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HoofPrints Newsletter
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June 1, 2016
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 NEW! Epona was the Celtic Goddess of Horses
and here she is molded into this silver alloy 1" tall pendant. It hangs on an adjustable (18" to 26"), knotted waxed cotton cord. To order click here.
Here's what wikipedia says about Epona: "In Gallo-Roman religion, Epona was a protector of horses, donkeys, and mules. She was particularly a goddess of fertility, as shown by her attributes of a patera, cornucopia, ears of grain and the presence of foals in some sculptures suggested that the goddess and her horses were leaders of the soul in the after-life ride, with parallels in Rhiannon of the Mabinogion."
Epona is celebrated in Michigan each year;
"On Mackinac Island, Michigan, Epona is celebrated each June with stable tours, a blessing of the animals and the Epona and Barkus Parade. Mackinac Island, Michigan does not permit any personal automobiles: the primary source of transportation remains the horse, so celebrating Epona has special significance on this island in the Upper Midwest."
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NEW!
Favorite Dog Breeds 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
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|  | | 100 Horses Coloring Poster is here | |
Also NEW is the 100 Horses Coloring POSTER
This is a HUGE (22" x 32") poster drawn by equine artist Sandy Rabinowitz. It is an amazing variety of breeds, behaviors and positions - all perfectly drawn. I remember what a treat it was to get my hands on well done horse images to color 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!These brightly colored stencils invite youngsters to produce their very own horse show. Simply trace the six open stencils to create handsome steeds and their riders - galloping, jumping hurdles, and going through their practiced paces. A touch of color adds extra dazzle to each lively mount. Craftworkers will find the stencils perfect for adding an eye-catching border to walls, furniture, and other flat surfaces. Booklet measures 4" x 6", 6 pages, one stencil per page. Printed on heavy, coated paper for durability. Made in USA The complete selection is here
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WHAT ELSE IS $1.00?
Check out the new DOLLAR SALE page here
The Half Price Page is here - check this often as they're one-of-a-kind things that will sell quickly and be replaced with whatever else starts to get on my nerves. I am currently going through a large stash of samples* - so many wonderful things, it's hard to choose just a handful for the website/flyer. And the rest have got to go! Only one of each available so act fast if you see something you like. The image shown here is what was available at the time this newsletter was sent. All prices on this page are at least 50% off retail.
*A note about the samples - Someone made a comment on the HoofPrints Facebook page that the samples are free to me and implied should thus be priced accordingly. Just to set the record straight - I pay for almost every sample I acquire. Occasionally an author or publisher will send me a book unsolicited, but I prefer to buy these anonymously so if I review and don't think it is a good fit for the product line, I don't feel guilty about not including it.
Half Price PRINTS are here - there are a lot of lovely prints languishing in drawers here that really should be hanging on folks' walls making them smile and beautifying their homes. Fall/winter is busy season here and I don't encourage print sales then - I don't have the extra time it takes to wrap these carefully for safe delivery. Now that Christmas is past, I've marked them way down now to sweeten the deal.
 Half Price JEWELRY is here
The more I got to digging, the more I found. Jewelry doesn't take up much room - suffice to say there is a LOT of lovely stuff that needs to find a new home. Then there's that whole problem I have with the beads. It's getting worse. Stay tuned for details on that.
Half Price BOOKS & Magazine Back Issues here
This represents a major turning point for HoofPrints owner Gina Keesling. This treasure trove of magazine back issues has been lovingly collected and hoarded for many, many years. It's getting to be a space problem, keeping them all stored AND due to the sheer volume of them, along with my busy schedule, they rarely get any attention. But even now, as I go through them to write sales descriptions, I am feeling sad at the prospect of letting go of this vast collection of pictures and articles about all the things I love - Horses, Dogs, Farriery and Blacksmithing, The West, Pretty Western Clothes and Jewelry, Awesome Country Homes, Recipes for Hearty Food, Healthy Living, Spirituality and more. I'll do my best to mention the content that stands out to me in the descriptions. Prices on these back issues reflect the fact that I am still very much in love with them, however they are at or below what the publishers are charging. The current sales list is small, but I'll be adding more as I am able; going through these is a slow process, as you can imagine, I get sidetracked frequently by all the fascinating content that lead me to hoard these in the first place.
The Closeouts Page is here It features overstocks, items that are being phased out - still lots of good deals to be had there, too
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NEW! (to HoofPrints) is 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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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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HANDS ON GROOMING GLOVES
The scrubbing nodules on the fingers and palms provide a deep thorough clean and are the best de-shedders on the market today. Another added benefit is hair does not stick to HandsOn Gloves; just a simple flick of the wrist and the hair instantly releases!
To order click here
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POSITIVE TRAINING PRODUCTS
See the new I TRAIN HORSES TO EAT CARROTS Sweatshirt here
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ADULT
COLORING BOOK
Art Nouveau Animal Designs Adult Coloring Book 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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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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