From My Saddle

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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How to Avoid Emotional Decisions by Karen Pickering   Every year I write about New Year’s resolutions. It just seems fitting to start over in January, whether it’s a new diet, a resolve to ride more, or an entire laundry list of things to change. It seems fitting to pause …

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Giving the Gift of Compassion by Karen Pickering   The holidays are always a time of wonder, reflection and celebrating a giving spirit. It reminds me what Christmas is really about: the precious time spent with friends and family and the opportunity to look for the good in people and …

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Gifts to Be Thankful For by Karen Pickering   November is a favorite time of the year for me. I love fall in the Northwest and always dive into the upcoming holiday season with great anticipation. Tight budgets have forced all of us to be a little more creative with …

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Enjoying Your Horse in Every Season by Karen Pickering   Fall is a special time of year. There’s a crispness in the air each morning and beautiful colors begin to emerge all around us. It’s a time to prepare for winter and think about our winter horse housing. Perhaps you’re …

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Choose the Resources that Further Your Education by Karen Pickering   Our educational opportunities issue is here at last! Sometimes we need fresh insight on different aspects of our horsemanship or horse care. With so many ways to get information, it can be difficult to know where to look and …

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Help Your Horse Be the Best He Can Be by Karen Pickering   What is a performance horse? Normally we think of racehorses, 3-day event horses or any horse performing at high levels of exertion. This would qualify most of our English or Western performance events. Even a trail horse …

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The Care and Keeping of Your Horse’s Tack by Karen Pickering   It’s time to break out the saddles, bridles and equipment so we can ride! This issue focuses on tack and equipment and in a lean economy it’s wise to focus on taking better care of the tack we have. …

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Spring Expos help Prepare for Summer Riding by Karen Pickering   I look forward to spring and summer as this is the time of year to get out on the trails, go camping and enjoy the outdoors. It’s a chance for our horses to stretch their legs, too, especially if …

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