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.

A Dream Come True

August 5, 2020February 1, 2012 by Karen Pickering

On Choosing an Equine Lifestyle by Karen Pickering It was summer of 1995 when I decided I wanted to create a magazine. Decisions are sometimes difficult and life choices are not easy, but I believe the magazine is what I was meant to do. I’m privileged and lucky to …

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It’s Out of My Control!

August 5, 2020December 1, 2011 by Karen Pickering

50 is Frustrating and (with a bit of fun) Fabulous by Karen Pickering I’m doing too much. Since I just turned 50 I feel kind of like a senior—my brain wants me to do all these things, but my body just can’t keep up! Frustrating. Life has been a …

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Gifts of Time

August 5, 2020November 1, 2011 by Karen Pickering

Enjoy Every Minute This Holiday Season by Karen Pickering As I write this piece for our November gift issue I’m preparing for a weekend of trail riding at Washington State Horse Park in Cle Elm, Washington. The last several weeks have been a whirlwind of activity for me and …

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Wellness With Purpose

August 5, 2020October 1, 2011 by Karen Pickering

by Karen Pickering For those experiencing them, the golden years don’t always seem that way. However for two hours a couple of weeks ago they took on a golden hue for my retired mare Dawn, and some of the folks at Stafholt’s retirement home in Blaine, Washington. The retired …

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Learning is an Investment

August 5, 2020September 1, 2011 by Karen Pickering

The Journey to Enjoying Your Horse by Karen Pickering It has been a glorious weekend of sunshine and horses. The summer is already half over before it’s begun, but we made it down to the trailhead for an enjoyable Saturday ride. It’s my favorite thing to do. It’s …

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Barb Apple’s Halter/Bridle

May 4, 2020August 1, 2011 by Karen Pickering

Review by Karen Pickering The halter works like a side-pull, but is soft on the nose as it does not have a hard lariat rope across the nose. It is a halter made of soft yacht braid rope with rings on the …

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40,000 Feet to Think Clearly

August 5, 2020August 1, 2011 by Karen Pickering

American Horse Publications Seminar inspires again I’m at 40,000 feet basking in the memories of a great weekend at the American Horse Publications Seminar in San Diego. It’s always good to reconnect with old friends as well as meeting some new ones. On the flight home I had time …

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New Horse Facility in the Pacific Northwest!

August 5, 2020July 1, 2011 by Karen Pickering

Several clubs enjoy new arena for shows By Karen Pickering It was a relaxing afternoon taking pictures of April’s mane as I was trying a new detangler made by Absorbine Products. It’s one of the things I enjoy about the magazine, trying new products. April doesn’t mind, she seems …

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Outback Grand Prix Quilted Vest Review

May 4, 2020July 1, 2011 by Karen Pickering

by Karen Pickering I’ve been wearing this vest for several months now. The paisley lining is attractive and comfortable. The micro suede fabric exterior is resilient and water resistant. The vest washes well and is virtually wrinkle free if removed promptly from dryer. It has a tailored look with …

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Tack for Cowhorse Competition

August 5, 2020June 1, 2011 by Karen Pickering

Northwest cowhorse competitor shares favorite pieces of tack for competition Photos and article by Karen Pickering Tack won’t make a trainer anymore than clothing defines a man, but quality gear does make a difference. At the NWRCHA Show, April 14-17 in Lynden, WA, I had the opportunity to see …

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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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