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.

When One Ride Makes Your Day

August 5, 2020June 3, 2016 by Karen Pickering

The Beginning of a Barefoot Journey by Karen Pickering I just came in from a fantastic ride on April. She has been barefoot since mid-April and quite lame. Diagnosed in 2009 with Navicular, she’s been in shoes year round. Her soles were paper-thin and she was struggling to walk on …

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Equipment for the Everyday Rider

August 5, 2020June 1, 2016 by Karen Pickering

Choosing the Right Equipment for the Job by Karen Pickering I love shopping for horse tack and equipment; it just makes owning a horse more fun. The challenge comes when trying to decide where to buy your gear to get the most for your money. This isn’t always just …

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It’s All About the Fun!

August 5, 2020May 1, 2016 by Karen Pickering

Attend a Spring Riding Clinic by Karen Pickering I love this time of year. Green grass and sunshine, combined with fun horse expos and clinics simply add up to an improved disposition for my horses and me. Today I’m starting a new chapter with a horse named Feather. She …

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Setbacks

April 29, 2016 by Karen Pickering

You never know what’s just around the corner by Karen Pickering Life continues to take unexpected turns. I have been so excited about my new project horse, Feather, but it wasn’t meant to be. You know those little warning twinges you get that prompt you to think carefully before making …

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When the Timing is Just Right

August 5, 2020April 1, 2016 by Karen Pickering

Introducing a Horse Named Feather by Karen Pickering April has been the best horse anyone could ask for. She’s been a constant companion and over the years we’ve shared many memorable events. Sadly, her navicular disease has finally started to take its toll. Over the last year (during which …

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March 2016 Cover Story: Mountain House Stables

August 5, 2020March 16, 2016 by Karen Pickering

Ride, Learn and Have Fun in the Colville River Valley by Karen Pickering Gerry Cox and his wife Kathleen own and operate Mountain House Stables in the beautiful Colville River Valley north of Spokane, Washington. Their ranch is situated next to many hundred acres of open mountain trail riding …

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Growth Is Essential

March 11, 2016 by Karen Pickering

Embracing the possibilities with change I’m starting a new chapter in my life. After 30 years in the same home I’ve decided I need a change. After things got super tight with publishing in 2009 we stuck it out in a downtown office for 2 more years. In 2011 …

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Dreaming of a New Horse Barn

August 5, 2020March 1, 2016 by Karen Pickering

Turning Dreams into Reality by Karen Pickering For years I’ve dreamed of owning a beautiful, efficient horse facility. It seems elusive, but I’m determined! This past year has made me realize more than ever the importance of chore efficiency. For me, cleaning the barn quickly so I can do …

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The Best Thing About the Equestrian Life

August 5, 2020February 1, 2016 by Karen Pickering

A Tribute to the True Horse Person by Karen Pickering This issue is for the person that gets out of bed at an unbelievable hour, with a smile, to feed horses and clean stalls. They yearn for the smell of fresh cut hay and the soft touch of a …

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Organizing at the NW Horse Source Headquarters

January 22, 2016 by Karen Pickering

It’s painful but worth the process Monday was the 18th (Martin Luther King Day). I planned on spending the whole day organizing my office so I could find things easily and get rid of the depressing clutter. By the time I went through emails, answered a couple of calls (wasn’t …

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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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