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.

The Best Year Ever

August 5, 2020March 5, 2015 by Karen Pickering

Embracing the Journey in 2015 by Karen Pickering 2014 is going to be hard to beat. I made so many great memories—horseback riding through Yellowstone, winning my first buckle and being involved in many great local events. That said, 2015 is going to be super special because December issue marks …

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

This page sponsored by:

The Unexpected Gift

August 5, 2020March 3, 2015 by Karen Pickering

The Unexpected Gift: Triumph through Trials by Karen Pickering As we approach the end of winter and prepare for spring, I am reminded that there is always something to be thankful for. It has become so apparent what is truly important in life. Things can change in moment, like they …

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

This page sponsored by:

Thanks to A Giving Community

March 9, 2015February 6, 2015 by Karen Pickering

Times of Change and Moments to Treasure Every day as I walk out to feed my horse I’m thankful for living in such a super generous community. My horses help me appreciate the simple things in life. Just smelling them every day keeps me grounded. Life looks so different right …

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

This page sponsored by:

Lifestyle Changes

August 5, 2020February 1, 2015 by Karen Pickering

How it All Can Change in a Moment December 11th was a busy day. My husband and I were finishing up the January issue and looking forward to the Christmas season. Then, in a moment, everything changed. Mark had not been feeling well and went to lie down. I kept …

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

This page sponsored by:

Update: Tragedy Strikes NW Horse Source

March 9, 2015January 27, 2015 by Karen Pickering

A Grateful Heart and Mark’s Process of Healing I want to thank everyone who has helped us during this difficult time—with prayer, meals, animal care, financially and with your encouraging words of support. The response to our needs has been overwhelming and more than I could have imagined. Thank you…. …

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

This page sponsored by:

What Seems Impossible Can Be Possible

March 9, 2015January 1, 2015 by Karen Pickering

Keeping the Dream Alive The holidays were very different for me this year. My husband of 32 years had a stroke on December 11th. It has forever changed our lives. We never know how life can change in an instant. What I’ve learned through this is to take life one …

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

This page sponsored by:

The Year in Review

August 5, 2020December 1, 2014 by Karen Pickering

Counting the Blessings from 2014 by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher I can’t remember a more interesting year. I’ve spent nearly every weekend on my horse doing some activity, from trail riding to sorting cattle. I’ve paid the price by falling behind with magazine projects and upkeep on the home …

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

This page sponsored by:

Achieving an Inspiring Performance

March 9, 2015November 30, 2014 by Karen Pickering

How to Improve Your Riding in Just 10 Minutes a Day I was sitting in front of the computer this morning staring at the blank computer screen, waiting for inspiration to hit me for this month’s column. Our focus for July is the performance horse. As I was perusing through …

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

This page sponsored by:

My Yellowstone Adventure

September 11, 2020November 1, 2014 by Karen Pickering

Celebrating the Trip of a Lifetime on Horseback by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher I anticipated this trip for nearly a year. Ken Solem of Stonewater Ranch in Plain, WA offered a weeklong trip through Yellowstone to a leadership team I’m involved with through our church. It was …

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

This page sponsored by:

Creating Your Dream Lifestyle

August 5, 2020November 1, 2014 by Karen Pickering

It All Begins With Gratitude by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher This time of year always puts me in the frame of mind to look back and remember the good stuff. How did I get lucky enough to ride my horse and meet all kinds of horse people while working …

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!