Choices, Changes and New Revelations
by Karen Pickering
It’s July and time to celebrate the freedom our nation gives us to choose our beliefs, our jobs and our education. As a trail rider I love to experience the great places to ride in the Northwest. What a great place we live in, abundant with natural resources that include beautiful forests, rivers and lakes, the ocean and breathtaking mountains.
With all the challenges I’ve faced since my husband’s stroke, I’m finding it hard to stay balanced. I can choose to look at what’s left undone or choose to look ahead to the future. Staying in the middle of the road is proving very difficult but not impossible. Adjusting to this season of change has brought about profound revelations including that time is a currency and its critical how we spend it. So many things are unimportant in the grand scheme of things and only suck time and energy. The following include personal time wasters: Facebook—cruising around reading comments; email—trying to answer everything that comes in; and other people’s crisis (I’m learning to say “no”).
I’ve also gained important revelations in this season: spend each day being grateful and write it down; horse time is valuable, not just a luxury; my husband comes first no matter what. The rest will take care of itself.
This past weekend I had the privilege of filling in as a judge for an ETS (Equine Trail Sports) show at Butlerhill Equestrian Center. Did it ever feel good to jump in the midst of horse people and activities again! Getting away from the day-to-day challenges was very therapeutic and gave me perspective.
As we bring you this issue our new website should be well underway. We wanted something very image heavy and loaded with the latest information. We would love your feedback on the new website, good or bad. It’s so important that we bring the best images and information to readers. Thanks to the advertisers for pushing us towards the online focus. Enjoy this beautiful sunny month with your favorite riding activity.
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
~ Mother Teresa
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.
