Discover a Better Way to Welcome the New Year
by Karen Pickering
According to Wikipedia, 88% of New Year’s Resolutions fail. So why do we do this silly exercise? The New Year is a fresh start; a chance to wipe the slate clean and begin anew. But does this tradition work? How many times have you promised yourself you’ll reduce the number of horses you have or ride more? Maybe get in shape so you can ride well? I believe it’s best to start with planning, not making a list of things to start or stop.
How do you feel about New Year’s resolutions? It may be a tradition that most of us participate in, but by the end of the year we’ve too often forgotten what our resolutions even were. How about making just one resolution: to be thankful. When priorities are in order things flow better so, as we welcome January, I encourage you to pause and reflect on what you have right now.
I absolutely LOVE this time of year. However, it’s always a challenge to write about January, especially since I’m writing this before Thanksgiving. I want to savor the end of the year and all the festivities, yet realize life goes on and the new year is upon us. The crisp weather reminds me that winter is here and it’s time to batten down the hatches and prepare for the cold, wet weather ahead.
As I look ahead and prioritize, here are some things I’m most thankful for, right now: advertisers and readers. Without both, we would not be here. You make NWHS possible so thank you for being a part of our community. And if you need riding inspiration and goals for 2014, consider attending the Washington State Horse Expo. Read about this great event on page 6.
Published January 2014 Issue
Owner / Publisher | Canfield Certified Trainer
Karen Pickering is a lifelong horsewoman and the founder of The Northwest Horse Source, which began in 1995 as a small equine newsletter and grew into a respected industry publication. With more than 30 years of experience serving the horse community, Karen now focuses on helping equine businesses and organizations build visibility, credibility, and lasting relationships through online marketing, digital promotion, and educational platforms.
As a Canfield Certified Trainer, she blends proven success principles with real-world industry experience, supporting both businesses and individuals navigating change in today’s digital landscape. Karen remains deeply connected to the horse industry and is passionate about serving the community she has helped build for over three decades.
