in 1998. Since then, MacDonald has teamed up with business partner Annette Kaitinis to bring their range of strong, light-weight, thermoplastic urethane hoof boots to the world. “We want to inspire, educate and advocate for a natural barefoot approach for horses around the globe, changing 1500 years of tradition,” Mr MacDonald says. “Our Scoot Boots allow horses to virtually go barefoot, an option that is much more suitable to their overall health.” |
Speaking at the Telstra Tasmanian Business Awards event in Hobart last night, MacDonald said the award reflected the team’s hard work, determination and their belief in the product.
“It just goes to show, as the Premier, Will Hodgman, said, things can be done from Tassie,” he said.
“We’re isolated here. We’ve a lot of water between us and the mainland, but anybody who’s got a bit of a dream can go forward from Tassie.”
A user-friendly e-commerce platform enables the business to sell Scoot Boots to a varied clientele around the world. As a result, Scoot Boots made an appearance at the NFL Super Bowl in 2017, worn by the horses of the Houston Police Department Mounted Patrol – evidence of the brand’s global appeal.
The co-founders’ passion and determination to succeed, as well as the ability to bounce back from adversity, swayed the judges’ decision.
“Dave and Annette have enthusiastically empowered and trusted their small staff to help them grow the business globally,” the judges said.
“They’ve actively sought and responded to user feedback to inform ongoing product development and distribution efficiencies.”
The business also took home the 2018 Telstra Tasmanian Emerging and Energised Award.
Celebrating its 26th year, the Telstra Business Awards showcase the achievements and entrepreneurial spirit of Australia’s best small and medium businesses.
Other winners at the 2018 Telstra Tasmanian Business Awards include:
- Find Your Feet Australia, a retail and tourism business sharing the joy of the outdoors with its customers, won the 2018 Telstra Tasmanian Small and Succeeding Business Award.
- Cancer Council Tasmania, a community support service for cancer patients in the state, was named the 2018 Telstra Tasmania Social Change Maker Award.
