From My Saddle

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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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? …

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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 …

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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 …

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Winter Horse Management in the Pacific Northwest by Karen Pickering   Wintertime is always hard for me. I have to really kick myself to get outside and go for a ride. As I’m writing this it’s the end of January so no telling if the wet and cold will still …

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Being Grateful and Achieving Your Goals by Karen Pickering   I struggle some days with what the ideal life looks like. Right now it would be less stress, make everyone happy, make time to ride my horse every day, be fit, be financially set, time to draw and be creative …

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