The Unexpected Gift: Triumph through Trials
by Karen Pickering
As we approach the end of winter and prepare for spring, I am reminded that there is always something to be thankful for. It has become so apparent what is truly important in life. Things can change in moment, like they did for us on December 11th. Mark’s stroke has forever changed our lives. Through it all, I’m amazed by the generosity of our community. People started contributing immediately: financially, bringing meals, taking care of my animals, charity horse events and fixing our car so we can get it sold. The list seems endless. I’m not sure I would have made it without all of you so, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
Trials in life are inevitable so I’m trying to look at Mark’s current medical condition with fresh eyes. Moving forward and getting back to work is a blessing. I know recently I may not have responded promptly when people called or emailed, but I finally had to realize I was just not going to get some things done. Having to depend so much on others has been humbling; we’ve never had to ask for this kind of help.
We’ve added a new staff member to get us through some transitions coming. Nicole Sorbo, a dear friend, has come on board a few hours a week to take up some of the slack. We also have another website redesign coming. This time it will be “responsive” which means it will be easily viewed from your smart phone or tablet. You techy types will enjoy having access to our content anytime, anywhere.
Please enjoy our cover story on page 6 this month. Barn Pros is a great company based right here in Washington and serves national and international clients. They have a first class staff to help create your perfect barn.
Finally, we’ll be at the Northwest Horse Fair and Expo in Albany, OR March 20-22. I’m looking forward to seeing some of you there; it’s a great weekend of shopping, clinics and demos.
Remember to enjoy your horse time—I have a new appreciation for mine!
“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.” ~ Walter Elliot
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.
