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.

Help NWHS Continue Providing the Magazine

March 27, 2020March 25, 2020 by Karen Pickering

Times have certainly changed since I started the print magazine in December of 1995. It was one girl’s dream of someday working with horses. Who knew it would end up a 25-year career in the horse industry? With no experience in journalism or graphic design, I started the magazine after …

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

This page sponsored by:

Horse People are Tough

March 16, 2020March 15, 2020 by Karen Pickering

How Horse People in Business Can Survive the Economic Fallout from the Coronavirus Scare Turning on the news is eerily frightening. We haven’t seen a pandemic of this magnitude since the Influenza of 1918. Businesses are struggling, many industries, such as airlines and cruise lines are just a …

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

This page sponsored by:

Horse Expos

March 8, 2020 by Karen Pickering

A place to connect, learn and shop! I’ve always enjoyed the horse expos. I have made friends over the years and relationships that I treasure. It feels like a family every year when we return to the horse expos. It’s a culture that embraces friendship and supporting each other through …

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

This page sponsored by:

What is Your Dream Barn? – Living Your Best Equestrian Life

August 5, 2020March 1, 2020 by Karen Pickering

Karen driving Chloe at Faith Equestrian Center. Walking alongside is Faith Equestrian’s owner Shelly DeBoer with Sparky.

I recently had the privilege to attend a driving clinic at Faith Equestrian Center in Birch Bay, Washington. Amber Weinmann and Katherine Smith gave it specifically for people new to driving miniature horses. The facility is ideal; it’s definitely the kind of place I dream about. If you live in …

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

This page sponsored by:

Highlights from the NW Equestrian Expo February 15-16, 2020

February 22, 2020 by Karen Pickering

A learning experience for local horse owners and friends The Lynden Fairgrounds, Equine Event Center, once again welcomed riders, clinicians and spectators to the 1st NW Equestrian Expo, managed by Paige Wagter-Amundson of Burkwood Farm. The focus was on Hunter/Jumpers but also hosted a Cowboy Race, managed by Brent Rollins …

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

This page sponsored by:

Taking the Northwest Horse Source into the Future

April 19, 2021February 1, 2020 by Karen Pickering

Your Input Helps Us Change With the Times by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher When was the last time you went to a Sears store to shop? After 125 years in business, Sears is closing their doors because they were unwilling, unable, or unprepared to change with the times. Over …

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

This page sponsored by:

Remembering John Cloe – Equine Promotions Owner Brought Information and Entertainment to the Equine Community

July 3, 2020January 1, 2020 by Karen Pickering

Ken McNabb and John Cloe at the 2015 Northwest Horse Fair & Expo. Ken McNabb gives a Tribute to John Cloe.

The Northwest Horse Source’s journey with John Cloe began in March of 2000. I was a newbie in the magazine publishing business and was embarking on my very first horse expo with the magazine. It was a big adventure and a long drive—nearly seven hours to Linn County Fairgrounds in …

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

This page sponsored by:

Changes at The Northwest Horse Source

January 14, 2020January 1, 2020 by Karen Pickering

Some Thoughts on Moving in a New Direction; My New Year’s Blog I’ve been publishing the Northwest Horse Source Magazine for nearly 25 years. I’m grateful for the time spent in the business and the life that it has allowed me to live. For that I’m eternally grateful. The places …

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

This page sponsored by:

5 Reasons to Embrace Print Magazines for Your Advertising Needs

January 31, 2020January 1, 2020 by Karen Pickering

Yes, it is still an important part of any marketing plan! It is difficult to decide where to invest money when it comes to getting the word out about your horse-related business. The choices are overwhelming and you want a good return on investment. Let’s face it, advertising is …

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

This page sponsored by:

For Sale: Miniature Horse or Cob Size Cart and Harness. Just in time for Christmas!

August 5, 2020December 16, 2019 by Karen Pickering

Don’t miss this! Cart is in great shape. Been using for over a year and love it! Just upgrading. Tires are in good shape. Long shafts. Will include harness. Quick Connect setup. No traces needed. Just clip and go! It’s not installed on this cart but all the parts …

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

This page sponsored by:

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

Join the conversation:

Check out the Magazine!