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.

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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Gratitude is Free

August 5, 2020November 1, 2012 by Karen Pickering

Gifts to Be Thankful For by Karen Pickering November is a favorite time of the year for me. I love fall in the Northwest and always dive into the upcoming holiday season with great anticipation. Tight budgets have forced all of us to be a little more creative with …

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Fall Into Something New

August 5, 2020September 1, 2012 by Karen Pickering

Enjoying Your Horse in Every Season by Karen Pickering Fall is a special time of year. There’s a crispness in the air each morning and beautiful colors begin to emerge all around us. It’s a time to prepare for winter and think about our winter horse housing. Perhaps you’re …

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Time to Learn

August 5, 2020August 1, 2012 by Karen Pickering

Choose the Resources that Further Your Education by Karen Pickering Our educational opportunities issue is here at last! Sometimes we need fresh insight on different aspects of our horsemanship or horse care. With so many ways to get information, it can be difficult to know where to look and …

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Performance Horse Challenges

August 5, 2020July 1, 2012 by Karen Pickering

Help Your Horse Be the Best He Can Be by Karen Pickering What is a performance horse? Normally we think of racehorses, 3-day event horses or any horse performing at high levels of exertion. This would qualify most of our English or Western performance events. Even a trail horse …

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Gear Up!

August 5, 2020June 1, 2012 by Karen Pickering

The Care and Keeping of Your Horse’s Tack by Karen Pickering It’s time to break out the saddles, bridles and equipment so we can ride! This issue focuses on tack and equipment and in a lean economy it’s wise to focus on taking better care of the tack we have. …

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Nothing Like a Little Fresh Air

August 5, 2020May 1, 2012 by Karen Pickering

Spring Expos help Prepare for Summer Riding by Karen Pickering I look forward to spring and summer as this is the time of year to get out on the trails, go camping and enjoy the outdoors. It’s a chance for our horses to stretch their legs, too, especially if …

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Equine Events

August 5, 2020April 1, 2012 by Karen Pickering

Horse Activities in Full Swing by Karen Pickering I lost my mom over a month ago; she was 93 years old. These recent expos bring back fond memories of traveling to equine events with her. She was my biggest supporter over the years and a big part of 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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