When Community Carries Us
by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher
March brings budding flowers, a fresh perspective, and a chance to realize that dreams do come true. I’m reveling in this realization. They come true, but not always when we expect or want them.
The past 6 months of looking at equestrian property has been both frustrating and exhilarating. Seeing possibilities through endless searching can be daunting but gives us perspective on our dreams. I think most of us can relate to dreaming about a million-dollar spread and realizing that our budgets don’t quite match the dream. So what now? Do we give up and settle for our present circumstances?
I refuse to accept mediocrity. Regardless of my present circumstances, I will dream big. Every one of us has challenges, heartache, and suffers loss. I want to see beyond all that and rise to the occasion. Part of that means I need to connect with people who will support my dreams, encourage me to press on, and be at my side when things seem sad and hopeless. One of these people you will read about on page 6. Allison Trimble Paparoa has walked with me through my husband’s continuing health issues and the recent death of one of my best friends. She has supported my business when it’s been tough to work. Her friendship is a rare and treasured gift.
One of my most enjoyable activities is our summertime rides at Allison’s ranch with a group of “seasoned cowgirls.” It’s a relaxing time to just ride, talk about the day, about life, or be with others who have a common love of horses and hanging out. I believe that part of being present and alive is connecting with a community of people with a common interest. It’s the glue that keeps us together through good and bad times. I treasure these evening rides.
There have been so many people who have walked with me through life’s journey; I can’t begin to name them all. Just know how much you are loved and appreciated. I look forward to the day when I can pay it forward.
So dream big! Pick out that beautiful barn or ranch that you’ve been wishing for. Dreams can and do come true. Check out our new Lifestyle Section on page 16 and start dreaming!
Lastly, I hope to see you all at one or more of the three events I’ll be attending this month. You can find me at the Washington State Horse Expo, The Backcountry Horsemen’s Rendezvous, and the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo. See our events calendar for details.
Quote: “Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting.” ~ Elizabeth Bibesco – 1897-1945, Writer
Originally Published March 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.
