HoofPrints Newsletter
February 20, 2011 Issue
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Riding between the Worlds
| kind of a cryptic title, but to me it means
|  that work with horses can help us understand our world better, while we are learning about theirs. This book is the second effort by one of my favorite authors, Linda Kohanov. My review of her first book The Tao of Equus, is here.
Here's an interesting excerpt that holds a lot of perspective:
"Shared emotion carries at least one destructive by-product: the compulsion to aggressively "fix" friends, loved ones, horses, and group situations. This urge arises mostly because people don't realize they're empathic or understand how to process emotion effectively. A person in emotional pain essentially infects others with his unpleasant feelings. When this dynamic remains unconscious (as it most often does in a culture that sees emotions as irrational, self-contained, and shameful) those around him will rally to help, or more accurately make him "get over it" as soon as possible, mostly so they can feel better. Powerful positive emotions, believe it or not, produce a similar panic in stoic people who value good sense and proper deportment. To catch someone else's joy is to feel out of control, and they'll fight it, even to the point of creating depression in exuberant family members through sarcasm, apathy, soul-deadening criticism, and in some cases domestic violence."
Riding Between the Worlds explores this idea (along with many others) as Linda elaborates in fascinating detail, how our horses can help us navigate this and other perplexing human situations.
Gina's note: Both of Linda's books are SOLD OUT in the hardcover version (having been replaced by softcover) and I have been coveting a small stash of hardcover Riding Between the Worlds. I am not sure why - I have my own copy that I treasure (signed by Linda at a workshop). So I've put them on sale for the same price as the soft cover! You can see all of Linda's books here.
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Scottish Deerhound wins Best in Show at Westminster
| First time ever! But "Hickory" is an even bigger winner at home
|  Her owner, Sally Sweatt tells us that Hickory helped her through trying times; a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
From the Fox television interview:
"Sweatt shares a special bond with Hickory, saying the dog even gave her a reason to live after finding out she had breast cancer last spring because she knew she couldn't quit on Hickory or her handler. 'You have to go forward in thought. You cannot go back because life goes forward.' -Sally Sweatt" Watch the complete interview here
Shown here is detail from our print "Staying Warm By The Fire" a lovely reproduction of a vintage image - depicting 3 Scottish Deerhounds and a Jack Russell Terrier soaking up heat from a huge fireplace. Deerhounds are not a common breed - a large, hairy sighthound requiring a lot of room to run can be a challenge for a family that works outside the home and has less than a huge yard. AKC's statistics rank them at 141 of 167 in popularity.
The artist who rendered this image obviously was very familiar with Deerhounds, as these are depicted with great skill, in the finest detail - right down to the texture of the coats, graceful curve of the tail, and tufts of hair between the toes. The Jack Russell Terrier has commandeered the only piece of furniture visible, and has arranged herself in the tight little tuck that these dogs do when they're in a cold environment.
I loved this print for it's artistic rendering, mood, and composition. But based on past sales history for obscure dog breeds, I didn't expect the rest of our catalog recipients to be similarly touched. So I resigned our sample to our Ebay auctions, and vowed to keep the framed version to enjoy in the living room - by the fireplace. I was surprised when lively bidding brought the selling price well over what our retail would have been. "Sometimes you get lucky", I thought. We listed another copy - with nearly the same response... so I chalked that up to "market research" and made a spot on the website for it.
Recently, I received an email from a sharp-eyed newsletter reader (and deerhound fancier) - which now allows us to correctly identify both the artist and title of this fine work. She wrote: "I have an original print of this painting by English artist, Philip E. Stretton. The title of the work is "After a Hard Day" with the subheading underneath reading "By the bonnie bright blink o' my ain fireside" The piece was painted in 1898 by Stretton who often depicted dogs in domestic situations around fireplaces, with the curled up terrier being one of his signature trademarks. What I also like in this painting is the red coated Deerhound. Deerhounds are no longer seen in any other color than shades of grey. So, it is always interesting to see the colors of days gone by."
To see the whole print click here. |
Want to help DOG RESCUES?
| Here's an easy way to send money to some worthy organizations:
|  Remember our dog lover's disappearing mud mug? We asked for photo submissions on our Facebook page - and received dozens of responses. As fate would have it, a large percentage of the pictures we ended up using were of rescued dogs. (Details here ) All these dogs were once castoffs - now the love of someone's life - so much so that they're taking pictures and sharing them. I think that's a powerful thing. So, we've allocated a couple dozen of these mugs for each rescue involved that's set up to receive donations via ebay's charity program MissionFish. If you'd like to purchase one (ALL OF THE PROCEEDS go to the named charity) check out our ebay auctions here. Look for the blue and gold charity ribbon logo.
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FARRIERS Caps
| Unique, high quality hats - that are NOT free!
|  Each time we attend a farrier function, we witness this frantic dash to visit all the booths, and reap all the benefits of "freebies" that events of this sort offer. Many manufacturers give away all sorts of nifty products, emblazoned with their logo, to consumers of their products. Ball caps are always a favorite, and most farriers have quite a collection of different specimens.
It makes it a little tough for us to SELL ours - when other vendors are giving away a similar product.
However, when I look at the huge stash of hats that my husband has - the ones tucked away in the closets, and drawers VS the ones he actually wears... Certain caps come out on top every time.
As a picky cap consumer, he has specific features that he loves, and hates about his hats. A detail that seems minor to me - that doesn't measure up to his standards - can relegate that cap to the back of the drawer - forever. Our caps are of sturdy, neat construction, made of fabric that is durable and tightly woven - holds it's shape without being too stiff. The fit is sensible - not too low, but not too tall either (who wants to look like Elmer Fudd?) And the buckle closure on the back is the clamp style - allows infinite adjustment options for a perfect fit.
So, for under $20.00, you can buy a cap from us that surpasses his standards - that you can wear comfortably every day. Why be someone's walking billboard? When you can display a tasteful farrier logo that also coordinates with our other farrier business cards, invoices, and golf shirts.
Click here for our complete (but not free) cap selection.
Matching sportswear is here
Matching business cards are here
Matching invoices are here |
| Don't Forget! - FREE Informational / Reference Book | American Farriers' Journal 2011 Farrier Supplies and Services Directory
|  While supplies last, we are offering a FREE copy of this useful directory of all things farrier, to anyone who places an order over $30.00. All you have to do is put AFJ Directory in the comments box when you place your order of $30. or more. This directory has 282 color pages full of references, articles, and sources for tools, shoes, supplies and the like. You'll also find:
- Shoeing Schools
- Farrier Organizations
- Available Clinicians
- Breed Association Shoeing Rules
- Equine Groups
- Museums, and much more!
Supply is limited on these - so order before we run out! Click here to get started. |
Recap - From the last newsletter...
| Here's what we talked about last time:
|  More Amazing Dog Facts & Trivia here
Pharaoh's Horses Print new includes informative article here
Cowboy Boot Slippers on sale here
New farriers added to online directory - see who they are here
HappyApp's Such & Sew clever & useful items for sale here
Temple Grandin DVD - a good, contemplative movie to watch when it's too cold to do anything outside. See it and others here
If You Do A Foolish Thing... NEW mug on sale here
COW DOGS book on sale here
The Best Place to Bury a Dog by Ben Hur Lampman here
PAST NEWSLETTERS - See what you missed! Click HERE to catch up on the news.
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| More about HoofPrints | | Be sure to check out the "GOOD STUFF" links at the bottom of this section |  ABOUT THE COMPANY
Farriers Greeting Cards was started by Gina Keesling in 1986 (in a very small way) to provide helpful promotional materials for her farrier husband Rob.
ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER
It's written by Gina Keesling, and emailed to subscribers a few times a month, depending on how often I have something to share. Watch for special sales, interesting stories, uplifting quotes and maybe some personal stuff. Let me know if you like it, and if you don't. We aim to please.
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This week's quote is a short one by Leo Buscaglia:
"The fact that I can plant a seed and it becomes a flower, share a bit of knowledge and it becomes another's, smile at someone and receive a smile in return, are to me continual spiritual exercises."
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Thanks everyone, for reading!
Gina Keesling, owner
Contact Information
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GOOD STUFF: Husbands vs. Horses
| DUMP HIM, MARRY THE HORSE BOOK
|  Forget the knight in shining armor, take his horse instead! Any man who loves a horsewoman knows that he would be the first to go if she had to choose between him and her equine. After all, what man lets you take the reins and doesn't complain about being saddled? This humorous book combines color photos with the many reasons why horses and women make a perfect match, including the facts that horses never care what you look like, they mow the grass with pleasure, and they love taking long walks... This makes a perfect bridal shower gift.
6" x 6" hardcover 96 pages
To order click here
GOOD THINGS ABOUT HUSBANDS: 1. Husbands are less expensive to shoe than horses.
2. Feeding a husband doesn't require anything that even mildly compares with the hassle of putting up hay
3. A lame husband can still work
4. A husband with a bellyache doesn't have to be walked
5. Husbands don't try to scratch their heads on your back
6. They are better able to understand puns
7. If they are playing hard to catch, you **may** be able to run them down on foot
8. They know their name
9. They usually pay their own bills
10. They apologize when they step on your toes
11. No saddle fitting problems
12. They seldom refuse to get into the vehicle
13. They don't panic - running and yelling all through the house when you leave them alone (unless you've left the kids with them too!)
14. For a nominal fee, you can hire someone else to clip them
15. They don't like the lady next door just as well as you, just because she fed him for 3 days straight
THE HORSE'S ADVANTAGE:
1. If they don't work out you can sell them
2. They don't come complete with in-laws
3. You don't have to worry about your children looking like them
4. You never have to iron their saddle pads
5. If you get too fat for one, you can shop for a bigger one
6. They smell good when they sweat
7. You can repair their "clothes" with duct tape
8. It's possible to keep them from "jumping the fence"
9. You can force them to stay in good physical condition with a whip if necessary
10. They don't want their turn at the computer
11. They may turn white with age, but never go bald
12. They have never heard of PMS
13. They learn to accept restraint
14. They don't care what you look like as long as you have a carrot or an apple
-forwarded to me by a friend, author unknown. |
MORE GOOD STUFF:
| I Rescued a Human Today...
|  Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me.
I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.
Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.
Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.
I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor.
So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors.
So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
-author unknown
Pictured above is our clay plaque "Hug" - a great little gift for a dog lover - is on sale for just $9.95 (or 4 for $30!). This and more dog / animal rescuer gifts available here. |
Share our emails
| Viral marketing... it sounds bad, doesn't it?
| You can ask my husband - a frequent topic around here is that of forwarded emails - and the psychology behind them - just WHAT prompts people to decide; "I am going to send this to everyone I know!".
We receive a lot of them. Some are pretty good, and others are dumb. Dumb in a myriad of ways... Alarmist email rumors that have been around forever - that folks keep sending "just in case it's true" Pictures of someone's butt (or worse) - don't even get me started about the firecracker butt - but at least that one was timely when it showed up around July 4. Christian messages that are uplifting - until you get to the end and you're threatened "if you're not ashamed that you love Jesus, forward this - if you are, then delete." Pictures of cute puppies and kittens (awww)
I enjoy writing these newsletters - and sharing all this stuff with you all. But the fact is, it's also a way to help us stay connected with customers and sell products during the time between catalog mailings (which is only once a year) So I really, really like it when someone new stumbles upon the newsletter and is excited to "discover" our company and the products we offer.
In all my efforts to make the newsletter interesting and forward-worthy - it never occurred to me to JUST ASK you all to send it! Duh. Sometimes the obvious is elusive, I guess. So here goes - my request to ask you to forward our email newsletter to your horsey friends. All we ask is that you please be judicious and only send to folks who might be interested. Otherwise we are no better than the "firecracker butt". Click the Forward email link below to get started. (please note - using this form does NOT subscribe anyone to our list - it is a one-time only forward) |
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