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HoofPrints Newsletter
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March 15, 2016
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I've never been this excited about a simple grooming tool
 And it's arrived at a the perfect time.
Here in Indiana, we celebrate Spring with a blizzard of horsehair combined with a quagmire of mud. I've never been anywhere that had more impressive mud than central Indiana. It impresses the horses, too, as they see fit to encrust themselves in it every chance they get. And this is not the sorta mud that disintegrates and falls off once it dries. This stuff stays on there for the long haul - until rain washes it off, or some poor sap like me addresses it with an arsenal of grooming tools.
 Here is a very muddy Billy, modeling his best effort at wearing the entire pasture. My small herd of three does this - Every. Single. Day. No matter how sleek and lovely they look when I have finished grooming, a few minutes in the pasture and they all look like this.
It's easy to say; "Why bother?" and I confess, lots of times I don't. But the fact remains, grooming is something most horses enjoy. Anna Blake says it best in her new book Relaxed and Forward - Relationship Advice from Your Horse:
What my horses tell me is that you can do a lousy, even half-hearted job of grooming, and they still really like it. From the ground-play standpoint, therapeutic grooming affirms that you are a source of good and giving, that your hands can warm and ease his body. It affirms your half of the partnership in such a positive way; you are the reward - better than a sweet. He literally feels you are a compassionate leader."
 Which brings me to this new wonder grooming tool: HandsOn Grooming Gloves are the perfect solution to the shortcomings of every other shedding tool that I own. They are gloves - which means every inch of BOTH your hands can take part in the grooming process. In the past, my go-to tools were always a rubber curry and a metal shedding blade. Both do a great job removing hair, but with them comes major hand, wrist and arm fatigue. As I have gotten older and know what it feels like to have an aching shoulder that won't let me sleep for months on end - I've gotten to be a lot more aware of the wisdom of using my body efficiently, and respectfully. These gloves have an adjustable velcro wrist strap that keeps them firmly in place on your hands. So you're not wearing out your fingers and wrists tightly gripping a tool; you can instead use that energy to put oomph into some looonnng full-body strokes with both hands. The groom-ees love this and it gives the groom-er the added bonus of a moderately vigorous upper body workout.
If that weren't enough reason to pick these over anything else, as an added bonus you can totally rock awkward areas like the chest and belly. Yes, you can get a lot of hair off with a shedding blade on the belly, but your back and shoulders will pay for the twisting - and you'll get a face full of hair to boot. This arrangement lets you reach under the belly with both hands without so much twisting PLUS keep your face away from the hairy (and kicky) zone.
Knees, hocks and elbows are a breeze, all of the legs, really. Even a rubber curry concentrates pressure on the bony points, which likely is not that pleasant for the horse; but these gloves let you wrap your hands around; contouring the tool to the leg, for super efficient mud removal. I just can't say enough good about them.
It's too cold here yet for bathing, but I am sure I will be singing their praises again once I've had an opportunity to use these with soapy water added.
Regular price on these is $29.99, but the manufacturer has authorized a $5.00 discount for a limited time, making them a bargain (I think) at $24.99
To order click here.
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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... 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. Since I completed my Psychedelic Skeletal horse, I've been looking at things through new eyes... The other day, my equine photographer friend Carien Schippers posted this amazing photo of a closeup of a horse's dapples  Folks were fascinated at the complexity and variety of the patterning, as was I, and I immediately thought of how much fun it would be to see if this could be replicated on one of the coloring book pages  This page from Wonderful World of Horses Coloring Book looks like a good place to start! Since we last talked about these I have ADDED several additional titles, including some horsey STENCILS and TATTOOS!The complete selection is here
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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:
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
Have fun exploring the complete jewelry selection 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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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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Horse Eye Necklace
Available in four colors here
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ADULT
COLORING BOOK
Art Nouveau Animal Designs Adult Coloring Book 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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HoofPrints
BARN BLADE
Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly
Order here
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Sleeping with a Farrier NIGHT SHIRT
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.
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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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It's Back! HOLLYWOOD HOOFBEATS
New updated version includes 10 more years of horse movies - to order click 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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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:
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
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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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