Grateful for 22 Years of the Northwest Horse Source
by Karen Pickering
I am grateful for this magnificent country. We are blessed to live in this land of opportunity; it’s astounding how many choices and resources we enjoy. Who would have imagined 10 years ago we could take magazine cover-quality images with a smartphone? We can share videos, pictures, and thoughts instantly with a new, large circle of friends. As long as we can manage the overwhelming choices that bid for our attention, technology can be a great way to connect almost instantaneously.
I love what I do and appreciate the challenge of weaving the legacy of The Northwest Horse Source into a world that demands our constant attention. Our magazine is a relaxing break from the constant nudge of our phones and tablets telling us we have another message bidding for our immediate attention. It’s a rewarding break to pick up the magazine and sit down with your favorite beverage and immerse yourself in Northwest treasures.
Recently, I received a call from a new company called Big Mare. It was a delightful referral from Lori at California Horse Trader Magazine. Doug from Big Mare is looking to break into the Northwest market with an incredible animal wound and skin care solution. He shipped me a bottle of the All Purpose Skin Solution so I could treat a case of rain rot. I treated my horse April for 4 or 5 days. Within that time her skin condition was nearly gone and the hair was growing back. Read about this incredible new product on page 6.
I love sharing these stories! If I can offer information that helps you and your horse, I’ve accomplished the goal of educating you to make better horse-care decisions. Look for Big Mare products at your favorite feed and tack store.
I’m thankful for nearly 22 years of publishing this magazine. It has evolved into a nice online presence too! Our digital edition has additional articles with even more information. We also publish all our magazine articles online. We have some changes in the works, so stay tuned and stay in touch!
Finally, enjoy your summer. Breathe in the wondrous treasures the Northwest has to offer. We’re planning on some positive growth this year, so keep watching for new products, services and information.
Happy 4th of July!
Karen
Quote: “Of all the attitudes we can acquire, surely the attitude of gratitude is the most important and by far the most life changing.” – Zig Ziglar
Originally Published July 2017 Issue
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.
