Share Your Freedom Winner Story: Daarla’s Journey with Scootboots

The Scootboot Share Your Freedom competition celebrates riders and horses working in real and challenging conditions where trust matters most. 

As we look ahead to the next Share Your Freedom competition launching in August 2026, we’re revisiting one of our most powerful winning stories.

This is the story of Daarla, an equine search and rescue volunteer, cattle rancher, and horsewoman whose work depends on confidence, reliability, and trust in every step her horses take.

Trust in the Unknown

It’s the middle of the night. A search and rescue mission is underway in steep, rocky mountains with limited visibility and dangerous terrain.

There is no room for hesitation. Everything depends on trust. Trust in the horse, and trust that their hooves are protected well enough to handle whatever lies ahead.

For Daarla, this is not rare. It is her reality working in remote backcountry environments as part of an equine search and rescue team.

Life in Extreme Terrain

Living in an area where only 2% of land has road access, Daarla and her team rely on horses and mules to reach remote locations. Missions can last five hours or more across steep rock, rivers, and unpredictable ground.

Horses must stay calm under helicopters, steady on narrow trails, and be capable of performing in extreme conditions. Safety is everything, and only the most reliable horses continue in service.

Why Hoof Protection Matters

In this environment, hoof protection is critical.

Before finding Scootboots, Daarla tried other hoof boots but experienced rubbing, twisting, and boots coming off in difficult terrain.

Her experience changed when she found Scootboots.

“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.”

Since then, she has relied on Scootboots for her entire equine team in both ranch and rescue work.

“We use these in the worst terrain imaginable. They never rub, they never come off. Whether crossing rivers or ice, they just stay put.”

For Daarla, that reliability directly supports safety and confidence in the field.

From Ranch Work to Rescue Missions

With a background in cattle ranching, Daarla has long relied on horses as working partners in remote country. Over time, she became involved in search and rescue after being invited to assist a sheriff-led team.

Her horses must be steady, adaptable, and capable of handling demanding terrain and high-pressure environments across multiple disciplines.

Winning Share Your Freedom

Daarla entered Share Your Freedom on impulse, submitting a photo from her cattle ranch in Eastern Oregon, where horses are essential to daily work.

She never expected to win.

“I was absolutely shocked that I had won. I’ve never won anything like this.”

That win led to an unforgettable trip to Tasmania, Australia to visit Scootboot HQ and experience a beach ride along the coast.

A Trip to Tasmania

During her visit, Daarla met the Scootboot team, toured Scootboot HQ, and experienced the landscapes of Tasmania firsthand.

“This was the most amazing trip of my life. The people, the scenery, the unspoiled beauty, it was incredible.”

She also described the beach ride as a standout moment of her experience.

“Seeing the people behind the brand and how much they care about their customers and horses made me love Scootboots even more.”

Why This Story Matters

Daarla’s journey reflects what Share Your Freedom is about: trust, partnership, and the connection between horse and rider in real-world conditions.

For her, Scootboots are a trusted part of her everyday work, helping her horses perform safely and confidently in some of the most demanding environments.

“If I don’t feel safe, I don’t go. And with Scootboots, I feel safe.”

Looking Ahead: Share Your Freedom 2026

As we look toward the next Share Your Freedom competition launching in August 2026, we’re excited to announce this year’s experience will be our biggest prize ever, valued at over $15,000 AUD.

The prize includes:

• Flights

• Accommodation (with breakfast included)

• Transfers

• A Globetrotting Shoalhaven ride
  
  
  
  
  

The Ultimate Country-to-Coast Riding Escape

You’ll be riding through the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia, where rugged, rocky mountains roll down into serene estuaries and spring-fed rivers wind toward the sparkling sea. 

Surrounded by this natural beauty, you’ll experience some of Australia’s finest food and wine.

We can’t wait to see the next Share Your Freedom story unfold.