From My Saddle
Enjoying Life in Balance
Karen Pickering, Publisher
September 1, 2006

Is living life in balance easier to accomplish in the summer? I’m not sure if age and maturity are allowing me to choose balance or if the weather is so beautiful it calls me outside to ride my horse? This summer the choice seems more necessary and easier to make.

I’ve purchased a “permanent campsite” at Cowboy Campsite in Lyman, Washington and it has really made a difference for me. I don’t have to reserve a campsite, it’s only an hour from home, and when I get there I’m in a different world. It is a great new concept and it sure works for me. It is adjacent to hundreds of miles of public trails so I can ride alone or with friends and come back to my campsite, a campfire, loved ones, a corral for my horse and my RV and life takes on a different perspective.

These choices for balance have been difficult ones for me. It is so easy for me to keep working endlessly because I enjoy that too. However it doesn’t make for a healthy lifestyle. Part of balance for me is taking time to celebrate milestones with family, friends and co-workers. July was marked with several milestones for NWHS.

Mother turned 88 and she’s still working with us on the magazine! My husband Mark, quit his job with UPS to work with the magazine full time, and we have hired another designer, Randy Bourland to help us out with article design. We also have a marketing person who’s been working with the magazine for nearly a year and is doing a wonderful job. Last weekend we had a milestone picnic celebration up at Cowboy Campsite. I enjoy the balance this is bringing me.

This month our focus is boarding and training. Barb Hento, a 40-year veteran barn manager shares her tips on “Home Sweet Boarding” – how to decide if boarding is right for you, and what to look for in a boarding stable (see page 6). Check out the “More Online Resource” area on our website. In our efforts to be the educational resource for recreational riders, we have created this area to bring you articles related to our editorial focus, as well as articles of general interest to our readers. Each month there will be a column in the magazine “More Online Resources” listing the resources available for the current month (See page 59).

Also, back by popular demand, is the Senior Horse Essay Contest for 2006. This year we need your essay on “What My Senior Horse Has Taught Me” along with your favorite photo. The deadline for submission is near the end of September, so please see pages 41 & 43 for complete instructions and get busy on those inspirational stories.

We’re fortunate to have quality writers that who are willing to share their resources and the latest information to help you be more successful with your horse keeping and enjoy a beneficial and growing relationship with your equine partner. Sharon, our editor, works very hard to bring you the best writer’s in our region as well as tips that work for our part of the country and any discipline of interest.

Our commitment to be the best all-breed, all-discipline educational resource, is on the top of our list every month. So please take the time to complete our Reader’s survey on page 36, or go online to www.nwhorsesource/survey. We’re asking you to take approximately 15 minutes of your time to tell us what YOU enjoy about the magazine and changes we can make to serve you better. In appreciation for your efforts, we will enter your name in a drawing for prizes including a $250 gift certificate from Dover Saddlery, $1,000 off the purchase of a “campsite” at Cowboy Campsite in Lyman, WA and a $250 feed certificate from Nutrena Feeds (See page 36 for details).

Enjoy the beautiful fall and choose a more balanced life. Get on that horse and ride!


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