A Journey of Passion, Perseverance, and Barefoot Belief

Where It All Began

Sandra’s story begins in Switzerland, where horses were not just a passion  they were a way of life. In 2009, she moved to the stunning region of the Natural Park of the 1,000 Lakes in France. Surrounded by pristine forests and winding trails, she decided to share this beauty with others by creating a small trail riding business for tourists.

Her herd began with only five horses, but word spread quickly about her professional, kind approach and the breathtaking rides she offered. Within a few years, she was caring for 25 horses across 35 hectares of land, guiding riders from across Europe through multi-day treks that covered over 4,000 kilometres every year.

Her business was thriving, but the intense work soon revealed the limitations of traditional shoeing. Constant movement, long distances, and rocky terrain took their toll. Sandra realised that to truly protect her horses’ wellbeing, she needed to find a healthier and more sustainable solution, one that supported natural hoof function while offering strong protection and grip.

Discovering Scootboots

Determined to do right by her horses, Sandra began learning about barefoot trimming and the benefits of hoof boots. With few farriers available in her area, she trained herself to trim with the help of two close friends who were professional trimmers, and started experimenting with different brands of hoof boots.

It was during this search that she connected with Melanie Engeler from BitsnBoots, who introduced her to Scootboots. Their first conversation changed everything.

“I needed something lightweight, durable, and affordable for a whole herd of working horses,” Sandra explains. “Scootboots ticked every box and they’ve never let me down.”

With Melanie’s guidance, Sandra transitioned her entire herd to Scootboots. She found that the boots performed exceptionally well even on demanding treks, offering flexibility, comfort, and impressive longevity. That hands-on experience with dozens of horses became the foundation for her deep technical knowledge, and later, her business as a hoof boot specialist.

When the World Stopped

By early 2020, Sandra’s trail riding business was flourishing until COVID-19 arrived. With borders closed and tourists gone overnight, everything she had built was suddenly at risk.

“Losing my business was heartbreaking,” she says. “But I refused to give up on the horses or the barefoot approach.”

But Sandra’s spirit didn’t break. With resilience and creativity, Sandra sold nearly everything she owned, keeping only a small home and three horses. 

Out of that determination came a new idea: an online store and fitting service dedicated to hoof boots. Her living room then became an office, her bedroom a warehouse, and Hipposandales France was born. 

Building a New Dream

Launching a new business from scratch after such a loss wasn’t easy, but Sandra’s perseverance paid off. With the guidance and friendship of Melanie from BitsnBoots and the backing of the Scootboot community, she began to thrive once again.

She poured everything into her new venture with customer education, personalised fittings, and one-on-one consultations for horse owners across France. Within two years, she had outgrown her home setup and moved into a dedicated office and warehouse, with sales growing month by month.

“I lost everything because of COVID,” she says. “But I rebuilt something new, something that truly matters, helping horses and their riders find comfort and freedom again.”

Her connection with Scootboot became a defining part of this new chapter. “When I received the marketing materials from Scootboot,” she recalls, “I felt such pride. I never imagined I’d be part of something so global yet so connected to what I believe in.”

A Valued Scootboot Partner

Today, Sandra works closely with trimmers, podiatrists, and farriers across France, offering fittings and sharing her experience from the field. Her practical knowledge earned through years of riding, trimming, and testing gives her customers a level of support they deeply value.

Scootboots remain the cornerstone of her business. Customers praise their comfort, ease of use, and modern design. And for Sandra, Scootboot’s reliability and partnership make them the perfect brand to stand behind.

“The support from Scootboot has been incredible,” she says. “No other company offers this level of collaboration with their stockists. Together, we’re building a stronger barefoot community.”

Her reputation for care and expertise has made Hipposandales France one of the most trusted sources for Scootboots in the country.

Looking Ahead

Sandra’s next goal is to represent Scootboot at major events and exhibitions across France, including her dream of participating in Paris 2026. She hopes to showcase the brand, educate more riders about the benefits of barefoot care, and continue expanding her reach across Europe.

“When horses can move comfortably and pain free again, their owners are happy too.” — Sandra, Hipposandales France

Sandra’s story reminds us that even when life changes unexpectedly, passion and purpose can light the path forward. Through her courage and belief in what Scootboot stands for, she’s not just rebuilding a business she’s helping horses, riders, and the barefoot movement thrive.