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HoofPrints Newsletter
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November 24, 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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Do you ever wonder how we come up with all this stuff?
We make it (or find it) and then we test it out.
If we don't like it, then you never see it. And we're pretty picky about our stuff. I have no tolerance for any garment that can't survive normal laundering. We wash test everything - and if it looks different once it's been washed, we don't sell it. Sloppy seams that look like they'll come out? Axed. Zippers, buttons, fasteners that look wimpy? It's out. If a garment makes the cut, then we have it decorated locally with one of our unique horsey logos. They're not the cheapest, but a good quality, long lasting garment trumps a cheap one in my book any day.
Shown here are a few of our favorites (both garments and animals). If you click the picture it will take you to a larger version. The fleece Headband was new last year - and a big hit - it's a great little ear-warmer that would be easily worth $9.95 withOUT the spiffy Bucephaus embroidery that makes it stand out as a horsey statement. I like it especially because the black trim on top and bottom has just the right grip to keep it positioned over your ears. And it's the perfect width to fit under a ponytail.
Also a favorite is the Zippered BARN Girl hood. It's a lovely celadon green and is super soft inside. We've embroidered it with our intricate logo of a gal struggling with a bale of hay.
The Fleece-Lined washed cotton vest is an older version of our dark blue Diamond Quilt Vest that now sports the Wild White Mare embroidery. I like the newer version best as it has a taller zip-up collar (lined with cozy fleece) that covers your neck to keep out drafts. The one shown here was featured in our 2007 catalog - I've been wearing it all this time and it still looks great. It seems dumb to promote a product that we don't sell (we don't have the space to stock all the sizes) - but if you've not "discovered" fleece lined jeans, then be sure to give them a look this season. They're the best thing to help you stay warm, and much easier to manage than long underwear. Lots of places carry them, a good place to start is here.
The horse I am riding is Billy, he's doing well despite is advanced (and still undetermined) age. Longtime newsletter subscribers will remember the exciting tale of his "discovery" here, his arrival in Indiana here, his accident (you can still see the scar on his ribs) here, some fascinating clues to his past here, and all the things I learned along the way here and here. ***Please keep in mind as you read these old newsletters that the links/products/sales contained therein may no longer be valid.*** Once a newsletter is archived I am unable to edit it. (solving that is on my to-do list... thanks for understanding) The black dog is Bailey, one of a pair of young Labs who were dumped here last year. Thanks to HoofPrints newsletter subscriber Bonnie - she gave the other pup (Ellie) a wonderful home. Bailey has settled in here nicely and continues to amuse with her silly antics, there's a story about her here
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HORSEY GIFTS HALF PRICE! Hurry - supplies are limited.
First are the Pink Heart Riding Gloves. These are made by noted equestrian glove manufacturer Heritage. When we first brought these on board a couple years ago, we cautioned folks that they are riding (or driving) gloves, and not meant for work/chore tasks. These are excellent quality, but fabrics used didn't feel to me like they'd hold up under rough use. I found out that I was wrong this week when I posted a message about these being on sale on HoofPrints' Facebook page. My friend Val commented:
"if they are the same as mine, with a 'suede like' material on the palms? Oh yea. I put up 200 bales of hay in these. I loaded just over 100 bales on the trailer in these. I have replaced rails in these. 5 stalls with cleaning. only reason I'm not wearing them now, is I lost one." So apparently they are much sturdier than I thought. We got a great deal on these from the manufacturer, and are selling them for a limited time at HALF PRICE here. Want to put together a cute ensemble to go with your bargain gloves? The rest of our pink products are here.
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Next is the "Hug" clay plaque.
This is a Willow Tree brand plaque sculpted by artist Susan Lordi. Regular retail price is $14.50. These are supposed to be discontinued, we bought what we were told was the remaining stock. But they're still showing on the manufacturer's website for full price.
We have them on sale for just $6.98 while supplies last here.
One of my favorite stories that goes with this plaque is:
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
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 Third is the Crossroads Sculpture...
Any time a person might think that all there is to this mail order / online marketing thing is finding cool products, securing a wholesale account with the vendor, then putting said cool products up for sale - waiting for the flood of profitable orders to come in... well right here is an example of how that does NOT always go as planned. The Crossroads an incredibly lovely sculpture of a cowboy expressing his faith in prayer as his faithful horse waits beside. Although it's cast in resin, it's heavy, and finished to look like bronze. Bronzes this size cost hundreds - maybe thousands. So a nice replica for UNDER $100. seemed like something folks might like to buy. We had previous excellent sales history with similar sculptures from this same manufacturer, (though those were farrier themed). So with great confidence I ordered a LOT of these, thinking my Christian customers would surely enjoy presenting them to the hard-to-buy for men on their lists. To say that I was wrong about all that is a massive understatement. We still have most of what I ordered - languishing on the shelves - wishing for a more cherished spot on someone's mantle - to remind them that God is always there to talk to when troubles arise.
I posted a photo on our Facebook page, musing about the low sales - and got several responses from folks who were horrified about the horse's poor hind leg conformation. Now, I hate posty hocks as much as the next person, I didn't really think that aspect of this sculpture was enough to overshadow all the incredible (and fairly accurate) detail in all the tack and the cowboy's chaps, etc.
So, I've marked it down to HALF PRICE ($42.48 down from $84.95). Everything about this now is a steal. The shipping at this price is just $8.95 - these weigh about 5 pounds and cost quite a bit more than that to ship.
So please take a moment to give it a second look here.
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 HALF PRICE Christmas Cards! This is something that we NEVER do this time of year. We spend a great deal of effort and money securing unique new images or artwork for our line of cards. Folks look forward to it and appreciate the surprise element of the new offering. But the fact is, some of these oldies are just as cool as they were the year we introduced them. Here's a fun image of a farrier's anvil laden with cookies and milk for Santa. It was taken by professional photographer Laura Cotterman. Laura's husband is a farrier, and she tells us she sometimes waits until he's out of town so she can use his farrier equipment in her photo sessions. We are down to just a few of these, and need the shelf space for other items. Check it this, and the rest of the Christmas Card bargains here. ****CAUTION**** Please read: Many of these cards are available ONLY with a Thank You for your business phrase. BE SURE to read the descriptions carefully so that you understand what you are getting as far as the inside wording. (thanks!) |
 Farrier Gloves On Sale! Here are some Farrier Gloves that we are closing out. For years we carried both these and the IronClad brand. Both have the fingerless design that lets farriers hold nails with dexterity as well as check for shoe fit, etc, while protecting the rest of their hands from cuts, burns and scrapes. The palm area is padded for extra cushion - which lessens fatigue when using nippers, hammering, etc. Regular price on these is $29.95 - sale price $23.96. Order here |
 RECAP - From the last newsletter
Here's what we talked about last time:
Beautiful Jim Key book tells forgotten story here
Blacksmith Calendar - great gift for farriers here
Preserve your horsey memories - see how here
Snuggly fleece Horsewomens Trapper Hat here
Horses and Hope Calendars in stock now here
MANURE MOVERS of America sweatshirt here
Horse Sculptures for women here
Inspirational Jewelry here
Horse Calls books here
PAST NEWSLETTERS - See what you missed! Catch up on the news here
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ORDER CHRISTMAS Cards Early for best selection!
Our new designs have been extremely popular and some are almost gone already! We are reprinting and will have more in stock soon. Order your favorites here |
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WHAT'S NEW? Underwater Dogs
Freakishly funny photos of dogs diving underwater to retrieve toys. A fun, creative way to enjoy the year - makes a great gift for the dog lover on your list. Order 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 ~
Horsewoman's Long Tall List of Things to Do 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 Holiday Edition Catalog by clicking here |
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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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