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HoofPrints Newsletter
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March 12, 2012
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ABOUT THE COMPANY AND THIS NEWSLETTERFarriers Greeting Cards was started by Gina Keesling in 1986 (in a very small way) to provide helpful promotional materials for farrier husband Rob. Along the way we became HoofPrints.com, too, adding a selection of fun horse and dog products geared toward women of a certain age. This newsletter is 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 more.
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NEW - Horsewoman's Long Tall
List of Things To Do!
At HoofPrints, we know what it's like to have a long, tall list of things to do. That's why we've assembled our fun (we think) group of unique and creative gifts for busy horsewomen. Whether you need to find a thoughtful gift for a horse-loving friend, or a little pick-me-up reward for yourself, we've got you covered. Right down to the long, tall list notepad to keep track of it all.
This fun note pad features artwork by cowboy artist Zella Strickland, and we think she's captured the feeling that most women experience when they scan their own "long, tall list" - right down to the "ONO" brand on the horse's left hip! The list is magnetic (so you can stick it on the fridge) measures 9" tall x 4" wide, and has 60 full color sheets for you to keep track of your tasks.
To see more, click here
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Sterling Silver
Dog Whistle
Is this a whistle to call your dog? Or a whistle that IS a dog? Either way it's really cute, and a unique and interesting piece of functional and useful jewelry. Measures almost 2" long and hangs on a knotted adjustable (14"-26") waxed cotton cord. We kind of kept this one a "secret" through the holidays, as we were having trouble keeping stock on them, but we've got plenty now. For more info click here
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Business Card
for Dog Lovers
This card with the lovely black dog face makes a great personal statement - for veterinarians, shelter workers, volunteers, even just folks who are passionate about their canine interests. We specifically chose a picture of a BBD (big black dog) because they're known to be the hardest to place when unwanted. More about BBDs here. The (optional) verse on the left sums it up: He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. In our efforts to support those out there who work in shelters, rescue and volunteer, we are offering this card at HALF PRICE! For details, click here This card is also perfect for dog service providers pet sitters, groomers, veterinarians and more. Those folks can order at regular price here |
 Tales from a Dog Catcher
Lisa Duffy-Korpics brings together her years in an all-too-often overlooked profession in a magical book that is funny, touching, and heartrending by turns. In the tradition of James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small and John Grogan's Marley & Me, she gives readers an unforgettable look at the lives of everyday people (and animals) who, whether by accident or design, come into contact with the sad, comical, and often profound world of an animal control officer.
Set in a small New York town, this book comprises 22 real-life stories about people and their experiences with animals, stories that both entertain and charm; featuring all creatures great and small-from dogs and cats, "peeping Tom" raccoons, to a lucky duck, a gaggle of turkeys, and more. Read all about: Two archenemies who use each other's dogs to fuel their feud until a dramatic courtroom battle - where they end up unwittingly helping each other. A call on an elderly woman to surrender her twenty-three cats provokes a surprising revelation. Due to a language barrier, a woman ends up watering her kittens like plants (not a joke).
Gina's note: I think we all have have a stereotypical dog catcher character archived in our brains. Even the dog catchers in the cartoons are bad men to be avoided at all costs. So, when Lisa comes along - a lady dog catcher who's a college student to boot, you know the story's going to be interesting. And she doesn't disappoint. Some of the stories are indeed sad - as animals being maltreated and euthanasia, etc are a part of this job and to be expected in some of the stories. However, I am about as tender-hearted as they come, and I managed to get through it. Lisa does a great job telling about the characters (both human and animal) along with the events associated with her work as animal control officer of a smallish town, including some legal and paperwork aspects that I never had considered. I was down to the very last chapter, and was sure this one was going in the catalog. I almost put it aside to finish later - so I could move on to another book. I am glad I decided to finish it. The ending has an unexpected twist that I didn't see coming. A heartwarming turn of events that changed her life forever - in a good way. To order click here. |
 Think you're too old to ride like you used to?
Well, here's a little inspiration. Shown here is Hiroshi Hoketsu of Japan. He's 70 years old. He first rode in the Olympics in 1964, and he's riding again this year!
Qualifying with his 15 year old mare Whisper was a surprise; she had a mystery lameness that no vet could diagnose or treat. Eventually they were able to get her sound, but she was not in peak condition. In spite of this, the pair qualified for London.
There are numerous stories about Hoketsu on the web, but I found this blog post by Katie Hill most inspiring.
In it she says: "If you're inspired and you're gray, it just might be time for a gallop, to celebrate. And if you're not gray, just remember, you still have time to be the best horseman you'll ever be."
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 Practical Mental Strategies to Empower Your Riding - Learn simple techniques to get BIG results!
Barbra Schulte's The Gift is promoted as "A Treasury of Practical Mental Strategies to Empower Your Riding". Sounds good. But it is so much more. Using lessons learned, and inspiration from her teenage son - who ultimately succumbed to cancer - Barbra speaks (and teaches) from her heart. What results is a very powerful work - a treasure chest of practical tips to develop world-class mental skills for riding.
For six years, Barbra Schulte wrote monthly confidence-training articles for The American Quarter Horse Journal... seventy-two articles total. Now, she brings to you those words of calm, confidence, focus, and encouragement to help you overcome fear when faced with extreme challenges.
The Gift is divided into nine sections. Each section contains individual messages packed with practical, powerful ideas that are easy to implement in your riding, whether you are a competitive or recreational rider. The articles are easy to read, and because each article stands alone, you can read them in any order-start at the front and read it all the way through, peruse the table of contents for something that looks interesting or addresses a current need, simply open it up anywhere and enjoy! This is intended to be a how-to-think-and-how-to-feel book to help you improve your riding. Some ideas may even spill over into your life.
To order click here |
 History, Legend and Lore of Copper Use by humans is long and varied...
dating back nearly 10,000 years with multiple applications. Copper is, in fact, humanity's first metal and shows up in Sumerian and Egyptian metallurgy circa 3900 BC. (more here)
Copper is said to have healing and medicinal powers in humans, but did you know that a copper deficiency in horses can cause all sorts of problems? Copper is necessary for all sorts of functions; formation and regeneration of bone, cartilage and connective tissue, it is also an anti-oxidant, and is involved in pigment in the hooves and hair coat of the horse. One of the signs of a copper deficiency is a coat that tends to get sun-burned, and another is hoof wall separation. So that bay horse with the bad feet and the red tips on his mane and tail may need copper. And it's not just a matter of adding more copper to the diet. The synergistic effect of other minerals play a role in assimilation. Science is just beginning to understand how this all works. One of my favorite experts on the subject is Dr Eleanor Kellon.
Shown above is Little Copper Pawprint Necklace - click here
Copper Horseshoe Cross Necklace - click here
Wild & Free Copper Horse Necklace - click here
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 RECAP - From the last newsletter
Here's what we talked about last time:
Horses and Hope Calendar - each month is an inspirational, framable photo here
FALL GIRL book chronicles the exciting life of a western stunt double here.Amazing Dog Facts & Trivia Book herePharaoh's Horses Print includes fascinating history and trivia hereThe value of a life - equine veterinarian and feral stallion face similar challenges - story here PAST NEWSLETTERS - See what you missed! Catch up on the news here
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WHAT'S NEW?
Farrier Business Card
New variation of popular barefoot hooves card here |
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WHAT'S NEW?
~ Horse Books ~
Horse Tales from Heaven and Heavenly Horse Sense Christian Horse titles here |
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WHAT'S NEW?
~ Dog Book ~
I'm Listening witha Broken Ear here |
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WHAT'S NEW?
~ Christian Products ~
Cowboy & Cowgirl Bible Pocket Partners here |
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WHAT'S NEW?
~ for Horsewomen ~
The Smart Woman's Guide to Midlife Horses here |
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WHAT'S NEW?
~ Farrier Book ~
Care & Rehabilitation of the Equine Foot here |
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WHAT'S ON SALE?
~ Closeouts ~
HORSE WOMAN Wool Flap Hat here |
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WHAT'S GOING ON?
21 days of positivity
We're not frolicking around like the folks in Cavalia, but we're grateful anyway. Details here |
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Message
We LOVE hearing from our customers. You can contact HoofPrints owner Gina Keesling via email at gina@hoofprints.com |
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Find us on facebook
Be sure to LIKE our facebook page - it's where we announce special sales, breaking news and everything else we find interesting. To see it go here |
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Our Current Catalog
Request your copy of HoofPrints Spring Catalog by clicking here |
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Memorable Quote:
| This week's quote is a revision of our Farriers Prayer by Melodee Hoffman:
Prayer of a Rescuer
Dear Lord, give me the strength to start this day.
Afford me wisdom and courage
To face whatever I encounter on my rescue mission.
Even though my work with dogs can be difficult and sometimes dangerous,
Grant me the patience to understand their fear and unpredictability.
Keep me safe from harm as I strive to improve their lives.
Let me remember that my soul is fulfilled while helping
A sick dog get well and a well dog find a Forever Home.
Help me to have patience with my fellow humans and to remember that
Most love their dogs and want what is best for them.
Guide my heart to respect and share fellowship with my peers, so that we are
Not alone in this complex and challenging mission.
Remind me that while my mission is important, faith and family should
Come first; help me to schedule my days to reflect these priorities.
And at the end of the day when my body and soul are tired,
Help me remember why I chose this mission,
And let me never lose fascination and reverence for this
Wonderful creature you have blessed us with; the Dog.
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Share our emails
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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 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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