In Memory of Dal Scott. 1932 – 2012

Dal Scott, 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Jamul, California, June 27, 2012, surrounded by his family.

Considered a leading entrepreneur, innovator and visionary in the human and equine orthopedic product industries, Scott was president and CEO of Professional’s Choice Sports Medicine Products Inc.

After breaking his leg in 1976, Scott developed a neoprene orthopedic product designed to protect and maintain his cast. To market the new product, Scott launched Dricast Orthopedics Inc., which he managed part-time while continuing to sell cars and RVs as his primary occupation.

In 1986, Scott launched the company known as Professional’s Choice and expanded beyond the human product line to reach out to the equine market because of his passion for horses. In the equestrian community, Scott was best known for inventing the“original Sports Medicine Boot” – the SMB -- in 1990, revolutionizing the equine industry. Scott maintained the primary goal, and his company’s mission, of helping to provide equine athletes with more comfortable lives. Today, Scott’s company, Professional’s Choice produces combination boots, skid boots, hock boots, splint boots and bell boots designed to protect horses from injury, in all equestrian disciplines, along with a series of popular saddle pads and other equine and human products.

A member of The Executive Committee, an international organization of CEOs, Scott was a nominee for the San Diego Entrepreneur of the Year award in 1995. Along with his wife, Nina, Scott was a longtime supporter of many equestrian organizations, including the largest equine breed organization in the world, the American Quarter Horse Association. “Dal was a true friend of the horse industry, compassionate, caring and very conscientious that he did the right thing; we will miss him greatly,” said Don Treadway, Executive Vice President of the American Quarter Horse Association.

In addition, Scott supported the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International through the Professional’s Choice annual Leg Up campaign and served as chair of PATH International’s advisory board.

Scott was a horseman, a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and mentor. He made a positive difference in the equestrian community, and is leaving behind an inspiring legacy. He touched countless lives, equine and human, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Scott is survived by his wife, Nina; son, David; and daughters, Pamela, Michele, and Jessica along with seven grandchildren and numerous friends.