newsletter header wide
HoofPrints Newsletter
February 23, 2016

 
From the Art Nouveau Animal Designs Coloring Book 
FINALLY! It is cool for us grown-ups to
C O L O R ! 
I don't know exactly how or when this wonderful trend started, but I've watched it with great interest for quite a while... 
All over the world, tired, frazzled adults are turning to coloring to clear their minds. The internet is full of articles that attempt to explain the "why" of this phenomenon:
"Of course, coloring within the lines compared to, say, painting a blank canvas is mostly simple decision-making - choosing which color goes best where, with relatively little skill involved. Our prefrontal cortex is responsible for coordinating thousands of decisions each day, from which socks we should wear to life-altering relationship and career choices. As an unconscious response to this so-called daily 'decision fatigue,' making a series of small, inconsequential decisions (teal or mahogany for this squiggly line?) may give us a refreshing sense of self-control after a long day of big, important ones." -from this article by neuroscientist Jordan Gaines Lewis

These wonderful coloring books from Dover have been around for a while; Dover knows how to do them right. I remember what a treat it was to get my hands on one of these as a kid, so am diving into them again a half-century later, hoping to recapture some of that wonderful childhood enthusiasm.

I invite you to do the same. I hand picked a fun variety to choose from - covering all subjects horsey - anatomy, art, trivia and more. Below is my own first effort; a page from the Horse Anatomy Coloring Book. At first, I started to get all up tight - worrying about what color I should make each bone...
quotation mark left
Duh - I don't think that's how it's supposed to work! I was a more than a little embarrassed that this 'relaxing' new hobby was stressing me out already. So,  I regrouped and looked at it in a different way."

I looked at all the beautiful colors in my pencil set that I had not used since college. The browns and greys were all worn down to nubs, but many of the bright colors had never been touched to paper. I made good use of them on the background, channeling my inner hippie, I guess.

Lucy snuggled up beside me in her blanket on the recliner, and as I colored, I couldn't help but read some of the informational text that was printed along with the picture. Did you know that a normal adult horse skeleton contains 205 bones? But that variations are possible; hocks can contain six or seven bones? And tails can vary from fifteen to twenty-one vertebrae? Forelimbs and hind limbs each contain twenty. The Horse Anatomy Coloring book examines both the internal and external structures, with all clearly labeled. It's only $4.95 here.

The complete selection of coloring books is here
$20.00 OFF Horsey Outerwear through 2/29/16
 
  
First is the Fleece Lined Suede Bomber Jacket
This is a manufacturer closeout, and I was so excited I bought all that they had on hand.  
This is a great jacket, and I'd like to see a lot more of them keeping folks warm as they do their chores instead of sitting here on my shelves.
So I've marked them down by $20.00! The regular price is a bargain at $49.95 for such a nice jacket, so $29.95 is a steal. I won't lie and say "Get them while supplies last!" as I've already confessed to having plenty. This great price is only in effect until 2/29/16

MORE ABOUT THE BOMBER JACKET: This one's not really suede of the genuine leather persuasion, but you'd never know by touching it. It's made of a high-tech polyester fabric, velvety mocha suede on the outside, cushy oatmeal-colored sherpa fleece on the inside. The two layers are bonded together so this fits like a dream. Smooth, warm, comfortable. How could it get any better? The fabric is 4-way stretch, 
AND it washes up great with no special coddling in the laundry. Two-way zipper unzips from the bottom for freedom of movement. Zip pockets hold all your stuff without being bulky and right sleeve is embroidered with Cavalero Horse logo. Comes in sizes M-XXL. BE SURE TO CHECK THE SIZE CHART to ensure you are ordering the correct size. To order click here 
  
Next is the Ladies Red Fleece Lined Suede Stable Jacket 
The last few years have brought slim pickin's in the garment department. 
Finding this cool stuff for you all, and making it available at a reasonable price can be a challenge. One of my favorite outerwear vendors has had some troubles and the quality of their products is not as good these days. There are other options out there, but fancy jackets with lots of details don't come cheap. Once I add the horsey embroidery, well, that often puts it out of what is reasonable for most folks' budgets. 
That's why I am so excited about this Red Fleece Lined Suede Stable Jacket.  
OK, so it's not really suede of the genuine leather persuasion, but you'd never know by touching it. It's made of a high-tech polyester fabric, velvety red suede on the outside, cushy charcoal sherpa fleece on the inside. The two layers are bonded together so this fits like a dream. Smooth, warm, comfortable. How could it get any better? The fabric is 4-way stretch, and it washes up great with no special coddling in the laundry. Two-way zipper unzips from the bottom for freedom of movement. Lined side pockets and top access zip pockets hold all your stuff without being bulky, Use the upper chest pocket to keep your phone close by - you can feel vibrations if ringer is off and/or have easy access for headphone cord. Sleeves are cuffed so you can adjust for perfect fit, right sleeve is embroidered with elegant Cavalero Horse logo.
Above is a fun pic of the Ladies Stable Jacket in action
 
Fifteen year old Ty Gordon is daughter of R&M Ranch Rescue's Michelle Gordon. Also shown is the lovely Thoroughbred mare Star, one of the ranch's permanent resident rescues. Star's story is here.

The jacket comes in sizes S - XXL. BE SURE TO CHECK THE SIZE CHART to ensure that you're ordering the correct size. These run a bit strange in how they are cut. To order, click here 
Third is the Sweater Fleece Barn Jacket
This versatile tweedy looking jacket is at home in the barn or out running errands. It's made of heavy 11.4 oz polyester fleece, with a sweater-knit face and cushy fleeced interior. It's warm without being bulky. It comes embroidered with HoofPrints own Wild Mare - in a lovely shade of coordinating copper. To order click here

This jacket is loaded with details like comfy raglan sleeves, zippered pockets, neatly bound hem and cuffs, and an inner storm flap with chin guard - this will be the jacket you grab first. Extras shown here are HoofPrints Tooled Heart Zipper Pull, and BARN girl longsleeve ladies denim shirt.

Be sure to check out the 
Mountain Blue Quarter Zip Sweat w/Plaid Flannel Lined Hood
This super heavyweight 12.5 oz. (regular sweats are 7 oz) 80% cotton/20% polyester hooded pullover is loaded with details. It's fashion fleece with zipper placket and one-button closure. Features two side seam pockets and woven plaid trim on inside hood and inner placket. Embroidered with HoofPrints own intricate Horse Legs logo, in thread colors that coordinate with the plaid flannel trim. 
Generously sized, expect minor shrinkage - check the size chart online to ensure you're getting a perfect fit. Machine wash and dry; this shirt may look fancy, but it's plenty sturdy enough to hold up to lots of wear. To order click here

A special Super Heavy Sweatshirt for farriers 
Quarter Zip Sweatshirt Embroidered with Farrier Tools of the Trade Logo 
This super heavy quarter zip pullover looks sharp and is a hard worker. It's made of super heavyweight 12.5 oz (regular sweats are 7 oz)  80% cotton/20% polyester fashion fleece. Charcoal grey with contrasting black trim on collar, cuffs and waistband and two side seam pockets, it's embroidered with HoofPrints own Tools of the Trade logo. These are generously sized; they shrink a bit with laundering. Machine wash with no special care - the example you see in this photo has been washed and dried on normal settings, and the collar and trim came out as nice and smooth as it was when it went in. To order click here
In This Issue
Here's what we talked about last time
What Did I Miss? graphic
Last newsletter is  here    
ALL newsletters are here
These just in...

Check out new products here
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
Horse Eye Necklace

Available in four colors here
DON'T do it yourself
FARRIER COASTERS

No farriers were harmed in the making of these coasters. To order click here
MADE IN USA
Secret Box
Horse 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
Horse Woman's Balm
Horsewoman's Balm
A great product that DOES WHAT IT'S SUPPOSED TO!
Order here
Courage doesn't always roar...
Courage Pink Mug
sometimes courage is that quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "i will try again tomorrow." To order click here
HoofPrints
BARN BLADE
Barn Blade Pink Knife
Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly
Order here
MADE IN USA
Tooled Leather Bracelet

Features braided rawhide, engraved heart and fancy buckle. Only $19.95 here 
It's Back! HOLLYWOOD HOOFBEATS

New updated version
includes 10 more years of horse movies - to order click  here
HALF PRICE AND PRINTED IN USA: "Pharaoh's Horses"
Pharaoh's Horses with type
20x26 Print with history and trivia article included is available here
PRINTED IN USA:
This Hug's For You

Equine Sympathy Cards here
Silver Dog Whistle
Dog Whistle
Solid Sterling Silver Whistle on waxed cotton cord here 
Message
Gina Keesling with Clydesdale
I love hearing from customers. You can contact HoofPrints owner Gina Keesling via email at [email protected]
 
GINA'S BLOG
Fun on the Farm

read the latest happenings in the Keesling household, involving construction, destruction, remodeling adventures and general wreckage here
Find us on facebook
facebook logo
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
 

Quote from the Inspirational Book: Relaxed & Forward
- Relationship Advice from Your Horse
by Anna Blake

Folks who are friends with me on Facebook (if you're not, send me a request here) know that I quote Anna Blake - A LOT. So I am thrilled to announce that I have her latest book Relaxed & Forward here on the shelves at HoofPrints. This softcover book is just 301 pages, but it might as well be a million, for all the wisdom contained therein. Each chapter is short; just a few pages, but every single one contains profound words like those above, words that summarize a powerful, complex concept into a memorable, eloquent sentence or two with losing any of the meaning. Anna talks a lot about observing horses carefully, and appropriately rewarding their efforts for good behavior, but some of her best words come when she is talking about things going wrong:
quotation mark left
The gift that comes with bad behavior is a chance for positive leadership. It's a chance to reward his vulnerability and honesty with compassion rather than punishment. Lots of us didn't grow up in homes that ran by these rules, and the help we give our horses heals us a bit as well."

Each copy comes with a fancy ribbon embellished bookmark that's HAND SIGNED by the author. To read an excerpt click here 
Rob shoeing Rocky
ABOUT THE COMPANY AND THIS NEWSLETTER
Farriers 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.
Share our emails
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)