From My Saddle Archives – The Northwest Horse Source

From My Saddle: Technology Woes

May 18, 2025May 18, 2025 by Karen Pickering

Is All This Tech Really Helping? As I write this, I have just returned home from the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo in Albany, Oregon. I love this event and look forward to it every year. It feeds my soul. I love reconnecting with customers and friends and meeting new …

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From My Saddle: Embracing Simplicity

April 8, 2025 by Karen Pickering

Chip in "my little barn". NWHS Photo

Reflections on Winter, Change, and Gratitude The winter months in Colorado can be brutal. With below-zero temperatures in January and February, even the simplest chores became a challenge. My hands ached within minutes of stepping outside. I’ve often dreamed of a new barn—heated tack room, wash rack, and hay storage …

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From My Saddle: Using Feedback to Our Advantage

March 12, 2025 by Karen Pickering

Karen’s mom helping at the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo in the late 90s.

Learning is a Valuable Tool March is one of my favorite times of year. There are two horse expos that I enjoy attending and participating in: The Northwest Horse Fair & Expo in Albany, Oregon, March 21-23 and the Idaho Horse Expo in Nampa, April 4-6. Both expos are a …

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From My Saddle: Seasons in Life

February 18, 2025 by Karen Pickering

Karen and her late horse April in Yellowstone.

Change is the One Sure Thing I’ve enjoyed 30 years publishing the Northwest Horse Source. It’s been a dream career, and I’m truly blessed to work in an industry I love. While it’s never been lucrative financially, it’s been rich in experience, friendships, travel, and more. From horse shows to …

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From My Saddle: Time to Recharge

January 20, 2025 by Karen Pickering

Karen riding Blue Moon at Vista Verde Ranch in Colorado.

Ranch Getaway Replenishes My Soul In November I had an opportunity to visit a beautiful ranch near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Vista Verde Ranch was featured on the cover of our November issue, and you’ll read about my experience in an upcoming issue. The time away from work and cell phones …

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From My Saddle: Friends for Life

December 24, 2024 by Karen Pickering

Wendy (left) and Karen, best friends, celebrate their shared birthday.

How Horses Bring People Together I recently celebrated my 63rd birthday with my best friend, Wendy, who has her birthday on the same day. We spent the day doing things together rather than spend money on gifts. We visited the mining town of Cripple Creek, Colorado, and our husbands, Mark …

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From My Saddle: Fall Colors

November 18, 2024 by Karen Pickering

Embracing the Season I went for a ride this morning. What a beautiful day and a splendid way to start the day. Sometimes when I’m stuck on a challenge in my office, I find it helps to pull myself away and get some perspective on the back of my horse. …

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From My Saddle: Take a Breath – Fall has Arrived

October 19, 2024 by Karen Pickering

Chip & Chloe - NWHS Photo

Reflection During the Changing Season At The Northwest Horse Source, we have deadlines. The new issue is always out by the first of the month. To do this, we have a schedule. This month I really missed the mark. I’m a week late writing my column. Admittedly I’ve slowed down …

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From My Saddle: Looking Back on Summer Rides

September 13, 2024 by Karen Pickering

Chip on the Trail. Photo by NWHS.

Finally, Some Saddle Time! It’s been a crazy year. Many things are in the works and the one activity I love—riding— suffers the most. A couple of weeks ago I finally got some saddle time. Both my horse and I were rusty, but we managed to find a couple of …

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From My Saddle: Living My Passion

August 21, 2024 by Karen Pickering

Karen & April

Change is Good, Necessary, and Sometimes Hard Many of you are unaware that I moved to Colorado in 2021, but let me share some thoughts on the subject. I had been wanting change for several years. Living in the same place for 36 years I grew restless, looking for change. …

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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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