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.

Riding Well Grounded – The Alpha Application

June 30, 2020February 1, 2014 by Karen Pickering

by Marilyn Pineda We often hear the phrase “be the alpha mare” when given the description of how to relate to our horse if we desire its respect. But what does that mean, and why is it important? Are you the “alpha” with your horse and, if not, how can …

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Gratitude, Attitude and Aptitude

August 5, 2020February 1, 2014 by Karen Pickering

Three Keys that Open the Door to a Joyful Lifestyle by Karen Pickering Lately, I’ve been feeling down about “stuff”: The small home I live in, my barn, the older vehicles I drive and two horses that are either old or have health challenges. Business could be better and …

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Boycotting Resolutions

August 5, 2020January 1, 2014 by Karen Pickering

Discover a Better Way to Welcome the New Year by Karen Pickering According to Wikipedia, 88% of New Year’s Resolutions fail. So why do we do this silly exercise? The New Year is a fresh start; a chance to wipe the slate clean and begin anew. But does …

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It’s All About Others

August 5, 2020December 1, 2013 by Karen Pickering

Making this Holiday Season Meaningful by Karen Pickering There are times it’s hard to be thankful and the last several years have certainly been trying. Regardless, I’m thankful for the many blessings I continue to receive. Somehow, the ads come through, people are generous and helpful and I see kindness …

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Lynden Horse Expo – In Photos

August 5, 2020November 1, 2013 by Karen Pickering

by Karen Pickering As the days turn shorter—and darker—it’s nice to remember all the opportunities equestrians have in the Pacific Northwest to enjoy their horses. To that end, October proved to be a great month of activities, not the least of which was the second annual Lynden Horse …

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The Giving Community

August 5, 2020November 1, 2013 by Karen Pickering

How Supporting Local Talent Builds a Community by Karen Pickering One of the best things about publishing the Northwest Horse Source is a close connection to my community. I am inspired by the talent and resources we have here in the Northwest. Bolender Horse Park in Silver …

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Best of America by Horseback Visits the Northwest

August 5, 2020November 1, 2013 by Karen Pickering

National TV Show Chooses Butler Hill Equestrian Center in Burlington, WA by Karen Pickering The weekend of August 17th was an exciting occasion for horse people in the Northwest, drawing riders from as far away as Oregon to attend special clinics and trail rides. Butler Hill Equestrian …

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The Link Between Wellness and Variety

August 5, 2020October 1, 2013 by Karen Pickering

New Adventures Increase Quality of Life for You—and Your Horse by Karen Pickering One of my favorite clinicians, Raye Lochert, recently came to Sedro Woolley, WA to teach a clinic at Fire Mountain Trail Course. Created by Marilyn Pineda, this trail training course offers natural obstacles to …

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Experience Fall in the Pacific Northwest

August 5, 2020September 1, 2013 by Karen Pickering

Create Memories by Having Fun! by Karen Pickering The best part of my job is experiencing new clinics, activities and products for the magazine. My Quarter Horse April and I venture across the northwest for different events and get to enjoy the great northwest. Trail riding and camping is …

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Navigating the Information Age

August 5, 2020August 1, 2013 by Karen Pickering

Print or Online it’s Still About Trusted Resources by Karen Pickering I just returned from American Horse Publications Convention in Colorado Springs. Education has been first and foremost in my mind as of late. The way we receive information and communicate has changed dramatically. If we can’t figure something …

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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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