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.

Lessons from Yellowstone

August 5, 2020October 1, 2014 by Karen Pickering

An “Incredible Journey” through a National Park by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher This past week I journeyed through Yellowstone National Park and am forever changed. As we focus on the theme of equine wellness this month I’m moved by the effect this trip had on my horse and me. …

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Fall Transitions

August 5, 2020September 1, 2014 by Karen Pickering

Make Time to Reflect, Plan and Dream by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher This has been the best summer I’ve had in a long time. Why? I’ve spent more time with my horse. It centers me and gives purpose to the entire reason I started the magazine. Just being around …

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The ABC’s of Horsemanship

August 5, 2020August 1, 2014 by Karen Pickering

How Horse Events Help You Learn by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher This past month has been a whirlwind of horse activity. Every weekend has been filled with events and I love life more than ever when it’s spent with my horse. These experiences—enhanced by the incredible weather we’ve been …

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Achieving an Inspiring Performance

August 5, 2020July 1, 2014 by Karen Pickering

How to Improve Your Riding in Just 10 Minutes a Day by Karen Pickering 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 …

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Horse Power, Then and Now

August 5, 2020June 1, 2014 by Karen Pickering

Thoughts on the Technology Trade-off by Karen Pickering I was recently inspired by a photo I found of my Grandpa, Miller Larsen. This photo, taken in the early 1930’s, depicts a lost era of true horsepower. It’s amazing how much things changed in just three generations. While the quiet, …

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Are You an Expo Junkie? – Thoughts on Getting Your Horse “Fix”

August 5, 2020May 1, 2014 by Karen Pickering

Thoughts on Getting Your Horse “Fix” by Karen Pickering I haven’t found a better way to jump into spring than attending a March horse expo. I just returned from the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo in Albany Oregon this past weekend. It’s one of the highlights of my year, a …

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Transitions Sliding from Winter into Spring

August 5, 2020April 1, 2014 by Karen Pickering

by Karen Pickering As I’m looking out my office window the snow is falling quietly on rain soaked ground. I’m cozy and warm, snuggled up with a hot cup of ginger tea. I love snow, maybe because we get so little of it. It’s usually here for a day …

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The Equestrian Life

August 5, 2020March 1, 2014 by Karen Pickering

Learn, Ride and Have Fun! by Karen Pickering Recently, I took a Roger Braa micro clinic at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds. It was an evening of fun, learning and insight into the sport of ranch sorting. This is just one of the many things I’m blessed to enjoy in …

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Out of the Wild – Get Started on Groundwork

April 8, 2020March 1, 2014 by Karen Pickering

by Brent Rollins Now that you can lead and touch your mustang, it is time for groundwork. With groundwork you will be addressing all areas of desensitizing. Flagging is an excellent desensitizing method that uses a small flag attached to a training stick or whip. When flagging, don’t put …

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WSQHA to Host Scholarship Show

April 8, 2020February 1, 2014 by Karen Pickering

August Show to Fund Scholarship Program Through AQHA Washington State Quarter Horse Association is proud to announce that they will be hosting the Region One Scholarship Show in conjunction with Oregon and Alaska AQHA State Affiliates. All proceeds from the show will go to fund a life-long $5,000.00 annual regional …

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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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