Scoot Boot™ names elite athlete James Arkins as Brand Ambassador

Hobart, TAS: World leading hoof boot company and Australian e-Commerce Exporter of the Year, Scoot BootTM, has announced  James Arkins as their inaugural Brand Ambassador.

Arkins is well known as one of Australia’s top show jumpers. He competes on the international circuit each year and is now preparing for his European and United States campaign for 2024.

Arkins has been trialing and using Scoot Boots with some of his top jumpers at his horse stud, Rosthwaite Farm in Moss Vale, New South Wales. He is now ready to implement them into his competition program.

“There has been a movement in recent times to compete showjumping horses barefoot, with many top riders globally making the transition, including the gold medal winning team at the Tokyo Olympics and the gold medal winning team at the 2022 World Championships. To facilitate this, these riders use Scoot Boots as a vital part of their training program. I was keen to try them for myself,” Arkins said.

Scoot Boot Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Annette Kaitinis said Arkins was a great choice for Brand Ambassador as his methods and ethos were fully aligned with her company.

"Co-founder and former Farrier, Dave MacDonald, designed Scoot Boots to enable more horses to go barefoot and enjoy longer, healthier and happier lives," Ms Kaitinis said.

“While James does need to continue using iron shoes on some of his horses, it's an achievement to see him accept hoof boots as an alternative and transition some of his prized horses to barefoot.”

“He is a great role model for young riders as well as a trainer and coach to emerging talent up to Grand Prix, the highest level in showjumping.”

As part of his Ambassadorship, Arkins will be working closely with the Scoot Boot team to help grow the brand globally and share his experiences as he continues using hoof boots and promoting the barefoot movement.