Change is Good, Necessary, and Sometimes Hard
Many of you are unaware that I moved to Colorado in 2021, but let me share some thoughts on the subject. I had been wanting change for several years. Living in the same place for 36 years I grew restless, looking for change. I tried to buy property in Whatcom County but the price to upgrade was out of my reach. After living near the ocean my entire life, I opted for a move inland to the mountains of Colorado.
Having lived in Colorado for 3 years now, I’m glad I made the change. The sunshine and afternoon thunderstorms are a welcome change. My dry horse pens are great and the opportunities to work with veterans is plentiful. While I haven’t settled into a program, I’ve made some great connections here.
The Remount Foundation, located in Colorado Springs at the Air Force Academy, has a great mission and story. The homepage of their website says, “Empowering America’s Bravest and Their Families to Harness Peace Through Horses.” I invite you to visit their website, remountfoundation.org. Billy Jack Barrett, one of the founders who’s recently retired, has a heart to help people and his knowledge of horses and bloodlines is amazing! I hope to share his story of the Remount stallions in an upcoming issue.
I can’t emphasize enough the importance of embracing change. Sometimes I marvel at the fact I’ve been doing the NWHS for nearly 30 years. After moving here, I started a new publication in Colorado. It hasn’t gone as well as planned so I’ve decided to focus on The Northwest Horse Source. I forgot how long it took me to get established in the Northwest! You all have been so good to me over the years, and I’m forever grateful. I’m blessed to work with and for horse people.
All that to say, we have some exciting news! We are building a new business directory that offers more options and opportunities for horse owners and equine related businesses. A recent collaboration with Audrey King of NW Equine brings added value to the equine industry in the Northwest and beyond. Audrey brings her expertise and connections in the horse world to The Northwest Horse Source, and we are truly grateful for her contribution. By the time this is published we may be well on our way to being live!
Finally, thank you for letting me be a part of the horse industry in the Northwest. Have a great month and enjoy the ride!
“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” – Brene Brown, Professor, Social Worker, Author, Podcast Host
See this article in the August 2024 online edition:
August 2024

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.





