Horse Activities in Full Swing
by Karen Pickering
I lost my mom over a month ago; she was 93 years old. These recent expos bring back fond memories of traveling to equine events with her. She was my biggest supporter over the years and a big part of the reason I kept the magazine going through difficult times.
I’m just returning from the Washington State Horse Expo, which took place February 17-19 in Ridgefield, WA. I had the privilege of riding in clinics with Raye Lochert and Barb Apple. Everyone has a different way of presenting and I find it gives me a fresh perspective with my own horse, April.
One of the highlights of my weekend was meeting a young girl named Katlyn Schaer. She attended the Cavalia Performance in Portland, Oregon late last year and wrote about her experience. It brought back memories of being a horse-crazy teenager. If you haven’t read her story, “Touched by Cavalia,” in the February issue I encourage you to check it out (www.nwhorsesource.com).
By the time this issue is in the stands I will have completed two more events in March: the Lower Mainland Quarter Horse Association Show in Langley, BC and the Northwest Horse Fair and Expo in Albany, OR. I always enjoy connecting with readers and advertisers and appreciate everyone who takes the time to stop by. We will also be venturing to Alaska for the Great Alaska Horse Expo in June. Hope to see some of you!
In this issue we feature the Western States Horse Expo. This is a great event in California; don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn and connect with other horse people.
Remember to have fun with your horse!
Karen Pickering
Quote of the month:
“There is only one way to succeed at anything and that is to give everything.” ~ Vince Lombardi
Published April 2012 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.
