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.

A Good Horse – The Best Performance Horse is the One You Love to Ride

August 5, 2021July 29, 2021 by Kim Roe

Photo by Kim Roe

You know it when you’re lucky enough to find one—the good horse. He (or she) is the horse who turns a bad day into a good day, who takes the tension from your shoulders, and makes life’s problems drift away. He’s the reliable one who always tries his best. …

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Move those Hips! How to Train the Turn-on-the-Forehand

July 1, 2021 by Kim Roe

The turn-on-the-forehand mobilizes the hips, supples the muscles of the horse’s back, hind legs, and haunches, and teaches the horse to yield to the inside leg. Photo by Kim Roe

One of the most basic lateral movements, the turn-on-the-forehand, maneuvers the horse’s hips around his forehand. This exercise teaches the horse to move away from the pressure of the rider’s leg, aids in control, and makes the horse more agile and supple. The mobilization of the hips and the consequential …

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Let Your Horse Decide – Stay Flexible About Tack Preferences

June 26, 2021 by Kim Roe

Photo by Kim Roe

Sometimes I think it would be helpful if horses could speak to us clearly, using words, about their preferences in the tack we use on them. If they would just let us know clearly what they like, and why, we could save ourselves a lot of time and money. It’s …

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Is Your Horse Safe in His Home? Attention to Details Can Save Your Horse

June 1, 2021 by Kim Roe

An aisleway between fences eliminates the problem of horses fighting across the fence and injuring themselves on the fencing.

Scenario one: An equine facility has a policy that riders must clean their horses’ hooves before leaving the arena to keep the barn aisle clean. A hoof pick hangs on a hook next to the arena gate. One day, while cleaning out her horse’s hooves, a woman’s horse reaches up …

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The Essential Snaffle – This Must-Have Tool Comes in Many Shapes, Sizes, and Materials

June 1, 2021 by Kim Roe

A full-cheek snaffle. Photos by Kim Roe

Walk into any horse trainer’s tack room and you’re likely to find more than one kind of snaffle bit. Developed thousands of years ago, the snaffle is the most useful bit for daily training for horses of all levels. The snaffle bit is used by horsemen of all disciplines—from racing …

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It’s All Happening at the Grant County Fairgrounds! Caring and Motivated Management and Staff Continue to Upgrade Equine Facilities

June 1, 2021 by Kim Roe

Photos courtesy of Grant County Fairgrounds

Horse people are passionate about their horses and enjoy gathering together for competitions and exhibitions. Unfortunately, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find affordable, centrally located, horse and people-friendly venues that are well-maintained. Add in the capacity to support large numbers of horses, riders, and spectators and it’s nearly impossible. Luckily, …

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What’s Your Horse’s Dream Job? Equestrian Sports Offer Many Options

May 23, 2021 by Kim Roe

Photo by Jerry Pfannenstiel

One of the harder situations of horse ownership is when a beloved horse doesn’t want to do the job you hoped he would do. We humans have goals and aspirations, so we fix a label to our chosen horse that’s frequently related to his pedigree or conformation. Dressage horse, barrel …

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Hope for Heroes – Equine Therapy Consulting and Horsemanship Center – Uplifting Veterans with Help from Horses

May 1, 2021 by Kim Roe

Photos by Western Spirit Photography

There’s a lot of talk about how to help veterans and active military personnel suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome, depression, brain injury, chronic pain and other mental and physical problems. Still, approximately 20 U.S. veterans commit suicide every day in this country. We obviously need to do more than talk. …

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Horse Training Concepts – Going Deeper with Horses Reaps Great Rewards

May 1, 2021 by Kim Roe

Photo by Aliena Hook

We shall take great care not to annoy the horse and spoil his friendly charm, for it is like the scent of a blossom—once lost, it will never return. – Antoine de Pluvinel Horses and people aren’t much different. Our basic needs for living a good life are essentially …

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Love Your Horse and Yourself – Friendship with Your Horse Makes You a Winner

April 30, 2021April 26, 2021 by Kim Roe

Photo by Ford Photography

While sorting through my father’s belongings after his death, I found this photo of me riding Pumpkin, the mare of my childhood. The photo triggered a powerful insight in me. It depicts a moment I remember clearly, and one that defined much of what I believed about myself for the …

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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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