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.

Don’t Forget About Your Older Horses – Senior Horses Bring Wisdom and Experience to their Jobs

December 20, 2021 by Kim Roe

Decades ago, before the advancement in veterinary care we now enjoy, horses over the age of 20 were considered very old and rarely ridden. They were “put out to pasture” and unfortunately often forgotten about. These days though, many horses in their 20s (and beyond) still live useful and productive …

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

This page sponsored by:

Matthew Livengood – Judge and Trainer Strives to Help and Support Horses and Their People

November 29, 2021 by Kim Roe

Photo from Matthew Livengood

Name: Matthew Livengood What is the name of your business? Matthew Livengood Horsemanship What do you do? I teach group and private lessons, conduct clinics, and do tune-up training for client horses. I’m also a nationally carded judge with the National Reining Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association …

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

This page sponsored by:

Feeling Grateful – Winter’s Dark and Slower Pace Brings Time for Reflection

November 28, 2021 by Kim Roe

I’m always grateful for the friends of all kinds I find here at home at Blue Gate Farm. Photo by Kim Roe

When I first moved to the Pacific Northwest, I found the rapid descent into darkness in autumn quite depressing. I couldn’t believe how dark it was at 7:00 a.m. and then again at 5:00 p.m. The rain and grey skies didn’t help my mood much either. But over the decades …

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

This page sponsored by:

Suzanne Huizenga – Mentoring and Training Youth Riders, Young Professionals, and Serious Amateurs

October 27, 2021 by Kim Roe

Photo by Totem Photography

Suzanne (Suzy) Huizenga is a sought-after and much-admired trainer located in Whatcom County, Washington, where she has been training students and horses for over 40 years. She specializes in bringing students and horses along calmly and happily from trot poles to jumping courses in the hunter/jumper rings. Suzy has developed …

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

This page sponsored by:

How’s Your Horse’s Health? Pay Attention to Subtle Changes to Head Off Health Disasters

October 23, 2021 by Kim Roe

Photo by Aliena Hook

I got pretty sick a few weeks ago. I just kept pushing myself, thinking my lack of energy and aching muscles were related to the fact that I’m getting older and the physical demands of caring for the farm had me a little run down. Then one morning I almost …

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

This page sponsored by:

Training Transitions – This Vital Exercise Should be Part of Every Training Session

October 1, 2021October 1, 2021 by Kim Roe

Extended trot results from many transitions from working trot to a extended and back again.

As a young and serious rider my teacher would often tell me, “You need to work on your transitions more.” I’d do as I was told, but I never really understood why. I didn’t find them easy or fun, and neither did my horse. Now I’m wearing the instructor’s hat, …

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

This page sponsored by:

What Makes Good Hay? The Basics on Hay for Horses

October 1, 2021October 1, 2021 by Kim Roe

Photo by Kim Roe

Few things are more important for horse health than good hay. We’re fortunate that the Pacific Northwest produces some of the best hay in the world. With hay prices escalating and worldwide demand high, it’s worth knowing some basics on how to select hay before you trot down to the …

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

This page sponsored by:

Equina USA – Carefully Formulated and Effective German Supplements Available in the United States

September 30, 2022October 1, 2021 by Kim Roe

EquinaVet is an equine nutritional company that was founded over 35 years ago in Germany by the brilliant scientist and horseman, Klaus Beckmann. Equina produces a complete line of supplements that adhere to the meticulous standards of the maker. The protocols for sourcing and production are unsurpassed. Klaus was unique …

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

This page sponsored by:

Carol Lynn McArdle Classical Dressage Instruction – Teaching Riders to Help Their Horses Be All They Can Be

September 29, 2021September 29, 2021 by Kim Roe

Photo by Carolynn Bunch Photography

Carol Lynn McArdle is a much-loved trainer and clinician in the Pacific Northwest. She regularly travels from her Whidbey Island farm to teach clinics throughout Washington and Oregon (and beyond). She’s known as an instructor who preserves the cheerfulness and positivity in both her equine and human students and helps …

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

This page sponsored by:

Learning Reveals Life’s Mystery – Education Keeps Us Young and Gives Us Hope

September 29, 2021September 27, 2021 by Kim Roe

Photo by RoseAnne Featherston

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young. – Henry Ford I remember when I got my first pair of glasses. I’d just passed my 40th birthday and it was …

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

This page sponsored by:

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

Join the conversation:

Check out the Magazine!