Karen Pickering

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.

Tack and Memories – Collection of Gear Represents Special People, Horses, and Rides

August 5, 2020June 3, 2020 by Karen Pickering

Photo by Hal Cook

I love bridles and have quite a collection of them — some of which I’ve never used. I have three saddles, two of which I rarely use. I have memories associated with each piece of equipment. They’re pieces of my history. The reality is that I will never use most …

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Interesting Times in the Horse Industry

August 5, 2020May 18, 2020 by Karen Pickering

What a crazy turn of events for all of us. I hope by the time this issue comes out we will all be back at work and able to get out and connect again! As I write this on March 25, Governor Inslee has issued a statewide mandate to stay …

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Equi-Spa® Saves Your Horse from Irritating Pests Without Chemicals

August 5, 2020May 14, 2020 by Karen Pickering

If you wouldn’t put it on your body, why put it on your horse? Chemical products can cause serious problems such as dizziness, disorientation, and in some extreme cases can trigger seizures. Studies have also shown that pests are developing tolerances to these chemicals and they can actually work to …

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COVID-19

May 28, 2021April 9, 2020 by Karen Pickering

The Northwest Horse Source has created this page to have an easy-to-access resource for local small businesses and equine folks in general. Scroll down to view links to alerts, resources, news and updates. Check back often as we will continue to add content as we receive it. Stay safe and …

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From My Saddle: The Dance between Digital and Print

August 5, 2020April 7, 2020 by Karen Pickering

New Life for The Northwest Horse Source by Karen Pickering April is my favorite time of year. Everything is new, plants are budding, flowers are pushing up through the dirt, and green grass is growing. Time to leg up that horse for spring and summer activities! I’m heading to …

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From My Saddle: What’s the Best Thing About Your Horse Property?

August 5, 2020April 6, 2020 by Karen Pickering

The Joys of Living on a Small Farm By Karen Pickering In the Pacific Northwest it’s sometimes difficult to appreciate the beautiful greenery we enjoy in the spring and summer months. The seemingly endless days of rain and darkness have us wishing for warmer and drier weather. However, I …

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New Possibilities and Resources – Change is Inevitable and Good

August 5, 2020April 1, 2020 by Karen Pickering

Photo by NW Horse Source

As I reflect on nearly 25 years of publishing the Northwest Horse Source Magazine, I’m grateful for so many loyal friends, advertisers, team members, and readers. I often think about the changes that are happening in our world today. The Northwest Horse Source has survived the odds that most businesses …

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Consider the Safety Risks of Riding or Driving During This Epidemic

April 8, 2020March 28, 2020 by Karen Pickering

A letter from concerned reader One of the things we may not think about is our safety while riding and working with our horses during this quarantine. How might this affect our hospitals: Read more… Karen PickeringOwner/Publisher Karen’s lifelong love of horses began at a very early age when she …

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Will Your Business Survive? Ten Questions to Ask Yourself

August 5, 2020March 27, 2020 by Karen Pickering

We’re in a Season of Change. Navigate it With Confidence This has been a crazy situation. We’re all concerned about family, friends and co-workers. I know many of you are wondering how your business will survive this ordeal. Let me say, with confidence to keep your marketing efforts going. Being …

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Coaching, Is it for You?

June 8, 2023March 26, 2020 by Karen Pickering

Still in the Saddle A Lifestyle Program for Horsewomen A System Designed to Help You Transform Your Life Around Your Love of Horses Explore a change in your life, and join me in the process of self-discovery. A coaching program designed for the horsewoman who wants to be her best …

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Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

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