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HoofPrints Newsletter
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March 22, 2016
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The book I should have talked about 3 years ago:
The Power of the Herd
and THE TRUTH about WHY I didn't share...
 My confession: I couldn't finish this book.
I have NEVER pitched a book for sale to my dear customers without a wholehearted recommendation made after reading it from cover to cover. And I couldn't get through this one. NOT because it contains content I don't find interesting, or that it is poorly written, in fact it was exactly the opposite. The material in this book is so intensely researched, and so very well conveyed, it really is overwhelming to try and take it in, in it's entirety. For 3 years this sat by my reading chair. I'd pick it up, intending to dive in and finish reading once and for all - so I could tell you all about it - and then I'd get sidetracked researching some tidbit that was mentioned, which lead to more reading on the internet. Interesting stuff, but I never finished the book. 452 pages is a LOT. Especially when every page contains fascinating and noteworthy info begging for further investigation and study.Soooo - when I finally came to terms that this one is totally worth sharing, even though I'd not (yet) read the whole thing, I needed a spiffy way to tell you all about it. The thought had scarcely crossed my mind, when the image of this powerful black stallion crossed my Facebook news feed. The photo above is by Lauren Duncan, of my friend Jennifer's horse. Especially cool is the story behind this horse and his owner. Black (full name Chase Manhattan GMF) was in a bad situation with the rest of very well bred Arabian herd; his owners had gotten older and things had deteriorated badly on their farm. Jennifer always wanted her very own black stallion (don't we all?) so she rescued this guy and a couple of his herdmates. After years of being locked in a stall with no handling, Black was a handful, but Jennifer didn't just stick him in the pasture and admire his beautiful form, she trained him for all sorts of interesting disciplines; like mounted archery and native costume. Even though she owns several horses, he is her go-to mount for trail riding, too. Black's bold expression fit perfectly with the quote from The Power of the Herd, and I knew it was time (after 3 years) to share this book with you all :
The Power of the Herd - A Nonpredatory Approach to Social Intelligence, Leadership, and Innovation
Linda Kohanov is beloved for her groundbreaking articulation of "the way of the horse," an experiential wisdom known to riders for centuries but little studied or adapted to off-horse use. Now Kohanov takes those horse-inspired insights on the nonverbal elements of exceptional communication and leadership into the realms of our workplaces and relationships. Here we explore the benefits of "nonpredatory power" in developing assertiveness, fostering creativity, dealing with conflict, and heightening mind-body awareness. In "A Brief History of Power," the first part of this far-reaching book, Kohanov profiles cultural innovators who employed extraordinary nonverbal leadership skills to change history, usually on horseback: Winston Churchill, George Washington, Alexander the Great, and Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), among others. She also draws on the behavior of mature horse herds, as well as the herding cultures of Africa and Mongolia, to debunk theories of dominance hierarchies, challenge ingrained notions of "survival of the fittest," and demonstrate the power of a consensual leadership in which governing roles are fluid. Kohanov then adapts these lessons into twelve powerful guiding principles we can all incorporate into our work and personal lives. Eloquent and provocative, this is horse sense for everyone who seeks to thrive in the herds we all run in - our communities, careers, families, and friendships.
To order The Power of the Herd click here
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This one came first - back in 1995:
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|  | | Photo ŠTony Stromberg | |
The Tao of Equus - The Way of the Horse
the book that sparked a new way of thinking for me
Author Linda Kohanov (shown here with Arabian "muse" Rasa) did one of the bravest things I can think of. She wrote a book about what horses might have to teach us. NOT how we can read them better so we know how to make them do what WE want (by telling them in "their" language). She wrote a book exploring the wisdom that horses can bring to the table for us. And with the study of this idea, Linda had to let go of the notion that the human must be the "boss" of all the interactions. This, of course, goes against everything I was ever taught about handling horses: "You give an inch - they'll take a mile." - "if you're not in charge, then the horse will take over." - "You'd better get that horse to respect you, or he's gonna hurt you!"
 When I began writing The Tao of Equus in 1995, I felt intensely alone - and more than a little crazy. My horses were awakening something in me, something profound and indescribable. I could see these animals were having a life-changing effect on other people too. It's just that we couldn't talk about our experiences without sounding far too emotional or mystical - and vague. So we chattered incessantly about the surface of all things equine: tack, breeds, training methods, lameness issues, therapeutic options, conformation, and competition. Over time, many of us became distracted by those details, losing connection to the powerful yet elusive spirit of the horse that drew us to the barn in the first place. As a result, we felt betrayed and frustrated, yet we were unable to describe why without sounding whimsical, unrealistic, and embarrassingly, irrational. How does the average riding student or instructor express, in polite conversation, that she found her soul in the eyes of a horse, only to lose it in the business of training and competing?
My reaction to this dilemma was to ask more questions, and for some odd reason, to strive to answer them: How do horses inspire us, open our hearts, and enliven our souls? Are there training principles that can enhance, rather than suppress this ability? Why would such graceful, regal beings carry our species around the world in the first place, enduring our sometimes violent, sometimes comical moods and infernal shenanigans? Is it because they're lacking significant brain power? Or are they sensitive, highly evolved beings, protecting us, nurturing us, gently guiding us, waiting for us to wake up to the wisdom they so patiently hold?... Even in the late-1990s it was laughable, if not dangerous, to ask those questions, at least in public..."
 Fortunately, the timing was right for Linda's book - and instead of being tarred and feathered (as she feared) her book was selected as one of the Top Ten Religion and Spirituality books of 2001! Linda Kohanov's experiences with horse ownership has led her on a journey that she never would have imagined in her wildest dreams. Read about what the horses in her life have revealed to her; a way of looking at the horse/human dynamic that goes far beyond "horse whispering." These books are full of thought-provoking ideas unlike any you've ever experienced. A whole realm exists outside the "predator/prey" dynamic that many horse owners have sensed the existence of, but were reluctant to acknowledge. Kohanov's books are eloquent, rich, and well researched. You will find yourself reading about current findings in psychology and brain science right alongside references to the Bible and ancient mythology. *Gina's note about Linda Kohanov's books: "These books are some of my all time favorites. I review a LOT of material in consideration for HoofPrints website - and whenever I pick up one of Linda's books I end up reading something that helps me through some struggle that I am experiencing. They technically are not how-to type horse training texts, but I can honestly say that I have learned more useful things about the dynamics of interacting with others (horses and humans) from these books than all others I've read combined."To see all of Linda's books click here
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Next was Riding Between The Worlds:
Kind of a cryptic title, but to me it means
That work with horses can help us understand our world better, while we are learning from theirs. After Linda Kohanov wrote The Tao of Equus, it created a worldwide demand for her workshops and lectures. She received thousands of letters from readers describing their own strange and wonderful experiences with horses. In Riding between the Worlds, Kohanov continues sharing the story of her own journey of healing and transformation further developing the ideas introduced in The Tao of Equus. The Tao of Equus laid the theoretical groundwork for expanding our emotional, mental, and spiritual view of horses, Riding between the Worlds concentrates on the extraordinary stories that support this view.
Here's an interesting excerpt that holds a lot of perspective:
Shared emotion carries at least one destructive by-product: the compulsion to aggressively "fix" friends, loved ones, horses, and group situations. This urge arises mostly because people don't realize they're empathic or understand how to process emotion effectively. A person in emotional pain essentially infects others with his unpleasant feelings. When this dynamic remains unconscious (as it most often does in a culture that sees emotions as irrational, self-contained, and shameful) those around him will rally to help, or more accurately make him "get over it" as soon as possible, mostly so they can feel better. Powerful positive emotions, believe it or not, produce a similar panic in stoic people who value good sense and proper deportment. To catch someone else's joy is to feel out of control, and they'll fight it, even to the point of creating depression in exuberant family members through sarcasm, apathy, soul-deadening criticism, and in some cases domestic violence."
Riding Between the Worlds explores this idea (along with many others) as Linda elaborates in fascinating detail, how our horses can help us navigate this and other perplexing human situations. To order click here
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Uptight from reading all this intense horse stuff? 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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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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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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