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HoofPrints Newsletter
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June 29, 2013
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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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SALE ENDS TOMORROW 6/30
All Greeting Cards HALF PRICE
All fall/winter we take calls from budget-minded farriers and other equine professionals - trying to decide if it's worth the cost to send Christmas cards to their clients. If you're one of those - now might be the time to reconsider.
Anyone who has been getting this newsletter for very long probably has noticed that we aren't doing big sale promotions every time you turn around. We pretty much need to sell everything at regular price in order to stay in business. We are not Wal-Mart, and we hope that low prices are not the reason folks shop with us. However, when we DO have sales, I try to make them memorable. And this one falls into that category, I hope. A special reward for those out there who are clever enough to anticipate how many cards they might need at Christmas time, AND organized enough to REMEMBER that they've already purchased them and WHERE they put them. That's not me. But I know you folks exist - I've heard stories...
Sale ends June 30, some of the card designs are low inventory and will NOT be reprinted, so make your selections early. To see them click here.
 He's pretending
to be a farrier... The star image of this featured card; "Edwin Landseer's painting Shoeing was a commission from Jacob Bell, a man Landseer had known since art school days and the owner of a pharmaceutical company. Bell devoted himself to the artist and took over managing his business affairs. The basis of their friendship, however, was a mutual fondness for animals. From time to time the artist borrowed one of Bell's animals to use as a model, occasionally his favorite bay mare Betty, or one of his bloodhounds. Bell waited nearly 10 years for the portrait he had wanted of Betty with her foal. But by 1844, when Landseer got around to painting her, the mare had produced two foals, both long gone from Bell's barn, and had come to be called Old Betty. So Landseer decided on a shoeing scene, and painted Bell himself as the farrier." In the corner we can see Bell's bloodhound, doing as all dogs do - eating hoof. It's a lovely scene on many levels, and the farrier community is fortunate that Landseer put off painting the picture of Betty until he did - otherwise we'd be looking at a mare and her foal and NOT this well done farrier picture. (even if the farrier IS an imposter!)
(Quoted text is from "Companion Animals," - Dorcas MacClintock)
Note: when placing your holiday card order, PLEASE-PLEASE-PLEASE read carefully the wording options available for the insides of the cards when you order. The website defaults to withOUT "thank you for your business" - but some cards are ONLY available WITH this option, so if you click those, that's what you're going to get. Rejoice! and Peace on Earth are 2 examples of cards that are ONLY available WITH thank you. To get started click here
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On shoeing difficult horses...
Shown here is PASSION & PATIENCE. This beautiful John Sargent Noble print is now available only through Farriers Greeting Cards. I saw this painting in a magazine article many years ago. I have tried since then to find prints of it. To my knowledge, no prints are available (until now) and I have purchased the rights to reproduce this amazing painting so that farrier art collectors everywhere can enjoy it! I personally supervised the printing so that we got the best possible colors, and sharp clean detail on premium quality paper. This picture certainly fits it's title "Passion & Patience". Every farrier that I know has found him or herself in this situation. The details in this picture are wonderful; you can see many tools very clearly, right down to the bone-handled hoof knife in the farrier's hand. A variety of shoes are scattered around and hanging on the wall. You can see the toe clips, creases, heel calks etc. Even the bent nails on the shoes that have been pulled off and the shavings of hoof on the floor.
The picture has so much energy, so much going on. The tension between the farrier and horse is obvious, and on further study one notices the expression on the little dog; he knows something is about to happen. In the middle of all this action, the bay horse appears to be sleeping! The contrast in structure of the two horses; a fine boned hot-blood and a heavy cold-blood is apparent. John Sargent Noble was a painter who truly knew his subject. This lovely print is on sale for UNDER $10 for a limited time here
 The picture makes another appearance in the 2013 Blacksmith Calendar. March is the month that features the theme of shoeing difficult horses - an apparently timeless problem. I found lots of images of horses behaving badly, along with the efforts of the smithy to do their job and get them shod. To facilitate this task, there were all manner of devices to assist. The Geo. Barcus Company of Wabash, Indiana was a manufacturer of shoeing stocks in the early 1900's. I've included a couple clippings of their advertisements on the calendar page shown here. The advertising copy is fascinating - it paints a clear picture of life as a shoer in those days.
"Barcus Stocks Are the Best. They are the best because they are the only ones absolutely guaranteed to hold any horse perfectly without danger to either horse or man."
A testimonial letter:
"Dear Sirs; I received the stocks in good shape, put them up and shod three bad ones in them. They are the slickest rig on earth, and the only stocks I ever saw that worked satisfactorily. It takes a perfect stock to hold these Western horses, for they can turn any shape, like a cat, but this one beats them out."
 Another ad appeals to the blacksmith's sense of safety and well being:
"ONE KICK MIGHT COST a hundred dollar doctor bill and keep you out of the shop for months - in fact nearly ruin your business. Why take the chance? Make sure such a disaster can't happen to you by simply using Barcus Safety Horse Stocks."
There are six other small images on this calendar month depicting various aspects of the unruly horse dilemma, along with the large "star" color image Passion and Patience. I am down to just a few Blacksmith Calendars - if you didn't already get your copy, you can do so here
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You people are a bunch of enablers!
This got completely out of hand. Here's how:
The first set of four Copper HoofPrints Pony Bead Bracelets was created exclusively to USE UP a stash of beads that I found in a drawer; beads that I had originally purchased for another project. The resulting bracelet was really popular and I did, indeed, use up all the beads. Except then I went and bought MORE BEADS so I could fill all the orders I got. And then, while I was at it, I bought MORE COLORS of beads. I just couldn't help it. They were so pretty, and they coordinated with the copper charm so beautifully... So I am right back to having a drawer full. I don't know whether to tell you all to buy them or not. It'll just cause me to buy more beads and add to the clutter problem I am trying to solve. In fact, I am still carrying on about the clutter problem later in this very newsletter. Shown above are some completed bracelets, along with some in progress, and tools, components, etc.
Even though it's my decision - what I offer for folks to buy - the marketer in me just wants to test different colors, combinations, etc. This is NOT conducive to clearing clutter. The other night I finished up this latest batch. I had a bunch of short pieces of cord left. I thought "I'll never use these" - and was feeling quite proud of myself as I tossed them in the trash. OMG that night I DREAMED about using those scraps to make EARRINGS. So I got up the next morning, fished the scraps out of the trash and made a pair. You can see them in the center of the picture. I think I have a problem. Hopefully I don't end up on Hoarders.
Copper HoofPrint Pony Bead Bracelets are now available in 7 Different Colors!
This is a less organic version of the original yak bone, turquoise and coral Copper HoofPrint Bracelet. They are hand tied right here in the shop using glass pony beads and brown waxed cotton cord. The copper charm is made in Pennsylvania by a skilled artisan who specializes in equestrian designs. The cord adjusts to fit most wrists (about 7" to 9.5") and this is bargain priced at just HALF what the Healing Bracelet below sells for. The top picture shows the COLORS set - consisting of TEAL, RED, LIME and COBALT. the EARTH TONES set is TOPAZ, IRIDESCENT MULTI, LIME and SPECKLED BROWN. If you choose to support my bead-buying habit, you can click here.  Shown at left is the Healing Bracelet. It's made of turquoise, coral, brass, nickel and yak bone! Actually this bracelet is made in Tibet (hoofprint charm in USA) and the Tibetan people believe that such organic components have healing properties. Certain materials are thought to improve circulation and promote the flow of healing energies through the body. Here's what I found specifically about yak bone: "Bone is used in practice because the more we contemplate death the more fruitful our life becomes. We begin to live life differently and accept that death is inevitable while the path to the end of this life is about service to others, loving all, and being happy (without the pursuit of happiness) in each moment...through the supposed good and bad.
Yak is an important animal in Tibet as they are used as packing animals for the nomadic tribes and to honour their passing they are used in practice. Continuing to be of service as they pass from this consciousness to another." from DestinationOM Whether you believe this is a valid idea or not, this is still a pretty cool bracelet. It's rugged looking with it's chunky beads (they're about 3/8" across) and the braided portion is designed to slide so you can adjust it to fit just right. To see this and all our other hoof jewelry, click here
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SPRING CLEANING - (now SUMMER cleaning)
continues at HoofPrints
My efforts to clear the warehouse (and my house- house) of accumulated oddball products continues to gain momentum. I've written about it before. The point continues to be, sometimes the space becomes more valuable than the items that are occupying it. So this is where most places say... "our loss is your gain!" Well, check out this super-cheap stuff and BUY IT. And your gain will be my gain, too. Because I need that space on the shelf.
The Half Price Page is here - check this often as they're one-of-a-kind things that will sell quickly and be replaced with whatever else starts to get on my nerves. I am currently going through a large stash of sample books - so many wonderful titles, it's hard to choose just a handful for the catalog. And the rest have got to go! Only one of each available so act fast if you see something you like. NEW is Half Price PRINTS here - there are a lot of lovely prints languishing in drawers here that really should be hanging on folks' walls making them smile and beautifying their homes. Summer is NOT the time that people are inclined for "nesting" - that usually happens during the colder months when everyone's inside. But fall/winter is busy season here and I don't encourage print sales then - I don't have the extra time it takes to wrap these carefully for safe delivery. I've marked them way down now to sweeten the deal.
Our Closeouts Page is here - it features items that are being phased out - still lots of good deals to be had there, too.
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 The Doctor Is In! All I Pay My Psychiatrist is the Cost of Feed and Hay - he'll listen to me any day!
Here is a delightful way to keep track of those early summer temps we've been experiencing! We found this spiffy metal thermometer - with the perfect horse saying - for only $14.95! It's made of durable, fade resistant tin, measures a big 17" tall, and is suitable for indoor our outdoor use. The thermometer glass is a FULL 6" tall - and the numbers are big enough to read easily.
What a great (and useful) gift idea for a horse-loving friend. And it's inexpensive enough to send "just because".
I have dozens of folks I call my friends - that I've met along my horse challenge journey, who I have never actually met in person. They're part of various internet communities that I frequent, and they've all helped me immensely with their wise words and advice for all manner of equine quandaries. Training, nutrition, tack - you name it - someone in cyberspace has answered my questions about it. In my experience, when used with discernment and further research, this information has proven to be every bit as helpful and valuable as the advice that I have gotten from a myriad of professionals that I have PAID along the way. When one of my internet friends goes out of his or her way to help me - I always wish I had something appropriate that I could send as a thank you gift. This is the PERFECT solution. To order one for yourself or for your friend(s) click here . |
A New "Old" Book:
WHAT HORSES REVEAL
by Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling
This book was first introduced as hardcover, and promptly sold out. It's been out of print for a few years, and is now back - updated and better than ever! Klaus has a fascinating system for understanding a horse's personality, based on appearance characteristics. According to this book, all horses, no matter what their breed or type, will fit into his clearly defined twenty-six character groups. Individuals from these groups are documented by a series of excellent photographs; the pictures and text take a concept that seems a bit whacky in it's generalizations - and flesh it out until it makes total sense. If you've ever known a horse - you can easily fit him or her into one of these character types, and then read Klaus' account of how to interact with him or her. This is not a totally unique concept - Professor Jesse Beery did it over a hundred years ago with his home study guide for training horses - except most of his methodology was geared toward causing a horse to be a capable and willing servant - without much regard to preserving the brilliance and playfulness of personality that comes from a horse who truly loves it's work and it's human partner. The author is German, so the whole book has undergone translation into English - translator Kristina McCormack is an author and accomplished horsewoman herself - so well up to the task. Nonetheless, you'll find some charming / humorous passages throughout this book:
 Superficial friendliness helps you sell vacuum cleaners and win elections, but only with clarity, righteousness, and genuine, relevant empathy can you win the soul of a horse." To order this newly released, updated version of What Horses Reveal, click here.
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Here's what we talked about last time
Last newsletter is hereALL newsletters are here |
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Farrier Sweatshirts
ON SALE
Edwin Landseer's "Shoeing" image makes an appearance in embroidery on a heavyweight sweatshirt - on sale here |
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~ CAT PRINT ~
Barely Squeakin By
is a sweet print by Ann Hansen. Ann is normally known for her horse art, but her skill really shines through in this work of a white kitty, fast asleep on a pair of chaps on the straw stack. What you don't see until you look closer, are the four mice in the picture. They're carefully hidden, and it takes a while to find them all. There's a closeup here. This is a signed and numbered limited edition and I am closing out the remaining stock at HALF PRICE here.
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HALF PRICE
Pharaoh's Horses Print
This old-time favorite picture has been updated by HoofPrints with a carefully researched block of illustrated history and trivia at the bottom. More info here |
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Got Hoof Problems? So do we!
This is unheard-of: a hardcover, profusely illustrated text for UNDER $50.00 - And this is not an old book - full of stuff you already know - it's cutting edge information and imaging - released just a few years ago!
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FREE Pocket Partner
with every Bible
Saddle Up For Jesus small devotional book for cowboys and cowgirls of all ages is FREE with the purchase of a Horse Lovers Bible here |
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HALF PRICE
Best-Selling DVD
This is a great DVD - there's a lot of wisdom here, and I'll even forgive him for saying that it's a bad idea to train with treats. (hey, no one can know EVERYTHING!) All the Buck stuff is here |
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HALF PRICE
Rose Quartz Jewelry
Rose quartz is a stone of healing powers, of unconditional love and infinite peace. It's said to draw off negative energy and replace it with loving vibes. It helps with releasing unexpressed emotions and heartache, soothes internalized pain and heals deprivation. See our rose quartz jewelry here |
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I Make Horse Calls Books
"I was so grateful for the care the gentle senior student took with Pischka that day. ... I will not forget the thoroughness of that student, and would emulate her when I entered practice. I would never dismiss an owner's complaint, because I remember how I felt when vets dismissed Pischka's illness, never trying to find out what made Pischka so sick." -from Horse Calls, available here |
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A Look At Life
From The Saddle
COWBOY CODE from pg 6:
- Speak the truth and let your word be your bond.
- Never betray a trust or desert a friend.
- Protect and care for those who can't help themselves.
- Be gentle with women, children, and the elderly.
- Care for animals and protect the land.
- Be courteous, polite, & neat.
- Learn all you can and cultivate wisdom.
- Speak straight, speak properly, & don't speak too much.
- Do the job you're paid to do with pride and honor.
- Never quit when times are toughest.
- It's fine to feel fear, but don't let it back you down.
- Remember that good never prevails without courage & grit.
- If something sounds too good to be true, expect that it is.
- Keep your sense of humor and don't meddle.
- When you've done all you can, rest in your faith.
This special little hardcover book makes a great gift. It's available here
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BELOW HALF PRICE!
"Hug" clay plaque Regular price $14.50 now only $4.99 here |
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WHAT'S NEW
SALE on Summer T's
Cool Summer weight Horsey T-shirts less than $14 each here! |
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I Know Great Horses Live Again
Somewhere...somewhere in time's own space
There must be some sweet pastured place
Where creeks sing on
and tall trees grow
Some Paradise
where horses go.
For by the love
that guides my pen
I know great horses live again.
Order the Great Horses custom framed verse here
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BOOKMARKS
~ 50% OFF! ~
A Rider's Prayer, A Dog Lover's Prayer & Use Your Talents Bookmarks just 99� here |
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Message
I LOVE hearing from 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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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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