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.

Wellness is a Relative Term

August 5, 2020October 1, 2018 by Karen Pickering

An Ounce of Prevention can be Priceless by Karen Pickering It was early 2009 when I received the heartbreaking news that April had navicular disease. She was only 10-years-old and in the prime of her life; a fun to ride, responsive, quick yet kind, and super loving mare. She …

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Feather River College

August 5, 2020September 1, 2018 by Karen Pickering

Hands-on Learning Leads to Careers with Horses and Cattle By Crystal Anderson Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Quincy, California is a small community college with an impressive horse and cattle program. At Feather River College students can earn an associate degree or certificate in Agriculture or Equine …

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Oregon Horse Center

August 5, 2020September 1, 2018 by Karen Pickering

A Northwest Treasure for Horse Events By Karen Pickering In May I escaped for a short visit to one of the nicest equestrian facilities in the Northwest––The Oregon Horse Center (OHC). This was my first visit to OHC and though I’ve heard many good things about this facility it …

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Sterling Essentials

September 25, 2018September 1, 2018 by Karen Pickering

Love of the Horse Inspired Unique Leather Care Products From an interview by Karen Pickering How and why did you get started in business? The story of Sterling Essentials starts with horses in the Pacific Northwest. Our horses and our love for them was the inspiration behind our company and …

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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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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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