I recently had the privilege to attend a driving clinic at Faith Equestrian Center in Birch Bay, Washington. Amber Weinmann and Katherine Smith gave it specifically for people new to driving miniature horses. The facility is ideal; it’s definitely the kind of place I dream about. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you understand the challenges of riding or driving in the winter months. Rain, wind and darkness prevail.
The best part of Faith Equestrian Center is how it’s set up. There’s plenty of parking and the home is the front portion of the structure. The top two floors are living space and the bottom of the living space is a beautiful warm room, ideal for hosting events. A huge window overlooks the arena so you can easily watch arena activity. There’s a large aisleway with stalls off the side of the arena. You can easily take care of your horses and never have to go outside.
I have always dreamed of a barn/home combination. It’s certainly more practical if horses are your life. I have a nice place and it’s affordable, but I guess we always long for something more. I’ve struggled with this my entire life. Seems like I never have enough.
I’m reminded to be grateful for what I have. I’m making some changes in my life and writing in a gratitude journal every day is one of the exercises I’ve added to my daily routine. I think gratitude opens you up to being able to receive more into your life.
If you’re dreaming of horses and love being around them or want to get involved in a new equestrian community, join us at the upcoming horse expos and events. We start out at the Washington State Horse Expo March 6-8 and then The Northwest Horse Fair & Expo is March 20-22. Also, Washington Back Country Horsemen’s Rendezvous is the same weekend, so there’s another opportunity to get involved.
Next month we’ll be at the Small Farm Expo on April 4 and then the following weekend is the Idaho Horse Expo April 10-12. I love the expos because you can see so many events and products under one roof. You can mingle, learn, shop and just breathe in horse stuff all weekend.
I hope to see you at one of the expos. Please stop by our booth and tell me about the barn you’re dreaming about!
Quote: Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.
Napoleon Hill – 1883-1970 – Author
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.
