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.

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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Product Review: Handozer Leveling Drag – Inexpensive Tool Proves Useful for Arena Maintenance

April 15, 2021 by Kim Roe

Photo by Kim Roe

A year ago, I started looking for a new arena harrow. For years I’d used a Parma Groomer that did a good job, but it was difficult for me to adjust and maintain. The points (sharp pieces of metal that screw onto the harrow teeth and cut into the soil) …

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No Bend, No Balance – Use Lateral Work to Train Your Horse to Bend

March 31, 2021 by Kim Roe

Horse training is mostly about these three basics: balance, timing, and rhythm. Horses trained and ridden with these priorities as the foundation of their training will be soft, relaxed, and maneuverable—a joy for both horse and human. Horses’ fear of falling is one of their greatest. Not only can a …

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Coming Back to Life – 2021 Show and Clinic Season Looks Promising in the Pacific Northwest

March 31, 2021March 31, 2021 by Kim Roe

Photo by Kim Roe

It’s starting to look like the equine event season in the Northwest is coming back to life, cautiously. Hurray! There’s nothing like missing a year to make you truly appreciate getting out and about with horses and horse friends. Fingers crossed that all the planned activities will actually happen. For …

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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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