Winter Horse Management in the Pacific Northwest
by Karen Pickering
Wintertime is always hard for me. I have to really kick myself to get outside and go for a ride. As I’m writing this it’s the end of January so no telling if the wet and cold will still be around by the time this issue comes out. My horse April has hair like a pony so she gets hot quickly and seems to really attract the dirt. Blanketing seems to be the only recourse to cut down on the clean-up before saddling.
We’re kicking off the March issue with a focus on barn and farms. Horse facilities are one of my favorite topics so I hope you enjoy this issue. Our cover story on page 6 features Barn Pros, a northwest barn company located in Monroe, Washington. I’ve had the privilege of visiting many horse farms and ranches over the years and you really get great ideas from seeing what others have done. It’s at those times you wish that money wasn’t an issue, but there are many useful things you can do that don’t cost a great deal of money. Sometimes improvements will actually save you money in the long run.
Chore efficiency is huge when you’re a busy person. Having things set up so you can quickly feed and clean is essential for good time management. My best friend has been gravel. I created a sacrifice area for my horses during the winter months to keep the pastures free from ruts and the sod in good shape. Cleaning is a breeze as long as you keep the pens up daily. Your local conservation district can be a great resource, offering farm plans and even grants. I highly recommend utilizing those resources when planning upgrades or looking for that new place for you and your horse!
I hope to see many of you at the Northwest Horse Fair and Expo in Albany, Oregon March 21-24. Let us know what you’ve done around your barn to make life easier for you and your horse or just stop by our booth and say hi! Sign up for our drawing and pick up the latest issue of the Northwest Horse Source magazine.
Published March 2013 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.
