NWHS Publisher Lives it
by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher
My love of horses started at a very young age. I was so obsessed I had to draw horses, read about horses, and dream of someday having a horse of my own.
I was ten years old when I got my first horse, Brandie, an ill-tempered bay gelding that challenged my very love of horses. He reared, balked, and bucked me off at every opportunity. It took me a year to conquer his behavior and finally begin to enjoy him. My neighbor, Megan, had a buckskin gelding. Megan and I became friends and rode for hours after school, participated in 4-H, and dreamed of living on a horse ranch. It was a good life.
I never outgrew horses, no doubt to my parent’s dismay. No cars, boys, or anything else could draw my attention away from having a horse. Even today, so many years later, my home is adorned with art by Remington, Fred Stone, and many other favorite horse images. Even my dishes are of a cowboy flavor. It’s difficult to explain, but horses become so engrained in your life it’s hard to think about anything else.
I’m so fortunate to work with this magazine. It has opened up many opportunities and I’ve made lifetime friends as a result of owning the magazine. Being the publisher has allowed me to learn how horse people live and think. They are a group of people that, for the most part, have a cowboy ethic that shines when times are tough. I know; I’ve been on the receiving end.
In looking for a change in the magazine I discovered the desire to bring more “lifestyle” into the magazine — more profiles, more information on clothing, housewares, guest ranches—anything that enhances the life we live with our horses. I welcome your thoughts and ideas so please email me at [email protected].
Finally, please enjoy our cover story on page 6 about a magical experience with horses. Odysseo by Cavalia is making an appearance in Vancouver, BC. Be sure and take an evening to enjoy this amazing show.
For now, I’m going to take a deep breath, close my eyes, and dream of horses.
Quote: “Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come.” ~ Author Unknown
Originally Published February 2017 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.
