Thoughts on the Technology Trade-off
by Karen Pickering
Photo courtesy of NWHS
I was recently inspired by a photo I found of my Grandpa, Miller Larsen. This photo, taken in the early 1930’s, depicts a lost era of true horsepower. It’s amazing how much things changed in just three generations. While the quiet, simple life—the one with plenty of physical labor— has certain appeal, we’ve exchanged it for a very sedentary lifestyle and high speed communication.
As we bring you this Tack and Equipment issue, consider your purchasing habits. Do you still go to your favorite tack shop, or do you go online and have items shipped to you? The days of eBay and Amazon have even affected horse owners, but have we lost something in the transition? Personally, I rarely purchase online; I crave the tack store conversations with local merchants I can trust. However, with the necessity of evolving my publication into an online entity I’m venturing more into the digital age, even as I recognize something valuable is lost along the way.
How will you seek information in the future? Will you look for that trusted resource or go online? How do you determine the information is accurate? I’ve been publishing the Northwest Horse Source for nearly 20 years. The methods of desktop publishing have changed dramatically in just this short span of time. It’s hard to keep up with the technology. There are days I look forward to just sinking into the couch and pulling out a good book. Granted, I enjoy the instant videos and pictures we can now post after enjoying a new adventure, but I also wonder how much of that social media time could be spent in the company of friends or our equine companions. Could you imagine life without your cell phone?
This month we celebrate the historical journey of The Grange in Issaquah, WA on page 6. It’s a store that has grown and changed with our times, but values its rich heritage. I hope you enjoy the warm spring weather we’ve been having and take time for the simple enduring goodness of physical exercise and face-to-face friendships.
Quote: “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”
Anne Frank
Published June 2014 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.
