From My Saddle

Is Horse Care More Complicated Today? By Karen Pickering   The topic of equine wellness is on my mind a lot lately. I’m down to two horses—April and my mini, Chloe. It seems my current horses have more health issues than those I owned as a kid. My parents didn’t …

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An Ounce of Prevention can be Priceless by Karen Pickering   It was early 2009 when I received the heartbreaking news that April had navicular disease. She was only 10-years-old and in the prime of her life; a fun to ride, responsive, quick yet kind, and super loving mare. She …

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Getting an Education Makes Sense   By Karen Pickering   I’ve loved horses since I was old enough to walk. I dreamed of being a horse trainer and taming the wild steed of my dreams. My mom hoped for a curly-haired daughter that loved dolls and dresses but ended up …

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Compost System Added for Cooking Poop! By Karen Pickering   This summer has been about projects. With my husband Mark feeling better and able to do more we’ve gotten quite a few things done around the farm. This month the Northwest Horse Source is focused on training and facilities, so …

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In the Service of our Veterans By Karen Pickering   On Saturday, May 26 I found myself at the Bellingham Memorial Day Parade. A small group of local veterans from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1585, led by John Ferdon, boarded a beautifully decorated wagon owned by Paul and Gail …

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An Important Chore (Though Often Overlooked) By Karen Pickering   Recently I was gifted a harness for my miniature horse, Chloe. It’s a beautiful, heavy-duty leather harness that was in need of some TLC, so I finally sat down to clean and condition the leather. I’ve started taking driving lessons …

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Horses and Recreation Go Together By Karen Pickering   I’ve been publishing The Northwest Horse Source for over 22 years now. Just back from the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo, I’m reminded how fortunate I am to be in the industry I love. At the expo, I had a chance …

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Dreams are Free! by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher   Our March Barn and Farm issue is one of my favorites of the year. Spring is starting to unfold and more daylight brightens the spirits. Let the dreaming begin! I have lived in the same home for more than 30 years …

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More Than Just a Home for Horses by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher   My barn is not fancy. My dad built it for me in the 70s due to my relentless begging for a place for my growing collection of horses. I think I had seven horses at one time. …

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