Experiences Make Great Gifts
by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher
I just finished a week in Colorado Springs with friends. It’s difficult when good friends move away, especially the horsey ones.
The older I get the more I value experiences rather than things, so a visit was in order. Good grief, we have enough stuff. The best thing we can give our friends is our time; same with our horses.
Way too often I hear the phrases I don’t have time and I’m too busy. We do this to ourselves; I know I am my own worst enemy. Everyday distractions beg for our attention. In this age of technology, it’s way too easy to fall down the rabbit hole of social media or binge-watch Netflix.
My friend Wendy Croney and I just rode through the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. It was a relaxing day, just riding. No training, no competing, just relaxing amid breathtaking views. Our guide, Jericho, was an ex-bull rider who in his later stage of life decided to do something he really enjoys. It was a pleasurable afternoon and an experience I won’t soon forget.
During this holiday season, think of a great experience you can share with your friends. It has far more value (from my perspective) than stuff. Guest ranches, places to visit on horseback, glamping—there’s no end to the experiences you can share.
However, if you want to shop don’t miss our Holiday Gift Guide releasing on November 15th. You’ll find fun and beautiful things for the horse person on your gift list.
This month as the winter season approaches I invite you to spend more time reading and enjoying being unplugged. It’s why magazines and books are still important. It’s relaxing to sit with a cup of coffee and a good magazine or book undisturbed by pop ups and distractions that lead us off topic. Most of all spend real facetime with your friends, not Facebook. That personal connection is so important and vital to our sanity.
Enjoy our cover story this month about an amazing woman whose journey led her into a business helping horses heal.
Quote: “Don’t allow any setback to become bigger than your comeback.” ~Christine Caine, author and speaker
Originally Published November 2017 Issue
Owner/Publisher Karen’s lifelong love of horses began at a very early age when she wore out a couple of rocking horses before convincing her parents to get her the real thing. That ill-tempered bay gelding, Brandy, was a challenge for the young horsewoman, but it drove her ambition to become a horse trainer. After attending Canyonview Equestrian College’s Horsemanship Program, Karen realized she needed work that was a little more lucrative than training, so she took a job with Customs Brokerage to pay the bills. There, she discovered an affinity for computers and a talent for creating informative, entertaining newsletters. The Northwest Horse Source began as such a letter in December 1995, with a distribution of 1000 copies for its 12 black and white pages. Now 29 years later, it’s an online magazine and website with a reach of over 10,000 per month and growing! Not bad for the results of one woman’s dream to work with horses!
Today, Karen remains involved with every aspect of the magazine and treasures the community of thousands who share a common passion.
