Making this Holiday Season Meaningful
by Karen Pickering
There are times it’s hard to be thankful and the last several years have certainly been trying. Regardless, I’m thankful for the many blessings I continue to receive. Somehow, the ads come through, people are generous and helpful and I see kindness in others in a world overrun with busyness and instant gratification. I’m amazed and thankful for the referrals and people who put faith in us as a publication to build their businesses, as well as the readers who tell us they enjoy the magazine. It means a great deal. I’m so fortunate to work in an industry I love.
This issue celebrates senior horses. We were overwhelmed with the response to our essay contest this year; it’s great to see how many people still love and care for senior horses. Please refer to the winning entries and review the online edition for our runners up. I think you’ll find the stories heartwarming.
I’m sure you’ve noticed the upgrade in magazine quality. We finally made the jump to gloss pages; it enhances the editorial as well as the look and feel of the magazine. Please,let us know how you like it. Send your comments to [email protected].
As we celebrate this holiday season I invite you to share your time and resources with others. Time spent (in my humble opinion) is worth far more than off-the-shelf gifts. However, you may find something perfect at that quaint little store around the corner or even take the time to make a special gift. Either way, our local shops are brimming with great gifts so be sure to support them. You can also visit our gift section for customer gifts made perfect for northwest horsemen. Have a blessed holiday season.
Merry Christmas!
Today’s Quote: “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” ~ Mother Teresa
Published December 2013 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.
