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.

Wellness is Physical and Spiritual – How My Horses Help Me Age Well

October 7, 2020 by Karen Pickering

Karen and April in Yellowstone National Park, August 2015. Photo by NWHS

As I write this (in late August) I’m preparing for much-needed hip replacement surgery. The pain has kept me out of the saddle for a while now, and riding is an essential part of my life. I had no idea how much I was missing it until recently. Riding is …

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A Crisis Brings New Learning – Technology Puts the Northwest Horse Source in Your Hands Wherever You Are

September 27, 2020September 8, 2020 by Karen Pickering

April and Karen at Stonewater Ranch 2013. Photo by NWHS

I believe a crisis is a learning experience. It teaches us to be grateful for what we have and where we can improve our lives. No one saw COVID-19 coming but the horse community has rallied around this situation and figured out ways to manage. I’m in awe of the …

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Thoughts on Living the Dream – Escaping the Trap of Living in My “Someday”

August 19, 2020August 7, 2020 by Karen Pickering

I am a confirmed motivational junkie. I’m always looking to catch that dream of living in a beautiful log cabin with an amazing four-stall barn with cupolas and an aisleway. Recently, I’ve had the urge to move to Colorado to spend my senior years in a drier climate next door …

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We Love Horse Photography

August 5, 2020July 15, 2020 by Karen Pickering

Enjoy some of our favorite photos. Post your favorite photo on our NWHS Facebook Group. We would love to see them! Karen PickeringOwner/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 …

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Safety and aging

August 5, 2020July 3, 2020 by Karen Pickering

5 things to make the transition to our senior years easier It’s really hard for me to admit that I am not as quick or fit as I once was. I can’t get out of the way or respond like I could in my 20’s. It really snuck up on …

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Performance Horses Come in All Shapes and Sizes – Driving is Fun and Useful

August 5, 2020June 30, 2020 by Karen Pickering

Photo by Northwest Horse Source

I love driving! It’s fun, practical and rewarding. With the recent COVID-19 lockdown I have been feeling cooped up, so Mark, Enya (the dog) and I hook up the Mini and head to the bank, pharmacy and coffee shop for a little adventure. So many of you have thought of …

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Tack and Memories – Collection of Gear Represents Special People, Horses, and Rides

August 5, 2020June 3, 2020 by Karen Pickering

Photo by Hal Cook

I love bridles and have quite a collection of them — some of which I’ve never used. I have three saddles, two of which I rarely use. I have memories associated with each piece of equipment. They’re pieces of my history. The reality is that I will never use most …

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Interesting Times in the Horse Industry

August 5, 2020May 18, 2020 by Karen Pickering

What a crazy turn of events for all of us. I hope by the time this issue comes out we will all be back at work and able to get out and connect again! As I write this on March 25, Governor Inslee has issued a statewide mandate to stay …

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Equi-Spa® Saves Your Horse from Irritating Pests Without Chemicals

August 5, 2020May 14, 2020 by Karen Pickering

If you wouldn’t put it on your body, why put it on your horse? Chemical products can cause serious problems such as dizziness, disorientation, and in some extreme cases can trigger seizures. Studies have also shown that pests are developing tolerances to these chemicals and they can actually work to …

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COVID-19

May 28, 2021April 9, 2020 by Karen Pickering

The Northwest Horse Source has created this page to have an easy-to-access resource for local small businesses and equine folks in general. Scroll down to view links to alerts, resources, news and updates. Check back often as we will continue to add content as we receive it. Stay safe 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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