How Scootboots Helped a Search and Rescue Horsewoman Trust the Unknown
Imagine this: It’s the middle of the night. You’re riding up a steep, rocky mountain trail in complete darkness on a search and rescue mission.
Below you, the sound of rushing water echoes through the canyon. The path is barely wide enough for your horse, it’s slippery, and there’s no room for mistakes.
You can’t use a flashlight as it would throw off your horse’s natural perception of the trail.
The only option? Trust.
Trust in your horse’s instincts. Trust that they can feel their way through the darkness. And trust that, with Scootboots on their hooves, they’ll have the grip and protection they need to carry you safely through.
For Daarla, a seasoned equine search and rescuer, moments like this are just another day in the saddle.
Finding a Hoof Boot That Could Keep Up
Daarla has been using Scoot Boots for over four years, and for her, they’re not just a convenience - they’re a lifeline.
Living in an area where only 2% of the land has road access, she and her horses venture deep into the backcountry, navigating treacherous terrain, rocky ledges, and water crossings as part of her volunteer work in equine search and rescue.
Rescue missions can take five hours or more through some of the toughest landscapes imaginable.
Horses need to be calm under pressure, sure-footed, and responsive - and their hooves need protection that can withstand the elements. Daarla has tried other hoof boots before, but they never held up.
"I used other hoof boots, but they rubbed, twisted and came off way too easily. Then I found Scootboots. They don’t rub, they don’t slip, and they never come off—even when crossing rivers or ice. I knew from the first ride that I was hooked."
In her line of work, there’s no room for uncertainty. Whether she’s riding through slick rock trails, extreme temperatures, or under the roar of helicopters, Daarla needs to trust her equipment. That’s why she outfits her equine team horses and mules in Scootboots.
From Cattle Ranching to Life-Saving Missions
Daarla’s experience with horses runs deep. She’s spent years in cattle ranching and search and rescue, where horses are more than just companions - they’re co-workers. She was asked to join a search and rescue team by the sheriff, initially just to help out.
But as she got involved, she saw the need for a dedicated equine team that could handle the rugged backcountry.
Horses chosen for the job need to be exceptional:
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Calm under helicopters and aeroplanes
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Sure-footed on narrow, rocky trails
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Comfortable crossing rivers and extreme terrain
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Resilient and highly trained
Every year, the team undergoes rigorous testing, and some horses don’t make the cut. Safety is everything.
Daarla recalls a particularly harrowing moment when one of her horses, wearing traditional metal shoes, got their hoof trapped between boulders.
“Once we were going up the Ice lake trail, there were boulders that we stepped over. They had a shoe on, and they got their foot trapped. If they pulled hard enough it would pull their hoof off.”
“With Scootboots, they could gently pull their foot off and continue on the mission.”
Winning the Trip of a Lifetime
Daarla never thought she would win.
When she saw our Share Your Freedom competition online, she entered on a whim.
She always shared Scoot Boots with her friends, so she thought, why not?
She submitted a photo taken on her cattle ranch in Eastern Oregon, where vast open country stretches as far as the eye can see. In this rugged terrain, the only way to work cattle is on horseback.
At the time, she was recovering from a knee injury, and her horses—Bullet, Sadie, Scottie, and Houlian—were her lifeline. Riding was the only way she could keep doing what she loved.
And then she forgot about it.
Until one day, she got the news: she’d won!
"I was absolutely shocked that I had won. I’ve never won anything like this. The minute I was old enough to get on one, I’ve been a horse person - literally my entire life."
That spontaneous decision led to an unforgettable journey—one that took her across the world to Tasmania, to meet the Scoot Boot team, ride along stunning beaches, and experience a new kind of freedom.
An Unforgettable Journey to Tasmania
Daarla’s win didn’t just mean a new adventure, it meant travelling across the world to experience Tasmania firsthand.
Daarla won a trip to Tasmania, a beach trail ride and a brand new pair of Scootboots!
"This was the most amazing trip of my life. The people, the scenery, the unspoiled beauty - it was incredible. The roads are great, and the opportunities are endless."
Meeting the Scootboot crew in person made the experience even more special.
"I loved everyone and thought it was a fun workplace with a great team atmosphere. You guys are so lucky to have such talent that really clicks, like family."
But the highlight of the trip?
"Meeting the Scoot Boot crew and the beach ride. We absolutely loved the beach ride."
Even after four years of using Scoot Boots, visiting the headquarters gave her an even deeper connection to the brand.
"Seeing the people behind the brand and how much they care about their customers and horses made me love Scoot Boots even more."
Why the Right Hoof Boots Make All the Difference
From midnight rescue missions on sheer cliffs to cattle ranching in the wilds of Oregon, Daarla’s story is proof that trust in your horse starts with trust in their hooves.
For her, Scoot Boots aren’t just a product - they’re a tool that keeps her and her horses safe.
"If I don’t feel safe, I don’t go. And with Scoot Boots, I feel safe."
Want to experience the freedom that comes with Scoot Boots?
Join the thousands of riders worldwide who trust Scoot Boots for their adventures.