From My Saddle

  Discover a Better Way to Welcome the New Year by Karen Pickering   According to Wikipedia, 88% of New Year’s Resolutions fail. So why do we do this silly exercise? The New Year is a fresh start; a chance to wipe the slate clean and begin anew. But does …

Read More

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 …

Read More

How Supporting Local Talent Builds a Community by Karen Pickering       One of the best things about publishing the Northwest Horse Source is a close connection to my community. I am inspired by the talent and resources we have here in the Northwest. Bolender Horse Park in Silver …

Read More

New Adventures Increase Quality of Life for You—and Your Horse by Karen Pickering       One of my favorite clinicians, Raye Lochert, recently came to Sedro Woolley, WA to teach a clinic at Fire Mountain Trail Course. Created by Marilyn Pineda, this trail training course offers natural obstacles to …

Read More

Create Memories by Having Fun! by Karen Pickering   The best part of my job is experiencing new clinics, activities and products for the magazine. My Quarter Horse April and I venture across the northwest for different events and get to enjoy the great northwest. Trail riding and camping is …

Read More

Print or Online it’s Still About Trusted Resources by Karen Pickering   I just returned from American Horse Publications Convention in Colorado Springs. Education has been first and foremost in my mind as of late. The way we receive information and communicate has changed dramatically. If we can’t figure something …

Read More

The Ultimate Performance Horse by Karen Pickering   Greetings! It’s Memorial Day weekend as I write this column. Seems like July is a long way off, especially on a rainy day. I’m anxiously awaiting summertime, but my thoughts today are of the soldiers and law enforcement officers that put their …

Read More

Making Purchases that Have Lasting Value by Karen Pickering   Does your horse gear have special meaning to you or is strictly a tool you use to ride or control your horse? Do you recall where you purchased your first saddle or bridle? What are your priorities when purchasing tack? …

Read More

Enjoy More Recreation with Your Horse by Karen Pickering   As I write my column this month I’m just returning from the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo held at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center in Albany, Oregon. I always enjoy this show, as it’s a chance to connect …

Read More

Learning to Celebrate the Rain by Karen Pickering   It’s a typical northwest winter morning. It’s still dark at 5:30, the wind is blowing and rain is coming down sideways as I step out the back door to do my chores. Welcome to the special challenges of winter/spring horse management …

Read More