If I don't like it, then you never see it. And I'm pretty picky about my stuff. I have no tolerance for any garment that can't survive normal laundering. I 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 I have it decorated locally with one of HoofPrints 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 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 - it's a great little ear-warmer that would be easily worth $9.95 withOUT the spiffy Bucephalus 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.

Another 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.

Sadly, the vest I am wearing is discontinued so I'll refrain from singing the praises on that one. However, I'd still like to sing the praises of vests.Vests are the best because they give you so much more freedom about the arms than a regular coat. Paired with the sweatshirt of your choice, you've got more options for climate control, too. If you start to overheat (as often is the case with me) you can take off the vest without getting chilled until you cool down. This is not really an option with a heavy coat as then you get too cold.

Shown at left is the wardrobe staple that's with me as soon as it starts to get cool outside. This soft fleece vest has a flattering, slimming cut and lots of details; zippered pockets, adjustable elastic hem, longer tail in the back for better coverage. With the insanely cold temps we've been having here lately, our 1880's farmhouse has been more than chilly. Pair that with a thermostat war of sorts as propane prices have skyrocketed - and I am throwing vests at everybody in the house. "Here, put this on. It'll solve everything." and it does. Vests are a better solution than piling on another long-sleeve layer. The biggie for me is the collar. If my neck is cold then the whole rest of me is cold. But, being of a certain age - wearing a turtleneck is NOT the answer. Because in 5 minutes I may be overheated. This radical temperature fluctuation is easily solved with the stand-up (or not) vest collar and zipper. In two seconds I can be wearing a turtleneck of sorts - or a v-neck - depending on whether I am chilling or sweating. This fleece vest is only $29.95 - pretty cheap really, for personal climate control. It's available in 2 colors here.

It seems dumb to promote a product that HoofPrints doesn't sell (I 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", his arrival in Indiana, his accident, and the happy ending 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)

Our embroidered farrier garments are the most technically accurate and detailed available - I guess that sounds a little braggy... but it's the truth. Check out the other designs I found here, and here. Farriers spend their days telling uninformed clients hoof- healthy reasons why there are no nail holes in shoes past the widest point of the hoof (and in the toe) - the last thing they want in an embroidered logo is something depicting that very thing. And what's up with those scary heel caulks that stick out to the sides? A toe clip makes a nice decorative touch - but it's always drawn on the WRONG SIDE of the shoe! (sigh) OK, end of rant.

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 samples* - so many wonderful things, 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.

ALSO New is Half Price JEWELRY here - The more I got to digging, the more I found. Jewelry doesn't take up much room - suffice to say there is a LOT of lovely stuff that needs to find a new home. Then there's that whole problem I have with the beads. It's getting worse. Stay tuned for details on that.