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HoofPrints Newsletter
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December 4, 2015
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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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GREAT GIFT IDEA
Tuff Chix Pink Winter Fleece Gloves
These are one of my favorite products.
If you've been following HoofPrints for very long you know that I don't suffer products that fail to perform. I test everything that comes through the door to make sure it is, indeed, exactly as I am representing it.
IronClad's Tough Chix fleece gloves aren't your average girly pink gloves that you'd pick up at Wal-Mart, wear for a season and then toss because they've fallen apart. These are engineered by a manufacturer known for it's durable men's work gloves. They applied all that experience making good looking, good fitting gloves to these women's gloves.
Shown here are two pair that I personally have been wearing for a few years now. One pair is the original sample that I ordered from the manufacturer to try out. The second pair was returned by a customer who wore them for a while and then claimed they didn't keep her hands warm. Now, to clarify: if you live somewhere like North Dakota and are doing chores for hours in -20 degree weather, then these are not the gloves for you. But for the rest of us who don't encounter such extremes these really fit the bill. They're soft, flexible, and give you a LOT of dexterity for a winter glove. I can personally fasten all the necessary buckles needed to tack up and ride without taking them off. I can wrangle supplement bucket lids, dip and measure rations, coil up a muddy, recalcitrant hose - pretty much anything I need to do in the barn. And more: the back sliding door to my barn gets stuck when the ground freezes. Because of the way it's situated, normal digging implements just won't work to clear out the extra dirt and gravel that's accumulated and is heaving up, blocking the way. The best way to do it is with my fingers. I hack at the frozen stuff with a pick to break it up, then rake it all out of the groove with my fingers. I'd say that it's expecting a lot for a pair of $24. gloves to hold up to that kind of treatment for very long, but these two have survived the ritual without apparent wear. The top picture shows what they look like after a few week's hard labor - the bottom pair just came out of the washer. Yes, they clean up that good.
To order Tuff Chix Winter Fleece Gloves, click here.
 NEW for 2015Tuff Chix Pink 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 Tuff Chix Chore Gloves, click here
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PINK CHRISTMAS
GIFT IDEA:
A Woman's Place
Is On A Horse Vest
I can't get enough of singing the praises of vests in general.
Vests are the best because they give you so much more freedom about the arms than a regular coat. Paired with the sweatshirt or longsleeve T
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 pink fleece vest is priced at only $29.95 - pretty cheap really, for personal climate control. It's also available in maroon here. ***NOTE - be sure to check the size charts to verify that you're getting the perfect size, and especially note the arm hole measurements. These tend to run a bit on the small side***
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A Woman's Place is on A Horse
What gal doesn't want to get out of the house and onto a horse?
This sparkly pink gift bag is sturdy, durable, and UNDER $5.00!
It measures a handy 9 "x 4" x 12" (not counting the handles)
When I posted a picture of it on HoofPrints Facebook page, a customer immediately chimed in: "I love this bag! It's just the right size for my lunch, or shoes + a big bottle of my favorite flavored water. And, since I carry a giant tote anyway, it takes up no room to have it folded and available when I need it, Plus -- it's pink; what more needs to be said?" ~Jenne
You can see this, and a sweatshirt that matches, along with all HoofPrints' other Horsewoman products here .
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COZY CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA:
This super heavyweight Sweatshirt that also tells it like it is: A Woman's Place is on a Horse
But then we all already knew that. Wear this shirt to make sure no one forgets and asks you to do something "in the home" before you can escape to the barn.
I worked for a while on this one. I got the blessings from our friends at Prairie Song to carry on the use of their phrase. I wanted it to be "womanly" - so we could better contrast the domestic role vs the equestrian role. I found this amazing brown fabric with pink horseshoes, so the logical choice for the sweatshirt was this dirt-hiding shade of fuchsia / pink. The fabric is bonded to the shirt and then satin stitched all around the edges for an rich, intricate look. And of course, I chose the most feminine script I could find for the lettering.
The embroidery on this is super intricate - requiring over 26,000 stitches to complete the design. Because it's such a complex design, I've put it on a super heavy 10 oz (regular sweats are 7 oz) that's buttery soft inside and out, and it gets softer with each washing. Does not shrink or pill and sizes are generous*. I can't get any more of the brown horseshoe fabric that's in the horse cutout applique - so once these are sold out, there won't be any more. *Note sizing on these is oversize - borderline huge, actually. There's a chart on the site to help you choose the correct size. To order click here.
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CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA FOR FARRIERS WIVES!
When I ran out of these, I had people begging for them...
and it was such a disappointment to not be able to fill their orders. Farriers, bless their hearts, would see it in the catalog - and make a mental note to buy one for their sweetie for Valentine's Day, or birthday, or just because... with their next order of invoice pads or other business supplies. We'd had it for years and it was always available - then the manufacturer discontinued the lovely lavender color I'd been using. And we couldn't find a replacement. After two years of looking I found this v-neck t-shirt dress (night shirt) that's even better than our original! It's softer (100% cotton) and more feminine. We revised the artwork so that it works around the neckline for an integrated look. Color is called raspberry, but it's more like a dark (not bright) pink.
It's screenprinted with little horse and farrier logos along with phrases unique to only farrier households:
* How many horses did you do today? * How did you get that bruise/cut/burn? * I promise I won't kick you. * Hoof smoke makes your hair smell good. * No horsing around tonight. * Do you want me to rub your back, again? * It's too bad toothpaste won't remove that blue nail residue from your lips. * Really, I don't mind the smell of thrush on your hands. * You're not putting me in cross-ties! * Did you eat beans for lunch or work on an abcessed foot? * Gee, do you think that toenail will fall off? * Settle down or I'll twitch you.
To order click here
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A FUN PINK GIFT IDEA THAT IS ALSO USEFUL:
This anodized aluminum knife is just what horsewomen have been waiting for! Here's a great knife to take riding or to the barn - that the guys won't cabbage onto because it's PINK! It's a good, sensible size (4" closed, 7" open) to carry and use. The spring steel clip on the back lets you hang it on the inside of your pocket so you can get to it without fishing around, and the special notch with a protected second blade lets you cut hay strings in a jiffy without ever opening your knife! The blackened stainless steel blade has an easy-open knurled grip in case (heaven forbid) you need it quickly to cut someone loose. Horsemen (and women) should always carry a knife when working around horses, and this one is perfect for the job!
The HoofPrints Barn Blade is only $19.95 but it was PRICELESS for one HoofPrints customer - here's her story:  The barn I board at has about 75 horses. I'm also a working student and I volunteer at a horse rescue. Between being in the fire department and being a trail guide out in Colorado 10 years I always carry a knife. My Leatherman walked away so I got the pink one because it was distinctive and I liked the inscription. It's mostly hung out in my pocket until last night.
When new horses come to the rescue they start out in the quarantine barn for 2 weeks just to be safe. We just got 2 and I hadn't met them yet. I was in the office thawing (I know Maryland isn't as bad as a lot of places but this week has been nuts) when someone said the handyman needed help up at quarantine because one of the new ones was cast. I grabbed my trainer and we drove up so we'd have the headlights. She had gotten wedged against the stall door and when he opened it to try to help her, her head and front legs came out the door and she got completely stuck. My talent lies in calming horses down so I talked to her while we tried to figure out how to help. She broke the wall so we were moving boards and buckets and anything else.
She was wearing 2 blankets layered, really nice strong ones, and we had to cut them off so she could move enough to get free. It took 5 of us 45 minutes at least, and she didn't have a scratch on her. It could have gone so wrong. We just kept saying thank God I had a good knife. For now we're calling her Angel - she is gorgeous, a big grey, the size 84 blanket was snug. She is so regal though. Once she gets some weight on I cannot wait to see what she becomes. So thank you for helping us save her. I really thought she was going to get badly enough injured that we'd lose her. Lots of power in a little pink package " -Laura R, MD
To order a barn blade click here
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LIFE IS TOUGH - SOMETIMES AT CHRISTMAS-TIME ESPECIALLY...
No doubt about it. Seems like the past months have been tougher than usual for a lot of folks.
A few minutes browsing Facebook confirms that fact - from a myriad of tragic happenings worldwide, to those right here at home.An unfortunate side effect to all this trauma and angst is the apparent lack of patience and understanding with each other. After you get done reading all the stories of tragedy, sickness and loss - then you get to the cranky comments thrown at each other. I wrote about that in this newsletter.At any rate, I think author Judith Orloff has the right idea concerning this phenomenon of global angst and crankiness:
"Emotional freedom means learning how to stay centered in a stressful, highly emotionally charged world. Since emotions such as fear, anger, and frustration are energies, you can potentially "catch" them from people without realizing it.
If you tend to be an emotional sponge, it's vital to know how to avoid taking on an individual's negative emotions or the free-floating kind in crowds. Another twist is that chronic anxiety, depression, or stress can turn you into an emotional sponge by wearing down your defenses. Suddenly, you become hyper-attuned to others, especially those with similar pain. That's how empathy works; we zero in on hot-button issues that are unresolved in ourselves. From an energetic standpoint, negative emotions can originate from several sources. What you're feeling may be your own; it may be someone else's; or it may be a combination."
Read the rest of this article here. Dr Orloff is Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA an intuition expert, and bestselling author. Her website is here and she's got a youtube channel here.  LIFE IS TOUGH - BUT I AM TOUGHER INSPIRATIONAL JEWELRY Shown here is one of my favorite reminders that we are all in this together. But it's also a reminder to resist taking on the problems that aren't mine. And especially to be compassionate for those angry, upset folks who, like Dr Orloff talks about above, are not only dealing with their own challenges, but are attracting and experiencing more of the same from others. It's a hard trap to get out of.
These inspirational jewelry pieces are inexpensive - a perfect little pick-me-up for a friend who needs encouragement - even if that friend is yourSELF! The pink stretch bracelet is lightweight and comfy with it's sweet little pony girl charm. The stamped charm necklace is rather bold and chunky. The chain is a little longer (and adjustable) so you can wear it outside a sweater or with a shorter necklace if desired. The charms are removable, too, so if you have a day that you just need COURAGE, or STRENGTH - you have that option. To see all the inspirational jewelry, click here 
And isn't it cool - while we are all out soaking up crankiness and angst from each other, and adding it to our own - that our pets are still so willing to engage and comfort us? Jean Hofve DVM makes this interesting observation:
"I've often thought it strange
that, despite the close relationships between animals in a household, when their people come home, what they want most is to be with their human friends. Wouldn't you think they'd be just as happy with each other? Wouldn't they just look up and say, "Oh hi, honey, how was your day?" and go back to what they were doing? But no matter how much fun they're having, or how comfortable they are - right away they come to greet their human family members. They stay by us - or on us, as the case may be - they plainly prefer to be with us than with each other.
- from Timeless Spirit Magazine
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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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Horse Eye Necklace
Available in four colors 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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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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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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Courage doesn't always roar...
sometimes courage is that quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "i will try again tomorrow." To order click here
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MADE IN USA
Riding for a Cure
See HoofPrints breast cancer awareness products here |
A great way to dress up any vest, jacket, sweatshirt, or purse. Just 4.95 here
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NEW! Horsey Gift Wrap Assortments
These awesome gift wrap collections were designed by a lifelong horse owner, whose career happened to be in packaging design - so all the details are just right! More info 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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Pony Love Necklace
Solid Pewter and Made in USA. Only $19.95 here
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It's Back! HOLLYWOOD HOOFBEATS
New updated version includes 10 more years of horse movies - to order click 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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CLOSEOUT
Thermal Sherpa Hood
LIMITED QUANTITIES 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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Mule & Donkey items
Check out this brass longear charm and more here
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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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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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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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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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