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.

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November 22, 2021November 2, 2020 by Karen Pickering

April enjoying a break in Yellowstone National Park

Times Are Changing When I started the magazine in December of 1995, I had no idea what to do or where to start. It all began with a company newsletter I was doing for my job at a US Customs Broker in Blaine, WA. The idea caught on and with …

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Find Gifts in Memories – Recovery Offers Time to Reminisce

November 3, 2020November 1, 2020 by Karen Pickering

Karen and April at Bolender Horse Park, Fall 2014 - Photo by Hal Cook

It’s funny. When you’re young, you think you’ll never get old. I remember feeling that I’d never get my driver’s license, graduate high school, or marry. When I was a little girl all I could think about was horses. I tormented my parents almost daily about getting a horse. They …

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Do You Love the Northwest Horse Source magazine?

November 28, 2020October 21, 2020 by Karen Pickering

Times are changing rapidly. Nobody could have predicted what 2020 would bring. Businesses are having to make significant changes to stay viable and we here at the Horse Source are facing the same issues. We want to be a valuable resource to the equestrian community in the Northwest and we’ve …

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It’s Your Turn! Add your Videos

October 14, 2020 by Karen Pickering

We Want to Celebrate Northwest Equestrian Businesses! With events closing down this past year we want to give you an opportunity to continue sharing your organization, products and services to our viewers online! My hope is that we can help BOOST your business back into shape with a FREE promotion. …

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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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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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