Making Purchases that Have Lasting Value
by Karen Pickering
Does your horse gear have special meaning to you or is strictly a tool you use to ride or control your horse? Do you recall where you purchased your first saddle or bridle? What are your priorities when purchasing tack? Of course it should fit your horse, but after that what do you look for? Do you prefer to order online or buy at a local tack store? What about consignment shopping ?
For me, a tack purchase is an investment. I want to research, touch it, hold it in my hands or sit on it before I buy. That’s just my preference. With the onslaught of eBay, Craigslist, and other online “stores” there’s a lot more choices now. I may be a bit old fashioned, but I still prefer to walk into a store and see the merchandise. In my case, I make purchases with clients who advertise because I believe in taking care of those that take care of me. It’s not only about price, it’s about the service and knowledge of the person selling you the product.
When I think of all the local stores that support our horse shows, rodeos, expos and other equestrian events, it just makes sense to spend our dollars with those that support the industry. I’ve always preferred a more personal connection, that one-on-one conversation in person or by phone. While I use Facebook and other social media, it doesn’t take the place of “old fashioned” contact with somebody.
Our cover story this month is about the 2nd annual Great Alaska Horse Expo—read the story on page 6! Come to think of it, I wonder how Alaskans make most of their tack purchases? Hmmm. I can understand mail order in a place where it’s much more difficult to drive to the nearest store. I would love some feedback from our friends up north. Enjoy this issue and get out there and do some riding. Don’t forget to clean and check your gear!
Quote: “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”
Oprah Winfrey
Published June 2013 Issue
Owner/Publisher Karen’s lifelong love of horses began at a very early age when she wore out a couple of rocking horses before convincing her parents to get her the real thing. That ill-tempered bay gelding, Brandy, was a challenge for the young horsewoman, but it drove her ambition to become a horse trainer. After attending Canyonview Equestrian College’s Horsemanship Program, Karen realized she needed work that was a little more lucrative than training, so she took a job with Customs Brokerage to pay the bills. There, she discovered an affinity for computers and a talent for creating informative, entertaining newsletters. The Northwest Horse Source began as such a letter in December 1995, with a distribution of 1000 copies for its 12 black and white pages. Now 29 years later, it’s an online magazine and website with a reach of over 10,000 per month and growing! Not bad for the results of one woman’s dream to work with horses!
Today, Karen remains involved with every aspect of the magazine and treasures the community of thousands who share a common passion.
