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.

From My Saddle: The Dance between Digital and Print

August 5, 2020April 7, 2020 by Karen Pickering

New Life for The Northwest Horse Source by Karen Pickering April is my favorite time of year. Everything is new, plants are budding, flowers are pushing up through the dirt, and green grass is growing. Time to leg up that horse for spring and summer activities! I’m heading to …

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From My Saddle: What’s the Best Thing About Your Horse Property?

August 5, 2020April 6, 2020 by Karen Pickering

The Joys of Living on a Small Farm By Karen Pickering In the Pacific Northwest it’s sometimes difficult to appreciate the beautiful greenery we enjoy in the spring and summer months. The seemingly endless days of rain and darkness have us wishing for warmer and drier weather. However, I …

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New Possibilities and Resources – Change is Inevitable and Good

August 5, 2020April 1, 2020 by Karen Pickering

Photo by NW Horse Source

As I reflect on nearly 25 years of publishing the Northwest Horse Source Magazine, I’m grateful for so many loyal friends, advertisers, team members, and readers. I often think about the changes that are happening in our world today. The Northwest Horse Source has survived the odds that most businesses …

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Consider the Safety Risks of Riding or Driving During This Epidemic

April 8, 2020March 28, 2020 by Karen Pickering

A letter from concerned reader One of the things we may not think about is our safety while riding and working with our horses during this quarantine. How might this affect our hospitals: Read more… Karen PickeringOwner/Publisher Karen’s lifelong love of horses began at a very early age when she …

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Will Your Business Survive? Ten Questions to Ask Yourself

August 5, 2020March 27, 2020 by Karen Pickering

We’re in a Season of Change. Navigate it With Confidence This has been a crazy situation. We’re all concerned about family, friends and co-workers. I know many of you are wondering how your business will survive this ordeal. Let me say, with confidence to keep your marketing efforts going. Being …

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Coaching, Is it for You?

June 8, 2023March 26, 2020 by Karen Pickering

Still in the Saddle A Lifestyle Program for Horsewomen A System Designed to Help You Transform Your Life Around Your Love of Horses Explore a change in your life, and join me in the process of self-discovery. A coaching program designed for the horsewoman who wants to be her best …

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Help NWHS Continue Providing the Magazine

March 27, 2020March 25, 2020 by Karen Pickering

Times have certainly changed since I started the print magazine in December of 1995. It was one girl’s dream of someday working with horses. Who knew it would end up a 25-year career in the horse industry? With no experience in journalism or graphic design, I started the magazine after …

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Horse People are Tough

March 16, 2020March 15, 2020 by Karen Pickering

How Horse People in Business Can Survive the Economic Fallout from the Coronavirus Scare Turning on the news is eerily frightening. We haven’t seen a pandemic of this magnitude since the Influenza of 1918. Businesses are struggling, many industries, such as airlines and cruise lines are just a …

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Horse Expos

March 8, 2020 by Karen Pickering

A place to connect, learn and shop! I’ve always enjoyed the horse expos. I have made friends over the years and relationships that I treasure. It feels like a family every year when we return to the horse expos. It’s a culture that embraces friendship and supporting each other through …

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What is Your Dream Barn? – Living Your Best Equestrian Life

August 5, 2020March 1, 2020 by Karen Pickering

Karen driving Chloe at Faith Equestrian Center. Walking alongside is Faith Equestrian’s owner Shelly DeBoer with Sparky.

I recently had the privilege to attend a driving clinic at Faith Equestrian Center in Birch Bay, Washington. Amber Weinmann and Katherine Smith gave it specifically for people new to driving miniature horses. The facility is ideal; it’s definitely the kind of place I dream about. If you live in …

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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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