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 lives on the line for our freedom. God bless you and thank you for your service to our country. I’ve included two covers from past issues that share the sentiments of the upcoming 4th of July weekend.
The first cover is from November 2001, just a couple of months after the tragedy of 9/11. We did a piece on our unsung heroes of the Seattle Police Department Mounted Unit. It was a sad time for all, but we’re a strong nation and have endured this tragedy. The second cover is from November 2012. It talks about the soldiers coming home and stories of healing through the use of horses. To me this is the ultimate “performance” horse.
A few months ago I posted this question on Facebook: “What do you say is the definition of a performance horse?” The answers were interesting: Jackie—Can earn $$; Jack—Reining, cutting, working cow horse, When the rider is in front of an audience with a clean shirt and jeans?; Jeanine—Willfullly guided, no matter what the maneuver or when; Haidee—Horse used in competition; Shelley—A performance horse is a horse working for one skill more than once or twice, and trying to master it on a regular basis. What’s your definition of a performance horse?
Enjoy this issue. We’ve got a great team of writers providing information to help you care for and use your horses in the best way possible. Have a happy 4th of July and God Bless America!
Quote: “Sharing makes you bigger than you are. The more you pour out, the more life will be able to pour in.”
Jim Rohn
Published July 2013 Issue
Owner / Publisher | Canfield Certified Trainer
Karen Pickering is a lifelong horsewoman and the founder of The Northwest Horse Source, which began in 1995 as a small equine newsletter and grew into a respected industry publication. With more than 30 years of experience serving the horse community, Karen now focuses on helping equine businesses and organizations build visibility, credibility, and lasting relationships through online marketing, digital promotion, and educational platforms.
As a Canfield Certified Trainer, she blends proven success principles with real-world industry experience, supporting both businesses and individuals navigating change in today’s digital landscape. Karen remains deeply connected to the horse industry and is passionate about serving the community she has helped build for over three decades.
