Sometimes the Best Presents Aren’t Gift-Wrapped
By: Karen Pickering
I’m amazed at the unexpected gifts that come into my life. This spring, Gina Fresquez of Purina invited me on an all-expenses paid trip to the Purina Research Farm in Gray Summit, Missouri. I’ve just returned from this trip; what an incredible adventure! We started off with a tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis and visited the Budweiser Clydesdales that live there. (They feed Purina, of course.) The horses’ accommodations are amazing.
I received great information at the Purina research farm, but most importantly I gained a resource to share with all my readers. If you ever have a chance to visit there, it’s well worth your time. For details on Purina’s research farm visit www.purinamills.com/farm.
One of the best things about my career is the diverse group of people I meet. Whether it’s at a conference, horse show, expo, or a clinic, there are people I’ve befriended and look to for guidance and information. I do my best to share this knowledge and bring you articles each month that help you be a better horse owner. The writers who contribute to the magazine give valuable information and have generously written for the magazine, some for a number of years. I’m grateful to all of them for making the magazine a success.
I want to offer some gift-giving ideas, since that is the theme of this issue. We are bringing you a great online holiday gift guide on November 15th, with many ideas on how to shop for the horse person in your life. One thing to consider is the gift of knowledge. Whether you give a book, a clinic, or even a coaching session from someone like Jen Verharen of Cadence Coaching, an intangible is often the greatest gift you can give someone. Many businesses offer gift certificates. You might not know exactly what to get someone so perhaps a gift certificate is the way to go.
I’ve always been hungry for knowledge and I live for books and seminars that are motivational. I’ve just started a yearlong course with the Proctor Gallagher Institute and look forward to inspiring others with what I learn. I’m also finishing up Jen Verharen’s course and absolutely love and recommend it. If you’re into building your equine business, she’s your girl!
Finally, the gift of time is something that really means a lot. I cannot begin to thank the people who donated time to help me get our farm in shape after my husband’s stroke. We all will experience a need at some point in our lives. I look forward to the chance to pay it forward someday!
Quote: “Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting.”
~ Elizabeth Bibesco – 1897-1945
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.
