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.

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 …

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

This page sponsored by:

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, …

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

This page sponsored by:

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 …

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

This page sponsored by:

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 …

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

This page sponsored by:

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 …

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

This page sponsored by:

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 …

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

This page sponsored by:

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 …

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

This page sponsored by:

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 …

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

This page sponsored by:

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 …

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

This page sponsored by:

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 …

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!