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HoofPrints Newsletter
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May 22, 2015
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Quote from the Inspirational Book: DESIDERATA for Horse Lovers by Max Ehrmann
Consider this interesting background about the poem from the introduction: "I should like, if I could, to leave a humble gift - a bit of chaste prose that had caught up some noble moods." These wistful words are Max Ehrmann's, a prolific if unheralded author and poet from Terre Haute, Indiana who lived from 1872 to 1945. His creative wish was finally fulfilled in 1927 when he penned this lovely and timeless Desiderata, a latin word for the term "things that are yearned for." But Ehrmann would never enjoy the accolades ensuing from his sole masterpiece, for the poem was not popularly published until 1948, three years after his death, in a collection titled, The Poems of Max Ehrmann. To order click hereShown above is Billy, some 6 years after he accidentally earned a cushy retirement by carrying HoofPrints owner Gina Keesling on an enjoyable South Dakota trail ride. He was a rental trail horse, and earned not one dime for me, but I am happy to "pay it forward" and give him his due reward here on our farm in Indiana. Read more about Billy here
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REVISITING A BIG STORY:
It's been over 6 years - what an adventure this has been... a few years ago on vacation I hatched a kooky scheme to "rescue" a tired trail horse
and I never imagined where that path would take me. For those who've not kept up with the story of Billy, the tired South Dakota trail horse, the beginning is here. For those who already know the story, you can revisit the "improved" version with more pictures on my blog.
I was reflecting back - on all the things I have learned - and am amazed at the fact that I have been so influenced in this past year by the happenings surrounding an old, battered, used up trail horse that I rode on vacation. I learned:
1. Expect the best from people - and you will usually get it. The seller and the transporter were total strangers, and each could have easily taken my money and not fulfilled their obligations. Instead, they both went above and beyond - and because of their efforts Billy arrived safe and sound in Indiana - just days before South Dakota was hit with a record-breaking winter storm. After I talked about Billy in the newsletter - the outpouring of kindness and well-wishes was just astonishing. A huge number of people took the time to write and send kind words and encouragement. With all the bad news we are flooded with each day - it's easy to forget the good things that are happening. I choose to believe that the world is basically a good place.
2. I do not know nearly as much about feeding horses as I thought. Even though I am a lifelong horse owner - getting Billy to gain weight and look healthy again was not as simple as I thought it would be. I was pouring pound$ of senior feed to this horse, the weeks turned into months and he really wasn't looking much better.
Which brings me to # 3. I don't know as much about parasite control as I thought, either. I de-wormed him as soon as he arrived. Then again about 30 days later. That should have been enough to do it, I thought. It's a good thing I use Horsemen's Lab - or I would have stopped there. And as he continued to look thin and ratty - I would have assumed that he had something else, possibly something serious, wrong with him. His fecal counts continued to come back positive, and it took SEVEN TIMES of de-worming before it came back clean and his appearance started to improve. 4. Sometimes, in solving horse problems, the best thing to do is NOTHING. When I began riding Billy in the spring, he tried numerous "spoiled horse" tricks. He poked along when leaving the barn and then wanted to dash for home whenever he got an opportunity... He tossed his head and fussed whenever I asked him to stop and stand still. He acted like he didn't know any cues. In my earlier horse owning days, I would have addressed each of these indiscretions aggressively - as I knew that he knew better than to act like that. But these days I don't ride with as much confidence as I did back then - and I didn't want to start a rodeo I couldn't finish. So I did nothing. I continued to ride him - and for the most part we did what I was asking. Conventional wisdom would predict that he would continue to be difficult - as he was "getting away" with misbehaving. But the exact opposite happened. Each time I rode him he got better and better. It was really quite amazing. Now I am thankful that I didn't resort to punishing him, it was much easier just to ask nicely and wait for him to comply. Really.
5. You never know where a search will lead you. In my efforts to locate Billy's papers, I met a variety of interesting people. One of which was John Hauer - the gentleman who formerly owned (and had branded) the distinctive halter that Billy was wearing. John is the author of one of our popular books The Natural Superiority of Mules . Another is Holly Clanahan, editor of America's Horse who was helpful and supportive along the way. The original story about another retired ranch horse named Billy - that inspired me to take this leap of faith - was of her making, and she was delighted to learn that it influenced the plush (but well-earned) retirement of another Billy. She totally understood why it was important to me to learn about Billy's past and his AQHA heritage. The owners before me, however, thought I was nuts. As soon as these down-to-earth western livestock owners got a sniff of the idea that I might be one of those wacky "animal rescuers"... the information dried up. It was certainly a turn of events that I never would have predicted. And their paranoia that I might have ill intentions saddened me - as it is likely a product of over-zealous animal welfare advocates.
6. The Big Stories hunt for the right people to tell them. I didn't go on vacation intending to buy a horse; the idea just popped into my head as I rode along. This is not a typical course of action for me - I usually do NOT do impulse things. Author Robert Moss says it best: "Sometimes a Big Story seizes us through a riff of coincidence we simply cannot dismiss. When we are seized by a Big Story, our lives are different. We have the power to cope with everyday dramas with greater courage and grace, because we are aware of a deeper drama. We now travel with a sense of mission, we draw different events and people and opportunities toward us."
So, to conclude, Billy is enjoying his retirement years here at our farm
I bet he never dreamed, as he was scrambling up and down the treacherous rocky trails of South Dakota, carrying a rider of unknown skill safely through an enjoyable ride, that his good service would pay off. South Dakota ranch horses typically don't experience amenities like pirate-themed fly bonnets, joint supplements, anti-inflammatory meds, chiropractic treatments, snug winter blankets, carrots and peppermint treats.
Thanks to all of you for sharing the journey. I don't know Billy's age (his front teeth are broken and vets can't determine). He was sold to me as 18, so would be in his 20's now. In spite of his various lumps and bumps (bowed tendon, sidebone, wire cut scars, etc), he is relatively sound and enjoys being ridden. I hope for us to have many more years together.
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NEW! Tuff Chix Chore Gloves
These have their own BIG STORY, too. I hated them when I first got the sample. I had it in my stash for quite a while, and I was disappointed that the fingers were a little too long. They were the correct size for me, and I have average hands, so I was concerned that there would be fit problems with my customers. And the material they were made of is so thin - I didn't see how they could possibly hold up to hard use. This surprised me, as the Tuff Chix fleece winter version by the same manufacturer is perfect in every way - fit, durability, design - nothing could be any better. I figured they just dropped the ball on these and tossed the sample back on the shelf after trying them on.
However, I had a big landscaping project to do the other day, so dug these out and forced myself to wear them - long fingers and all... By the time I finished I was sold. They'd sort of molded to my hands and the finger length problem went away! I was cutting rose bushes and scooping debris out of landscaping rock - these performed perfectly. I love them.
And now that I've worn them to do hot, sweaty work I have a different view of that fabric that I thought seemed flimsy. It's not flimsy, it's breathable. And that is a good thing. The backs are a nice mesh that lets the air through while still protecting your hands, there's a strip of extra padding over the knuckles. Palms are a suede-like synthetic that grips like leather but washes up a lot better. The sides of the fingers are another material - thinner, but still very protective. Very well designed and constructed gloves that beat leather hands down.
My customers tell me these are great for grooming, building fence, baling hay and other farm chores, gardening, and even riding! To order, click here
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Another BIG STORY is that in HORSEPOWER
This is a sweet and moving memoir that brings into focus once again how very much "used-up" horses have to offer.
Ren the Belgian was not necessarily abused; he was a teenager languishing in a pasture, doing nothing. Author Annette Israel bought him for the somewhat frivolous purpose of having a giant pet, and possibly learning to drive. What happens next is exponentially more than just feeding, grooming and driving. This story is powerful, spiritual and occasionally hilarious. When I picked this up - I was drawn in and didn't put it down until I was finished. It is a story about an ordinary horsewoman (like me) and her life with an old horse of questionable usefulness. A very good read that showcases many spiritual moments interwoven with everyday, horse owning experiences. To order click here
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A BIG STORY about changing careers:
Lynn Reardon's Beyond The Homestretch - What I've Learned from Saving Racehorses
Beyond the Homestretch is one person's account of her change in career paths that involved race horses. Here's an excerpt:
"To me, racehorses are winners even after their racing careers end. They have so much heart, athleticism, and intelligence - all they need is a chance to find that second career after the finish line. Of course, they could use a little help making that transition. Because it can be hard to change careers at first.
I can sympathize with that. I used to have an accounting career, working in a Washington, DC, cubicle. Pale, stressed, and full of suburban angst, I was the least likely candidate to run a racehorse adoption ranch in Texas. Back then, horses were just my outlet, my weekend respite from spreadsheets. Only learning to ride as an adult, I took group horseback-riding lessons and strained to master the most basic equestrian skills.
But even then, I was drawn to racehorses - several resided at that stable, in training to become show jumpers and polo mounts. They charmed and inspired me, with their intelligent faces, beautiful conformation, and dark reputations as risky rides.
From childhood, I had secretly wanted to be a horse trainer. But I was a horse geek, a real goober around the barn. The instructors and trainers hid their smiles at my barn gaffes and painfully anxious riding style. Every trainer at the barn had grown up with horses, usually turning professional by their teens, a formidable resume of equine mastery. I would never fit that mold - how could someone like me be a trainer? It seemed like an impossible, silly dream, plausible only in a Disney film.
I worked hard to improve my skills anyway: exercising polo ponies for free, trading barn work for lessons, teaching at a horse summer camp, anything to learn more on my modest budget. Slowly, my horse activities morphed into a vocation, a calling I could no longer ignore, however ridiculous it seemed to others - and often even to me. Finally, I took the plunge, moved halfway across the country, and opened the racehorse adoption program."
How many of us dream of doing this? Well, Lynn actually did it, and her stories are touching, inspiring, and motivational. The book says, if you want to make a difference in horses' lives, you can. If you need to learn more to do it - well, what are you waiting for? I've read the book and it has a really human perspective, devoid of ego, that I rarely see in horse books. Lynn doesn't think she's a magikal horse whisperer or the Mother Theresa of horse rescue. She admits to her mistakes along with her successes. She rides her own rescues, puts on benefit horse shows and other events, and keeps her numbers controllable so that every horse gets everything they need. Click here to order Beyond the Homestretch.
To see what a re-purposed race horse can do if given a chance, be sure to watch the video here
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A BIG STORY that waited 50 years to be told:
Joe - The Horse Nobody Loved
This is a story that was 50 years in the making. All these poignant, vivid memories stayed safely tucked away in author Vicky Kaseorg's brain, until the time was right for Joe's story to be told. One of Vicky's other books I'm Listening With A Broken Ear is one of my all time favorites, so I was beside myself with excitement when I learned that she was penning a horse story. I had no idea what the plot was - but I knew it would be good! Each day, for months, I'd check Vicky's blog to see how progress was coming on her writing. Some days, she shared, the words poured out by the thousands, even though she had the major distraction of traveling through terrible weather from her home in the Carolinas to help out at her parent's house in frigid New York, where her mom was recovering from a serious surgery. That, my friends, is a story that WANTS to be told; one that makes itself easily written at the end of a harrowing day, every day, until it is finished. Having written thirteen books before this one, Vicky tells me that Joe's story had sat there in her memory, quietly waiting for the right time to be told. And apparently, this is it. I had the honor of serving as one of her beta readers, as well as helping with the cover layout. This story is sweet, poignant, funny and very, VERY real. Anyone who was ever a horse-crazy kid will come away from this book with insight, compassion and maturity that will make your heart warm. To order click here
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Stand out from the crowd with HoofPrints own Cool Summer Horsey T-shirts!
These lovely, feminine t-shirts have a scoop neck and cap sleeves. They are cut for ladies and are not too small or too fitted. The midweight fabric is a cotton/poly blend that is cool, soft and washes up great. Logos are screenprinted. As you can see by the picture, these run a little on the short side - there's a size chart with measurements on the web page to help you see if these will be a good fit. And I am proud to say that you won't see these unique designs offered by any other vendor - they are HoofPrints' own creations. so reflect a horsewoman's perspective on keeping horses and getting along. The complete selection is here. Select sizes of the orange I TRAIN HORSES TO EAT CARROTS t-shirts are ON SALE for just $6.95 here
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MORE ITEMS ADDED to HALF PRICE SALE!
Clutter busting continues at HoofPrints
My efforts to clear the warehouse (and my 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 samples* - so many wonderful things, it's hard to choose just a handful for the website/flyer. And the rest have got to go! Only one of each available so act fast if you see something you like. The image shown here is what was available at the time this newsletter was sent. All prices on this page are at least 50% off retail. The red SALE! tag doesn't show if a product has size or color options. Don't know why. Don't know how to fix it...
*A note about the samples - Someone made a comment on the HoofPrints Facebook page that the samples are free to me and implied should thus be priced accordingly. Just to set the record straight - I pay for almost every sample I acquire. Occasionally an author or publisher will send me a book unsolicited, but I prefer to buy these anonymously so if I review and don't think it is a good fit for the product line, I don't feel guilty about not including it.
Half Price PRINTS are 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. 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. Now that Christmas is past, I've marked them way down now to sweeten the deal.
 Half Price JEWELRY is 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.
Half Price BOOKS & Magazine Back Issues here
This represents a major turning point for HoofPrints owner Gina Keesling. This treasure trove of magazine back issues has been lovingly collected and hoarded for many, many years. It's getting to be a space problem, keeping them all stored AND due to the sheer volume of them, along with my busy schedule, they rarely get any attention. But even now, as I go through them to write sales descriptions, I am feeling sad at the prospect of letting go of this vast collection of pictures and articles about all the things I love - Horses, Dogs, Farriery and Blacksmithing, The West, Pretty Western Clothes and Jewelry, Awesome Country Homes, Recipes for Hearty Food, Healthy Living, Spirituality and more. I'll do my best to mention the content that stands out to me in the descriptions. Prices on these back issues reflect the fact that I am still very much in love with them, however they are at or below what the publishers are charging. The current sales list is small, but I'll be adding more as I am able; going through these is a slow process, as you can imagine, I get sidetracked frequently by all the fascinating content that lead me to hoard these in the first place.
The Closeouts Page is here
It features overstocks, items that are being phased out - still lots of good deals to be had there, too
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Here's what we talked about last time
Last newsletter is here ALL newsletters are here
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PONY GIRL'S ON THE LABEL!
Horse Woman's Balm
A great product that DOES WHAT IT'S SUPPOSED TO!
Order here
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The Doctor is In Horse Thermometer
Measures a big 17" tall and under $15.00! Order here
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DON'T do it yourself
FARRIER COASTERS
No farriers were harmed in the making of these coasters. To order click here
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GINA'S BLOG
Fun on the Farm
read the latest happenings in the Keesling household, involving construction, destruction, remodeling adventures and general wreckage here
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MADE IN USA
Don't Sell Your Saddle
Don't give up on dreams.
Take time to see 'em through.
There are no easy trails.
Hard work makes dreams come true.
You'll make it through tough times.
Friends will stick like glue.
Don't ever sell your saddle,
Dreams won't give up on you.
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Mule & Donkey items
Check out this brass longear charm and more here
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MADE IN USA
Secret Box
Nifty little wood box has a lid that fits so neatly that it's virtually invisible when closed. A real deal at only $19.95 here
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COFFEE & DOG HAIR
I NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM
16 oz Ceramic Travel Mug with leakproof lid only $16.95 here
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MADE IN USA:
A CRAPPY MUG!
Same sh*t different day
mug here
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SPRINGY HORSEY Ts
3 Springy Horsey T-shirts less than $15 each here!
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MADE IN USA
Riding for a Cure
See HoofPrints breast cancer awareness products here |
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MADE IN USA
Tooled Leather Bracelet
Features braided rawhide, engraved heart and fancy buckle. Only $19.95 here
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INSPIRATIONAL
Stretch Bracelets
Four fun styles to choose from here
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HoofPrints
BARN BLADE
Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly
Order here
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HALF PRICE AND PRINTED IN USA: "Pharaoh's Horses"
20x26 Print with history and trivia article included is available here
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Horsewoman's
HAIR CONTROL IDEAS
Sunny yellow embroidered HORSES LEAVE HOOFPRINTS ON YOUR HEART Cap here
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PRINTED IN USA:
This Hug's For You
Equine Sympathy Cards here
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Silver Dog Whistle
Solid Sterling Silver Whistle on waxed cotton cord 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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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 the company 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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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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