May is the Gateway to Summer
by Karen Pickering
I recently attended three expos and finalized the April issue of the Northwest Horse Source. As I write this, I’m bursting with new ideas. Horse events always get me charged up! There are so many great products to see, clinics to attend, and exciting ideas from the variety of horse people. Now it’s time to hit the trails, shows, and events to burn up those wintertime calories (for me and my horse.)
Three events and a magazine in one month has been exhilarating, but exhausting, so it’s the perfect time to think about recreational riding. My idea of relaxing is horse camping, or should I say glamping. I admit having a living-quarters trailer makes camping pretty easy, plus your home-on-wheels is stocked and ready to go. Just add groceries! I’m looking forward to having adventures this year and hope to see many of you at an event or on the trail.
I’m super excited about our new lifestyle section. Late last year I felt inspired to add this section and dive into what it means to live the equestrian life. I hope to bring more information on country cooking, poetry, clothing ideas, western décor, art, and more. I never grow tired thinking of ways to bring horses and the horse culture into daily life. I’m truly blessed to have a job that I love and excites me. While there will always be challenges, it keeps me passionate about life.
I hope to inspire, uplift and encourage my readers to dream big, take risks, and find the courage to do the things that make life worth living. I have many things on my bucket list and want to look back on my life with no regrets. I believe we all have a purpose, and part of life is discovering what we are meant to do. I find great satisfaction in helping others on their journey to live a fulfilled life.
I’m grateful for the many advertisers that have become good friends, and for the opportunity to serve this industry and the horses we love. Be sure and read about a new guest ranch on page 6. Montana Hill Guest Ranch in Bridge Lake, British Columbia is just what you’ve been looking for. These folks have over 20 years in the bed and breakfast industry. They’ve just moved to a beautiful new location. Get away and enjoy this beautiful ranch in the heart of British Columbia.
Quote: The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Owner/Publisher Karen’s lifelong love of horses began at a very early age when she wore out a couple of rocking horses before convincing her parents to get her the real thing. That ill-tempered bay gelding, Brandy, was a challenge for the young horsewoman, but it drove her ambition to become a horse trainer. After attending Canyonview Equestrian College’s Horsemanship Program, Karen realized she needed work that was a little more lucrative than training, so she took a job with Customs Brokerage to pay the bills. There, she discovered an affinity for computers and a talent for creating informative, entertaining newsletters. The Northwest Horse Source began as such a letter in December 1995, with a distribution of 1000 copies for its 12 black and white pages. Now 29 years later, it’s an online magazine and website with a reach of over 10,000 per month and growing! Not bad for the results of one woman’s dream to work with horses!
Today, Karen remains involved with every aspect of the magazine and treasures the community of thousands who share a common passion.
