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.

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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Choosing the Ideal Life

August 5, 2020February 1, 2013 by Karen Pickering

Being Grateful and Achieving Your Goals by Karen Pickering I struggle some days with what the ideal life looks like. Right now it would be less stress, make everyone happy, make time to ride my horse every day, be fit, be financially set, time to draw and be creative …

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Reflections on Horse Ownership

August 5, 2020January 1, 2013 by Karen Pickering

How to Avoid Emotional Decisions by Karen Pickering Every year I write about New Year’s resolutions. It just seems fitting to start over in January, whether it’s a new diet, a resolve to ride more, or an entire laundry list of things to change. It seems fitting to pause …

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Celebrating My Favorite Time of Year

August 5, 2020December 1, 2012 by Karen Pickering

Giving the Gift of Compassion by Karen Pickering The holidays are always a time of wonder, reflection and celebrating a giving spirit. It reminds me what Christmas is really about: the precious time spent with friends and family and the opportunity to look for the good in people and …

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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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