From My Saddle
Welcome to 2006!
by Karen Pickering
January 31, 2006

It’s that time of year once again for new beginnings, fresh starts, New Year’s Resolutions and more!

Okay, I know we all have the opportunity to do this at the beginning of each new year, and this year I’m going to take the bait again and commit to making a difference in my life and in the lives of others. The difference this year is that I’m getting a head start. Maybe my inspiration is the experience of the NWHS celebrating it’s 10th year of existence. I’m thankful, proud and amazed at the kindness and generosity of others. So I’ve decided to make the best of the resources I’ve been given to make a difference.

Looking back over the years and my humble beginnings, I’ve come to realize that part of the formula to success is having good people behind me. Good people have come and gone, but their presence, no matter how brief, has helped the magazine to survive many challenges and changes. I cannot even begin to list the family and friends who’ve helped, supported, encouraged, listened and jumped in with both feet to help out in a pinch. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

During the summer I bought a book called “Getting Things Done.” Part of getting my “head start” on the New Year is to pick the book back up and finish reading it, determined to implement the suggestions. Admittedly I have issues with time management. I’m easily distracted and often find myself wondering just how I’m going to get it all done instead of jumping in and doing it. One of the things I’m learning is that without a plan, I won’t get it done. I’m still amazed at how I overlook the simplest of strategies and tend to search for some deep, profound reason for why I do things or don’t do them. This book has convinced me that I’m going back to the simple. Simplify, Delegate and Delete is my new mantra for 2006. I’ll let you know how it works out!

This issue is our 10th annual Stallion issue. We have a great selection of stallions throughout these pages. Our cover story focuses on a growing breed that got its start in the United States, right here in the Northwest - the Irish Draught Horse. Check out this wonderful, heartwarming story of a person with a vision for what their breed could do for fellow equestrians. See the cover story in this issue.

We invite advertisers to introduce yourselves to the NWHS family. Our recent reader survey results will help you learn to know our readers better so you can advertise items they are most likely to use. Our publication will give your farm, products and services or horse for sale the exposure it needs. We offer both magazine and online advertising venues. Don’t miss another issue. Whether you’re looking for advice on working with your horse, improving your property or a way to market your business, we’re here to help! Give us a call today at 360.332.5579.

As we enter our 11th year we encourage you to keep us informed about how we’re doing. Whether you let us know in the form of a letter to the editor, email us or go online to complete a survey, we’d like to know your thoughts!

Thanks again for the fulfilling opportunity of serving you with information and resources to develop a partnership with your equine friends! Have a great month and remember to ride!


Copyright © 2008 The NW Horse Source