Lessons Learned from Decades Publishing the NW Horse Source
By Karen Pickering
As I sit at my desk on a quiet Tuesday evening, I think of all the things I’m grateful for. I’ve had a lifetime of experiences, met some incredible people, and truly lived a life that many dream about. I’m not wealthy, but I’m richly blessed. I have an incredible community around me that supports me and opens doors to many opportunities.
I love this magazine. It has offered me many amazing experiences such as traveling all over the United States and meeting people that became lifetime friends. Some days I just pinch myself to see if it’s all real.
2014 was the best and the worst year of my life. It was a year of winning my first buckle and having many fantastic days of riding, competing, and being with friends. And I had a chance to ride through Yellowstone National Park with a group of friends on our own horses. All thanks to an incredibly generous man. Seeing this breathtaking park from the back of a horse was like nothing I’ve ever experienced.
In contrast, Mark, my husband of 32 years, had a stroke. It changed our lives forever. Again, the people in my life (my community) surrounded us with gifts of time and money that got us both through a super devastating time. I am truly blessed.
The stories I could share about all the experiences I’ve had would fill a dozen books. I’ve certainly lived through some hard times, but everyone does. Life isn’t perfect. It’s meant to be a journey of learning and living above the fray of negativity and naysayers. It takes perseverance and determination to find things that bring you and others joy and makes your life worth living. I want to thank all of my readers and customers for making this journey of a lifetime possible.
Please enjoy our annual holiday gift issue. As we immerse ourselves in holiday festivities, stop and think of all the things to be grateful for. One of my favorite people is featured in our cover story this month. She has served the horse community in our region for over 20 years and has a truly meaningful story. Please read about it on page 6.
Maybe one day we can share your journey in the pages of The Northwest Horse Source! For now, have a blessed Thanksgiving and enjoy the season.
Quote: “Dreams come a size too big so that we can grow into them.”
Josie Bisset, Actress
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.
