Thoughts on Getting Your Horse “Fix”
by Karen Pickering
I haven’t found a better way to jump into spring than attending a March horse expo. I just returned from the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo in Albany Oregon this past weekend. It’s one of the highlights of my year, a mix of shopping, dreaming, connecting with friends and meeting new people that love horses. It’s really one of the best things about my work with the magazine.
I have been a vendor at this show since 2000, the year it started. I always look forward to making new connections, but I especially love meeting up with the same gang of horse folks year after year. It feels like a big family. Since we all love horses and horse stuff, it’s like a giant free-for-all of collectively getting our fix of all things horse: trailers, exhibitions, competitions, shopping and clinics. We have posted interviews online from a few of the clinicians and vendors, all who have helpful insights to share. Check out our blog at www.nwhorsesource.com/blog.
If you get a chance to attend a horse expo you won’t be disappointed. There is always something to learn or a great bargain to take advantage of. Just walking through all the beautiful horse trailers is fun. I hope to have a chance to meet you personally at one of these events in the future.
Our cover story this month is about a working ranch that’s worth a visit. Sunrise Valley Ranch offers great trail riding vacations in Prineville, Oregon. Don’t miss their story on page 6. It’s a great introduction into our Equine Sports and Recreation issue.
Enjoy this time of year as we slip into spring and more sunshine. There are so many activities in the Northwest and many places to enjoy your horse and your horse friends. I hope to see you on the trail someday. Enjoy spring and remember to ride!
“Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”—Confucius
Published May 2014 Issue
Owner / Publisher | Canfield Certified Trainer
Karen Pickering is a lifelong horsewoman and the founder of The Northwest Horse Source, which began in 1995 as a small equine newsletter and grew into a respected industry publication. With more than 30 years of experience serving the horse community, Karen now focuses on helping equine businesses and organizations build visibility, credibility, and lasting relationships through online marketing, digital promotion, and educational platforms.
As a Canfield Certified Trainer, she blends proven success principles with real-world industry experience, supporting both businesses and individuals navigating change in today’s digital landscape. Karen remains deeply connected to the horse industry and is passionate about serving the community she has helped build for over three decades.
