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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.

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 … Read More

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 … Read More

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 … Read More

Time in the Barn

August 5, 2020February 1, 2018 by Karen Pickering

More Than Just a Home for Horses by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher My barn is not fancy. My dad built it for me in the 70s due to my relentless begging for a place for my growing collection of horses. I think I had seven horses at one time. … Read More

The Northwest Horse Source is looking for New Talent

January 12, 2018 by Karen Pickering

Every business goes through an evolution. Especially when it’s been around for over 22 years in a particular industry. We have been through good times, survived hard times and continue to expand our service to our readers. Most recently we have added a responsive website, more online advertising options, a … Read More

Should You Ditch Print in Your Marketing Plan?

August 5, 2020January 1, 2018 by Karen Pickering

Thoughts from NWHS Publisher “It’s so expensive…” or “Is that for the year?” I hear this quite often. Our world has been changed dramatically by the digital revolution. We wouldn’t be caught dead without our cell phones. They are a huge part of our lives. Magazines have stepped up … Read More

Reset 2018

August 5, 2020January 1, 2018 by Karen Pickering

The Best is Yet to Come by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher Ever wish you could hit a reset button and go back in time? I’ve done a lot of reminiscing recently and find myself looking at all the things I could have done differently in my life. But then … Read More

Saying Goodbye

August 5, 2020December 1, 2017 by Karen Pickering

A Lifetime of Friendship and Business Ventures by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher This picture depicts one of the greatest adventures of my lifetime. I was 29 years old and had just lost my father a few months prior. My friend T (Theresa) pushed until I agreed to be a … Read More

A Gift of Time

August 5, 2020November 1, 2017 by Karen Pickering

Experiences Make Great Gifts by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher I just finished a week in Colorado Springs with friends. It’s difficult when good friends move away, especially the horsey ones. The older I get the more I value experiences rather than things, so a visit was in order. Good … Read More

Keeping Healthy

August 5, 2020October 1, 2017 by Karen Pickering

The Journey to Wellness for Human and Horse by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher Over the past three years I’ve been exposed to more opinions than I can absorb. With my husband Mark’s medical issue, I’ve learned there are many ways to approach a health challenge. My biggest lesson has … Read More

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