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.

What is a Performance Horse?

August 5, 2020July 1, 2013 by Karen Pickering

The Ultimate Performance Horse by Karen Pickering Greetings! It’s Memorial Day weekend as I write this column. Seems like July is a long way off, especially on a rainy day. I’m anxiously awaiting summertime, but my thoughts today are of the soldiers and law enforcement officers that put their …

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Stranded and Helpless on Stevens Pass

August 5, 2020June 25, 2013 by Karen Pickering

A very expensive lesson in proper braking by Karen Pickering (June 22, 2013) – It was an absolutely splendid weekend—riding horseback around Lake Wenatchee with friends made for a relaxing, fun time. Our base was Stonewater Ranch, a faith-based horse camp for kids learning to find their way in the …

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Be Prepared for Your Next Horse Camping Trip

July 23, 2021June 13, 2013 by Karen Pickering

Some helpful tips to make your trip more enjoyable (Originally published June 2013) by Karen Pickering It’s time to get out and enjoy the great northwest so we’ve put together some helpful tips in preparation for your camping or horse show weekend. I just returned from a weekend of horse …

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Your Tack and What it Means to You

August 5, 2020June 1, 2013 by Karen Pickering

Making Purchases that Have Lasting Value by Karen Pickering Does your horse gear have special meaning to you or is strictly a tool you use to ride or control your horse? Do you recall where you purchased your first saddle or bridle? What are your priorities when purchasing tack? …

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Quality Time Matters

August 5, 2020May 1, 2013 by Karen Pickering

Enjoy More Recreation with Your Horse by Karen Pickering As I write my column this month I’m just returning from the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo held at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center in Albany, Oregon. I always enjoy this show, as it’s a chance to connect …

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Out of the Darkness

August 5, 2020April 1, 2013 by Karen Pickering

Learning to Celebrate the Rain by Karen Pickering It’s a typical northwest winter morning. It’s still dark at 5:30, the wind is blowing and rain is coming down sideways as I step out the back door to do my chores. Welcome to the special challenges of winter/spring horse management …

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The Allure of the Backcountry

August 5, 2020March 1, 2013 by Karen Pickering

The Trail Rider’s Lament by Robert Eversole Keeping a trail horse is expensive—the feed, fuel to travel (even worse) and tack, well we’ll just avoid the subject of how much good equipment costs. So why do we ride? And, more to the point, why do we trail ride over …

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Fuzzy Side Up

August 5, 2020March 1, 2013 by Karen Pickering

Winter Horse Management in the Pacific Northwest by Karen Pickering Wintertime is always hard for me. I have to really kick myself to get outside and go for a ride. As I’m writing this it’s the end of January so no telling if the wet and cold will still …

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Pressure Proof Your Riding -Avoid Pressure Induced Memory Loss

June 30, 2020March 1, 2013 by Karen Pickering

Avoid Pressure Induced Memory Loss by Daniel Stewart What you’re feeling is often called pressure induced memory-loss and it can be frustrating because you know you have the tools to help, but just can’t seem to remember what they are! There are 3 common reasons you may forget them: you …

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Day of Discovery

June 30, 2020February 1, 2013 by Karen Pickering

Facing the Reality of PSSM by Karen Pickering It was a beautiful day for a ride. April had been off for a few weeks due to the removal of a small granuloma (tumor) on her back under the saddle area. I’d had a bunch of work done when the …

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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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