A Gateshead-based equestrian manufacturing company has enjoyed overseas success.
GluShu produces plastic coated, slip-on horseshoes which swaps the traditional use of nails for that of glue.
The system, developed by design engineer John Wright, was initially produced for horses with damaged hooves. However, a number of new opportunities have opened up over the past two years.
The company's latest success comes in the US, where it has signed a deal with a Florida-based distributor and formed a relationship with the Kentucky Horseshoeing School. GluShu representatives will travel to the US later this year to demonstrate its products to horse riders, vets, horseshoeing students and farriers.
John Wright, director of GluShu, said: "The US market is a much easier territory to sell into than the UK. They have big ranches and so many horses – and riders often like to go on long trails lasting days at a time.
"It's much more convenient for them to carry our products, rather than heavy tools, in the event that a horseshoe comes off."
The company's global growth this year has been supported by innovate2succeed, a programme of business support which helps SMEs to capitalise on new ideas. It is overseen by RTC North and funded by Innovate UK and the European Regional Development Fund.
David Boath, innovation specialist at RTC North, said: "GluShu is disrupting an industry that hasn't changed for hundreds of years. With exciting opportunities emerging on several fronts around the world, it looks to have a very bright future, as more markets open up and it continues to innovate."
GluShu has also established a foothold this year in Uruguay, Brazil and Chile, thanks in part to a sponsorship deal with the high-profile Guatemalan endurance riding champion Fernando Paiz, whose horse will wear GluShu products in competition from September.
Growth in other markets beyond Europe has also contributed to a projected increase in sales of 250 per cent.