From My Saddle Archives – The Northwest Horse Source

From My Saddle: Seasons in Life

February 18, 2025 by Karen Pickering

Karen and her late horse April in Yellowstone.

Change is the One Sure Thing I’ve enjoyed 30 years publishing the Northwest Horse Source. It’s been a dream career, and I’m truly blessed to work in an industry I love. While it’s never been lucrative financially, it’s been rich in experience, friendships, travel, and more. From horse shows to …

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From My Saddle: Time to Recharge

January 20, 2025 by Karen Pickering

Karen riding Blue Moon at Vista Verde Ranch in Colorado.

Ranch Getaway Replenishes My Soul In November I had an opportunity to visit a beautiful ranch near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Vista Verde Ranch was featured on the cover of our November issue, and you’ll read about my experience in an upcoming issue. The time away from work and cell phones …

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From My Saddle: Friends for Life

December 24, 2024 by Karen Pickering

Wendy (left) and Karen, best friends, celebrate their shared birthday.

How Horses Bring People Together I recently celebrated my 63rd birthday with my best friend, Wendy, who has her birthday on the same day. We spent the day doing things together rather than spend money on gifts. We visited the mining town of Cripple Creek, Colorado, and our husbands, Mark …

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From My Saddle: Fall Colors

November 18, 2024 by Karen Pickering

Embracing the Season I went for a ride this morning. What a beautiful day and a splendid way to start the day. Sometimes when I’m stuck on a challenge in my office, I find it helps to pull myself away and get some perspective on the back of my horse. …

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From My Saddle: Take a Breath – Fall has Arrived

October 19, 2024 by Karen Pickering

Chip & Chloe - NWHS Photo

Reflection During the Changing Season At The Northwest Horse Source, we have deadlines. The new issue is always out by the first of the month. To do this, we have a schedule. This month I really missed the mark. I’m a week late writing my column. Admittedly I’ve slowed down …

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From My Saddle: Looking Back on Summer Rides

September 13, 2024 by Karen Pickering

Chip on the Trail. Photo by NWHS.

Finally, Some Saddle Time! It’s been a crazy year. Many things are in the works and the one activity I love—riding— suffers the most. A couple of weeks ago I finally got some saddle time. Both my horse and I were rusty, but we managed to find a couple of …

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From My Saddle: Living My Passion

August 21, 2024 by Karen Pickering

Karen & April

Change is Good, Necessary, and Sometimes Hard Many of you are unaware that I moved to Colorado in 2021, but let me share some thoughts on the subject. I had been wanting change for several years. Living in the same place for 36 years I grew restless, looking for change. …

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From My Saddle: Times Change

July 29, 2024July 15, 2024 by Karen Pickering

NWHS Photo

But I Still Love What I Do Horses have been part of my life since I was in grade school. I begged my parents to get me a horse. It’s hard to explain the pull towards our beloved horses but I had it bad. I collected Breyer Horse models and …

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From My Saddle: Time for Summer Fun!

June 26, 2024 by Karen Pickering

April at Butler Creek. Photo Credit NWHS.

Inspiration for Getting It Done One of the benefits of getting older is all the great memories we’ve made. I remember 2014 quite well. It was one of the best years of my life. Why? Well, it was the year I won my first buckle, and I did more horseback …

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From My Saddle: Expo Life

May 27, 2024 by Karen Pickering

Jody and John Lyons with Karen at the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo

Face to Face Interaction is the Best After returning home from the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo in Albany, Oregon, I realized how seeing familiar faces and meeting new people was the highlight of the trip. I was especially excited to see John Lyons again after several years. He and …

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Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

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