From My Saddle

We Need Your Input to Change with the Times By Karen Pickering   When was the last time you went to a Sears store to shop? After 125 years in business, Sears is closing their doors because they were not able to change with the times. Over the past few … Read More

Are We Changing with the Times? By Karen Pickering   I’ve been publishing the Northwest Horse Source for a long time. There’s this elusive goal to be a certain size or have a particular look. I always wanted this magazine to be much like a national magazine but offered free … Read More

Life is a Series of Special Moments By Karen Pickering   I can’t believe we’re approaching Christmas already! It’s October 25th as I write this and sitting here wondering what to write about, I looked back at my December editorial from last year. It was about my best friend, T … Read More

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 … Read More

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 … Read More

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 … Read More

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 … Read More

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 … Read More

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 … Read More

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 … Read More