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HoofPrints Newsletter
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November 21, 2015
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HoofPrints is SO SMALL... 
well, it couldn't BE any smaller than it is
(one person).
Farriers Greeting Cards was started by Gina Keesling (me) 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. Long story here. For years I tried to make the company seem "bigger" - so as to compete with the thick horsey catalogs that showed up in my own mailbox almost daily. But I finally stopped trying to be something I am not. As I have gotten older and less energetic, it's been of paramount importance to streamline the operation so that I can continue to focus on procuring the unique and inspirational products that you all seem to love. Special thanks are in order, also, to my dear husband Rob, and his mom Judy - who help me get the products onto the shelves (folding and packaging) as well as back off and into boxes on their way to customers during this busy holiday time.The all new website is the latest (and one of the biggest/scariest) steps in that direction. It streamlines a lot of data entry that previously took hours, freeing me up for more important tasks. But the "smallness" doesn't stop in the HoofPrints warehouse (which is a pole barn behind my house in the middle of a cornfield). I use an outside call center to answer my order line 24/7. Call Center Plus is not some detached entity in a foreign land that can't do much but frustrate callers. No, CCP is a small business success story of it's own. This company began as a home-based business in a Utah bedroom loft by a single mom with zero business experience - as a means of supporting her children while still being home with them. The odds of succeeding suggest that any one of those factors would be cause for failure. However the odds of success never went up against someone with as much faith, determination, and imagination as Ilene Christensen. When her business outgrew the loft, in order to still be home with her children and to keep overhead low, Ilene converted part of her garage into office space. With shear grit, determination, and prayer, she continued to grow the business. A call center requires the use of sophisticated equipment, so out of necessity she also learned about computer hardware, software, and servers. She became an IT specialist as she learned to build, troubleshoot, repair, and program computers. You can read about the latest news at CCP here. And the "smallness" doesn't stop here, either. It continues with many of the products that HoofPrints stocks on our "middle of a cornfield" warehouse shelves. So, instead of offering discount prices to entice you all to buy, I'd like to share some of my favorite products that come from companies as small as mine, and encourage you to support them with your holiday shopping dollars. ~G
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This copper Etruscan-style coin looks great with the translucent glass beads I had in my stash. See closeup pictures here
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SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS IDEA #1
HoofPrints' own Hand Tied Jewelry
Like almost all HoofPrints' products, these have a lengthy, convoluted story behind them. I make them myself. Now, I am NOT a jewelry maker by trade, in fact, I am far from it. With no formal training, I had no clue what I was doing when I first started. I love-love-LOVE the Sundance catalog jewelry, and found myself perpetually wishing for horsey (and less expensive) versions of their lovely stuff. The first step down a slippery slope was when I discovered that there are literally MILLIONS of choices of beads and pendants and cord/chain available at a myriad of suppliers at very reasonable prices. All one has to do is figure out what looks good together, procure the stuff, and set about assembly. This, however, is much easier said than done. After many unsuccessful attempts to make some pretty jewelry, I was left with an embarrassingly large accumulation of beads and components. Frustrated at my lack of success, I gathered them all up and stuffed them in a drawer, where they languished for a couple years at least. Then, in a fit of clutter-clearing frenzy, buoyed by folks buying some other closeout stuff I'd offered, I revisited the bead dilemma. This time, things went a little better and I was able to eke out a series of chunky, pony bead bracelets that was surprisingly well received by my dear enablers (I mean customers)
 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.
 They are available in 8 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 - consisting of TEAL, RED, LIME and COBALT. Below that is the EARTH TONES - it's TOPAZ, IRIDESCENT MULTI, LIME and SPECKLED BROWN. Newest is FUCHSIA, you can see them all here.
Illustrating the "bead saga"...
I have accused everyone of being enablers, and told how a simple project designed to use up excess jewelry components got completely out of hand. Shown above are some completed bracelets, along with some in progress, and tools, components, etc.
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SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS IDEA #2
Copper Jewelry from Karen DeMarte
Karen makes rustic jewelry in fine pewter and copper. After working for 12 years in a stressful job that wasn't for her, she decided to make a change. Her Etsy page tells us about that;
"I ran away from that job in Jan 2007 and haven't looked back. Now, I work from my old farm house in rural northwestern Pennsylvania where I can look out and see my horses in the pasture and my dog Kalli supervises daily happenings in the studio."
Karen's pieces that HoofPrints carries are made of Copper, and the 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 are Karen's charm on the Copper HoofPrint Healing Bone Bracelet - click hereCopper Horseshoe Cross Necklace - click hereWild and Free Copper Horse Necklace - click here |
SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS IDEA #3
DC Metals' Hand Forged Steel Cross
This pendant is hand forged by an Ohio blacksmith. He takes a single piece of recycled 1/4" square stock, splits it in two different directions and hammers it into this unique cross shape. The result is lightly wire brushed to maintain the unique quality of the steel, then coated with automotive clear for durability. If you look carefully at the picture - the different planes will remind you of one of those brain-teaser pictures that can't physically exist - like the works of M.C. Escher as seen here.
The cross is 1 1/2" tall, leather cord is hand tied with a special adjustable knot system that lets you choose your perfect fit from choker length to about 26". Click here to watch a video showing the forging process (beware - he makes it look EASY!)
This makes a great gift for a man, but it's not too big for a woman to wear, either. To order click here |
SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS IDEA #4
Vicky Kaseorg's I'm Listening With a Broken Ear
This book has all the makings of a modern classic. It's so good I think it'd make a great movie. It's 426 pages, and once I started I couldn't put it down (except for essential distractions like work and animal care) until I was finished. It's that good. In a nutshell, the author finds a pathetic, nearly dead dog abandoned in a parking lot. She brings her home and nurses her back to health. Somewhere along the way the family realizes they are in way over their heads as the dog has behavior issues that they can't manage. Dangerous behavior issues. It's hard enough to find homes for dogs who behave perfectly, so rehoming this one was NOT an option. Vicky spends a lot of time online trying to solve the problem, and ends up getting hooked up with a rescuer named Malta. Malta supplies Vicky with a horse whip. And teaches her how to do the "alpha roll" when the dog gets out of line. Now, before you run screaming, thinking you totally don't want to waste your time reading a work written by someone who keeps a whip in hand and rolls her poor dog - give this one a chance. You WON'T be disappointed. I guarantee it. It's thoughtful, spiritual, laugh out loud humorous - and the ending is so very good you will probably cry. Or cheer. Or both. There's a more detailed description and a couple excerpts to read here. This book, along with Vicky's others, is self published. That means the whole load was (is) on her to decide if a story merits the idea that others would like to read it. Then to type out and edit all those pages, clarifying and refining the story as you go... And then send it off to a publishing house that facilitates such projects - before she ever knew for sure that anyone would buy a single book. That takes some real guts. She took her "good deed" (rescuing a stray dog) and documented how it all went wrong, multiple times, as well as sharing her own role in the goings-wrong... and turned it into a story that makes you want to cheer - well that's a "small business" endeavor that's well worth appreciating. To order click here |
SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS IDEA #5
Grandview Aluminum Products
This Southern Indiana foundry was purchased by Harold and Georgia Banks in 1965 with a workforce of just four employees. Since that time the company has grown considerably and is now one of the top suppliers of cast bronze and aluminum plaques in the country with distributors in all 50 states and some foreign countries. Even though they've grown rather large, with the operation utilizing over 36,000 square feet of space, they continue to provide excellent customer service. Whenever I call to place an order, all I have to tell them is who I am, and that I want to order the Hitch Cover with the Shoe and Anvil. Personally, I find this remarkable - this is a custom design produced exclusively for my company, out of what must be thousands that they do per year - yet they get it exactly right every single time with just a short verbal description.  The FARRIER LICENSE PLATE is another favorite that's been with us for years. Hand cast at Grandview Aluminum, it's a full 3/8" thick and weighs almost a pound! The black enamel background is baked on for a durable, permanent finish - bugs don't affect it. The part you see that is silver is actually exposed cast aluminum that is machine ground to a smooth finish that's raised above the black. A very elegant and rustic look that should last forever for under $30! You can see the mega-close detail on the new website here. |
 SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS IDEA #6
Videographer Stormy May's The Path of the Horse DVD chronicles everything that's wrong with how we interact with horses today, AND paints a hopeful picture of men and women pioneering a new way.
When I first learned of the DVD back in 2008, it was months from completion. I was elated to learn that someone was producing a documentary featuring the work of nearly all of my very favorite horse authors. I was so excited I could hardly contain myself. Then the doubt started to creep in. How in the world could a video be made that would adequately portray and explain these concepts about working with horses that defy words.
Somewhere between the six year old girl who dreams of galloping off on her wild stallion - and the professional who's work involves getting results with horses... is a whole group of us confused souls who may have worn both "hats" during our lifetimes. Now the second "hat" feels wrong, and the first one feels totally unrealistic. Describing that unknown third "hat" defies words - let alone images...
I began to have reservations that such a project as Path of the Horse could even be accomplished, let alone be done well enough to paint a picture of the "third hat" that most of us have never seen...
When the pre-release version finally came, I held my breath - hoping for the best, but prepared to be disappointed. Within the first thirty seconds, I KNEW that videographer Stormy May had not only risen to the challenge, but she's artfully produced a very powerful, entertaining documentary that will undoubtedly change the way many people relate to their horses forever.
There is no part of this DVD that could be any better. Every bit of it is technically perfect - images are beautiful - footage beautifully choreographed with music - the interviews are very well done and you can hear and understand every single word. Even the non-english speaking horsemen's voiceovers are perfect. And Stormy May is no late-comer to the horse industry - she's NOT one of those people who just got into horses, managed to keep from getting killed, and is now questioning everything that has worked for everybody else whose handled horses up to this point. Stormy was a successful competitor, trainer and teacher. She owned her own facilitiy and was making a good living at teaching horses and riders to get along and win in the arena. Somewhere along the way it all started to feel wrong. She SOLD HER FARM and used the money to make this video. The DVDs sold from HoofPrints' shelves come DIRECTLY from Stormy, NOT some mega-distributor that has a bazillion titles that you'll eventually see for $5.00 at Wal-mart. She made the sacrifices, did the research and legwork to produce this thoughtful work, and the proceeds go to her and her current endeavors.  I think in a larger sense, the harmful part of what I used to do to horses was not even so much by being a person who found it acceptable to cause an animal pain, but by being a person who was afraid to think for herself and do things differently because of what other people might think. I couldn't do things different than what I had been taught until I was strong enough inside myself to go my own way, even if it looked like I was the only one on that path. It gave me hope to think that if it truly was a path of love then I would be creating a space for others to come and play this new game too."
~Stormy May
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SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS IDEA #7
This unique and lovely jewelry is made one piece at a time. The glass dome covering the picture is NOT a separate component that's fastened into the bezel. An assembly process that, at first blush, might seem rather simple. On the contrary - it's actually a special resin compound that comes in liquid form - and Tiffany pours the exact correct amount into each one - to encase and preserve the picture permanently within the pendant. I can't imagine how messy this process could be - she must have it mastered as I have never, ever received a piece from her that wasn't absolutely perfect. Shown above is the lovely Found Vintage Necklace, featuring Walter Hunt's image of the print by the same name. You can order that here. Lizabettas also makes three other necklaces for HoofPrints: Vintage Indian Horsewoman sold herePharaoh's Horses sold hereKEEP CALM AND RIDE ON sold hereHorse Eye Necklace and matching Earrings in four colors here
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SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS IDEA #8
Mary Anne Radmacher's Courage quote:
"courage doesn't always roar. sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'i will try again tomorrow.'"
This quote by Mary Anne Radmacher always resonated with me. I've had a clipping of it taped to my computer for many years - and always referred to it when I was having struggles with my super-sensitive horse that I just couldn't seem to get along with. (I always wondered if she'd have the same thing taped up in her stall if she could?) At any rate, after years of looking at that tattered slip of paper, I wondered how hard it would be to orchestrate applying Mary Anne's inspirational words to a horsey product for HoofPrints. Turns out it was not hard at all! I found Mary Anne's website, and sent her an inquiry. She promptly replied and we sorted out the financial arrangements. So now, you all can enjoy Mary Anne's powerful words with your morning coffee, and she's compensated for her lovely calligraphy and wise words. You can order the mug here. There's a fresh supply of inspiration nearly every day at Mary Anne's Facebook page here
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Here's what we talked about last time
Last newsletter is here ALL newsletters are here
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These just in...
Check out new products here
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When they're gone - they're gone...
Don't miss one you've been wanting - sadly, some favorites have been discontinued with no replacement - see them 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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MADE IN USA
Horse Woman's Balm
A great product that DOES WHAT IT'S SUPPOSED TO!
Order 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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BELOW HALF PRICE!
"Hug" clay plaque Regular price $14.50 now only $4.99 here |
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Farriers Traveling Desk
Corral your paperwork on the road! And it's HALF the cost of the previous version here |
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CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA:
TUFF CHIX GLOVES
"Best. Gloves. Ever!" ~HoofPrints customer testimonial.
Gina's note: The top picture is one of two pairs of Tuff Chix that I have been wearing for years - before the laundry. The second picture is my second pair that was similarly dirty, AFTER the laundry.
More info here
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NEW - IMPROVED
Horse Woman's LONG TALL LIST of things to do here
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CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA: COFFEE & DOG HAIR TRAVEL MUG
I NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM
16 oz Ceramic Travel Mug with leakproof lid only $16.95 here
See more gifts for DOG LOVERS here
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BEST NEWS EVER!
BEAUTIFUL JIM KEY movie is in the works! Morgan Freeman has signed on as the star! This TRUE STORY is a fascinating feel-good tale that's loaded with accurate historical details from our country's history. Make sure you've read it before you see the movie! Order here
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CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA: Horse Lovers Bible
Leather bound Bible is gift boxed - it's the bestselling NIV version with additional 12 pages of horse photos accompanied by inspirational thoughts and scripture verses.
Bible Pocket Partners
31 days of meaningful devotional pages - perfect for cowboys and cowgirls of all ages! HoofPrints Christian products are here
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CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA: Leather Treat Pouch
Keep your phone, keys and more with you when you ride
- under $20 here
Use the free Endomondo App on your smart phone to keep track of your riding time, route, calories burned, etc.
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3rd in the Series!
I Make Horse Calls, More Horse Calls & Call Dr Tebow - She Makes Horse Calls (new) Books about living a dream with horses here |
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Horse Eye Necklace
Available in four colors here
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HoofPrints
BARN BLADE
Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly Order here |
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PRINTED IN USA:
This Hug's For You
Equine Sympathy Cards 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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