What Experience Has Taught Me
by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher
It’s hard to believe I’ve been publishing the magazine for over 21 years. The way we did things when I started looks nothing like it does now. Time passes, things change, and we either adapt or die. There is no standing still in the world of publishing.
The one consistent thing in my career has been learning. It doesn’t matter what stage of life I’m in, I’m always learning. Sometimes it feels like a crash course but we get it done. It helps to have good people and resources too. I have been incredibly blessed with a wonderful team over the years that have made the magazine what it is today.
I believe we are designed to grow and continually improve who we are. I’m like everyone else—I have challenges, crises, and deal with discouragement at times. The one constant that always pulls me back is gratitude. Every day I start by writing down 10 things for which I’m thankful. This practice has changed my world. You’d never think such a simple exercise could have so much impact on one’s life. It’s interesting; the more thankful I am the more blessings I seem to receive.
Last year I received the gift of a miniature horse. Chloe has been an incredible horse for a rescue. She came with attitude for sure! She keeps April in line, is the most loving, gentle horse to work with, and she’s great around kids. I was recently gifted a beautiful harness and will be learning about driving a mini. I’m excited to try something new and hope to have an update coming soon. You just never know what life has in store.
Please enjoy this Educational Opportunities issue. It’s one of my favorites. I love learning and recently enjoyed a Downunder HorsemanshipTM clinic close to home. Clinton Anderson has been a clinician in the U.S. since 1998 so I remember when he started. It’s fun to see how people change over the years.
Clinics are a great way to see how to train your horse or improve your riding. I love participating in clinics and look forward to attending more in the future. Sometimes I learn new things but don’t always practice what I learn or do what I should (like ride all the time) but I keep trying to do my best.
Enjoy your horse time and remember to ride!
Quote: “Your life doesn’t get better by chance. It gets better by choice.” ~ Author Unknown
Originally Published September 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.
