Kim Roe

Kim Roe grew up riding on the family ranch and competed in Western rail classes, trail horse, reining, working cow, and hunter/jumper. She trained her first horse for money at 12 years old, starting a pony for a neighbor. Kim has been a professional dressage instructor in Washington state for over 30 years, training hundreds of horses and students through the levels. In recent years Kim has become involved in Working Equitation and is a small ‘r’ Working Equitation judge with WE United. Kim is the editor of the Northwest Horse Source Magazine, and also a writer, photographer, and poet. She owns and manages Blue Gate Farm in Deming, Washington where she continues to be passionate about helping horses and riders in many disciplines.

Boarding Horses for Others – Is it Worth it?

August 5, 2020June 1, 2020 by Kim Roe

Photo by Kim Roe

Have you thought about taking on a few boarders to help make ends meet? If you keep your horses at home, it might seem like a way to make some extra cash. Or maybe you’re considering building or buying a horse facility and starting a business. Can you make a …

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How to Take a Riding Lesson – Eight Ways to be a Good Student

June 30, 2020June 1, 2020 by Kim Roe

Photo by Kim Roe

Many articles are written on how to find a good instructor. This article will focus on how to be a good student. Good instructors truly want to help their students learn. Instructors prepare lesson plans and bring their best into the arena. They want their students to succeed and have …

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Rhythm of the Gaits

June 30, 2020May 28, 2020 by Kim Roe

The Canter is a three-beat gait. Photo by Kim Roe.

“Rhythm is the term used for the characteristic sequence of footfalls and timing of a pure walk, pure trot, and pure canter. The rhythm should be expressed with energy and in a suitable and consistent tempo, with the horse remaining in the balance and self-carriage appropriate to its level of …

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The Lonely Horse

August 5, 2020May 27, 2020 by Kim Roe

Photo by Kim Roe

All equines are herd animals by nature. Like humans, horses need interaction with members of their own species in order to thrive. But as prey animals, it’s a biological imperative for equines to be part of a herd. The herd represents safety from predators for themselves and their offspring. Being …

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When Your Trainer Yells “Go Forward”

June 30, 2020May 19, 2020 by Kim Roe

The ability to ride your horse forward is an important basic no matter your discipline. Even if your goal is to have a slow-moving pleasure horse, it’s still important to train your horse to go forward. Horses need to move actively forward for their physical and mental health, and for …

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The Case for Cleanliness

May 13, 2020 by Kim Roe

Horse farm owners spend a lot of time cleaning things. They pick out stalls and pens, sweep barn aisles, hay storage areas, and tack rooms; mow, rake, and weed-whack yards, mow and harrow fields, compost and spread manure piles, knock down spider webs, dust and wash stall walls, wash feed …

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Nature Nurtures

August 5, 2020May 7, 2020 by Kim Roe

“What I love about people (and I do love people) is that crises bring out the best in them. And the best people aren’t people, they’re animals.” – Stephen Colbert I’ll admit it, I’ve been rather sad lately. The world seems darker than usual. There’s a lot of bad news …

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Hope for Heroes – Equine Therapy Consulting and Horsemanship Center

November 11, 2020April 30, 2020 by Kim Roe

In frightening or stressful times, we become more aware of our dependence on the help of others. We’re especially grateful for people who keep us safe — those who are willing to put their own lives on the line for us, like our active military and veterans. So how do …

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Editor’s Postcard: The Horse Show Game

August 5, 2020April 7, 2020 by Kim Roe

Showing Offers Opportunity for Growth By Kim Roe I love horse shows. I love arriving on the grounds and seeing all the beautiful, excited horses and happy people. I love the anticipation, the drama, and great performances. I love picnics and peaceful behind-the-barn napping in the shade. But showing involves …

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Feature Story: Favorite Farm Amenities

August 5, 2020April 6, 2020 by Kim Roe

Make Life with Horses Easier with these Barn and Farm Features By Kim Roe A friend of mine is a serious Pacific Northwest dressage rider. For years, she kept her horses in nice run-in sheds in her backyard. Every winter she struggled to carry warm water out for them …

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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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