Karen Pickering

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.

Saying Goodbye

August 5, 2020December 1, 2017 by Karen Pickering

A Lifetime of Friendship and Business Ventures by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher This picture depicts one of the greatest adventures of my lifetime. I was 29 years old and had just lost my father a few months prior. My friend T (Theresa) pushed until I agreed to be a …

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A Gift of Time

August 5, 2020November 1, 2017 by Karen Pickering

Experiences Make Great Gifts by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher I just finished a week in Colorado Springs with friends. It’s difficult when good friends move away, especially the horsey ones. The older I get the more I value experiences rather than things, so a visit was in order. Good …

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Keeping Healthy

August 5, 2020October 1, 2017 by Karen Pickering

The Journey to Wellness for Human and Horse by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher Over the past three years I’ve been exposed to more opinions than I can absorb. With my husband Mark’s medical issue, I’ve learned there are many ways to approach a health challenge. My biggest lesson has …

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Life Brings Learning

August 5, 2020September 1, 2017 by Karen Pickering

What Experience Has Taught Me by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher It’s hard to believe I’ve been publishing the magazine for over 21 years. The way we did things when I started looks nothing like it does now. Time passes, things change, and we either adapt or die. There is …

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Weekend Retreats

August 5, 2020August 1, 2017 by Karen Pickering

Time to Get Away and Recharge by Karen Pickering, NWHS Publisher It was a hustle to get ready to go on our first camping trip of the year. Spending time at Stonewater Camp with our church horsemen’s group is an outing I look forward to every year. Nestled in …

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I Miss Riding April

July 17, 2017 by Karen Pickering

Paying the Price for Poor Choices I have a confession. I have been amiss in my rehab plans for April. What I’ve learned in dealing with a Navicular horse is that exercise is key. Skoshie Davis has done an amazing job of getting my mare back on track but …

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Bug Off – Controlling Flies in the Barn

August 5, 2020July 15, 2017 by Karen Pickering

By Jennifer Roberts We all love spending time in the barn with our horses; but sometimes, the bugs can, well, bug us. While flies may be a fact of life, we can limit population their numbers, allowing us to enjoy the time that we spend in the barn even …

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Take Action: Calls to Congress Needed this Week!

April 8, 2020July 14, 2017 by Karen Pickering

BCHA needs your help. Calls to members of Congress are critical this week! We have learned that Congress could begin negotiations this week regarding 2018 funding for a number of programs important to horsemen, including the Land and Water Conservation Fund and recreation and trail programs administered by the federal …

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God Bless America

August 5, 2020July 1, 2017 by Karen Pickering

Grateful for 22 Years of the Northwest Horse Source by Karen Pickering I am grateful for this magnificent country. We are blessed to live in this land of opportunity; it’s astounding how many choices and resources we enjoy. Who would have imagined 10 years ago we could take magazine …

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Tack Essentials

August 5, 2020June 1, 2017 by Karen Pickering

Horse Expos Bring Wide Selection by Karen Pickering If you’ve been to a horse expo, you’ve undoubtedly found some fun new device, piece of equipment, or training tip to try. Every year there’s something new to add to your collection of gear. I love the variety that expos bring! …

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Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

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