Introducing a Horse Named Feather
by Karen Pickering
April has been the best horse anyone could ask for. She’s been a constant companion and over the years we’ve shared many memorable events. Sadly, her navicular disease has finally started to take its toll. Over the last year (during which I hardly rode her), her discomfort has gotten progressively worse. This is disheartening, to say the least.
One night at sorting practice I saw a little bay horse standing quietly tied to the cattle pens. I thought she was kind of cute so I asked about her and discovered “Feather” was in need of a new home. Now, I wasn’t looking for a horse. Opportunities never seem to present themselves when you’re in a position to buy or sell, but for some reason it didn’t matter this time. I went home that night with a new horse on my mind.
At a later sorting practice I saw the bay mare again. Chase had ridden her earlier and encouraged me to saddle up and give her a go. Feather is young and unproven (even though she’d had training) and it had been a long time since I’d ridden any horse but April. Still, there was just something that drew me to this horse.
Long story short? I had a blast! She was quiet, responsive and I felt quite safe on her. She felt completely different than April, but that’s ok. I’d hoped April would recover and be my riding partner for years to come, but I was longing to ride again so I made a decision, a surprisingly easy one.
Feather is now visiting Cindi Plendl at Butler Hill Equestrian Center to get exposure to obstacles. She’s going to need this for all the activities we’ll be doing together. Read all about this incredible, and affordable, year-round riding facility on page 6 and stay tuned to my blog for more adventures with my new horse. I hope to cross paths with many of you at various events in the coming year.
Quote: Life is a promise, fulfill it…
~ Mother Teresa
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.
