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.

Working in the Horse Industry

August 5, 2020September 1, 2018 by Karen Pickering

Getting an Education Makes Sense By Karen Pickering I’ve loved horses since I was old enough to walk. I dreamed of being a horse trainer and taming the wild steed of my dreams. My mom hoped for a curly-haired daughter that loved dolls and dresses but ended up …

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Summer Projects Make an Eco-Friendly Farm

August 5, 2020August 1, 2018 by Karen Pickering

Compost System Added for Cooking Poop! By Karen Pickering This summer has been about projects. With my husband Mark feeling better and able to do more we’ve gotten quite a few things done around the farm. This month the Northwest Horse Source is focused on training and facilities, so …

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Super-Sized Performance Horses

August 5, 2020July 1, 2018 by Karen Pickering

In the Service of our Veterans By Karen Pickering On Saturday, May 26 I found myself at the Bellingham Memorial Day Parade. A small group of local veterans from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1585, led by John Ferdon, boarded a beautifully decorated wagon owned by Paul and Gail …

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Tack Cleaning

August 5, 2020June 1, 2018 by Karen Pickering

An Important Chore (Though Often Overlooked) By Karen Pickering Recently I was gifted a harness for my miniature horse, Chloe. It’s a beautiful, heavy-duty leather harness that was in need of some TLC, so I finally sat down to clean and condition the leather. I’ve started taking driving lessons …

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What? No Riding? Diagnosis Keeps Me Out of the Saddle

May 18, 2018 by Karen Pickering

by Karen Pickering Suddenly the realization that I may be unable to ride for weeks even months is sickening. A year ago this spring I was driving to an event with my horse when I came across a newly born calf in the middle of our road; hours old …

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Oregon Horse Center

February 15, 2021May 16, 2018 by Karen Pickering

Oregon Horse Center. Photo courtesy of Oregon Horse Center, Chris Sloan Photography

A Northwest Treasure for Horse Events by Karen Pickering Last weekend (May 5th) I escaped for a short visit to one of the nicest equestrian facilities in the Northwest––The Oregon Horse Center. I’ve heard many good things about this facility but had never been there. It was so much more …

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Will She Recover?

May 1, 2018 by Karen Pickering

It’s Hard to be Patient by Karen Pickering I LOVE sorting. trail competitions and trail riding. It’s been a rough couple of years with April’s Navicular recovery. I have had amazing help with the barefoot trims, using hoof boots and watching improvement from time to time. April has quite a …

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Expos Provide Learning Opportunities and Fun!

August 5, 2020May 1, 2018 by Karen Pickering

Horses and Recreation Go Together By Karen Pickering I’ve been publishing The Northwest Horse Source for over 22 years now. Just back from the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo, I’m reminded how fortunate I am to be in the industry I love. At the expo, I had a chance …

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Spring is Here!

August 5, 2020April 1, 2018 by Karen Pickering

Planning Ahead is an Essential Part of Life By Karen Pickering I long for t-shirt weather and lazy afternoon trail rides. As I write this column it’s February 26th, the Monday after a crazy weekend of six inches of snow and super cold weather. We just finished the Small …

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Envisioning a New Barn

August 5, 2020March 1, 2018 by Karen Pickering

Dreams are Free! by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher Our March Barn and Farm issue is one of my favorites of the year. Spring is starting to unfold and more daylight brightens the spirits. Let the dreaming begin! I have lived in the same home for more than 30 years …

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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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