Join Us in Supporting the Horse Industry
It’s been fun going back to the expos. By the time this magazine is published, I’ll have been to three trade shows over the spring. These shows energize me. I love the people, learning new things, and meeting industry leaders. The first expo we attended was the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo at the National Western facility in Denver. It’s like being part of a family, seeing familiar faces each time I go. Even though I’m originally from the Pacific Northwest I got to see some of the same clinicians I’ve known for years and seen at other expos.
I recently joined the Colorado Horse Council and look forward to starting fresh in a new region. Horse councils play an important role in the equine industry. They lobby for our interests and create a cohesive community of leaders who fight for change. I’ve always said if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. It’s so easy to sit back and criticize how things are being done when you don’t have skin in the game. Step up and contribute by becoming a member to support the efforts of those who have committed to being a voice in the industry.
While at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo, I met the author of Never Trust a Sneaky Pony, Madison Seamans, MS, DVM. Seamans is a veterinarian, writer, and artist. He markets his book through Trafalgar Square Books, but you can order it through our website as well. He is witty, down to earth, and a real hoot. I also had a wonderful conversation with Van Hargis, a well-known clinician, along with other great people representing the horse industry.
As responsible horse owners we need to support our organizations. Even if we can’t participate, our dues help cover the expenses that go into keeping equine organizations alive. Quality information and services are not free. Many organizations are run by volunteers who donate time and energy to support a cause they believe in.
The horse industry is a worthy cause, so consider helping us accomplish our mission to educate horse people by becoming a member of the Colorado Horse Source! It’s affordable and gives us the resources needed to showcase experts, equine businesses, and youth in our region. What if just a small percentage of horse owners contributed to their club of choice or joined the Colorado Horse Council? Imagine what we could do!
Thank you to the people who have become members of Colorado Horse Source. I have been blessed with amazing customers and members who help us continue helping horse owners be successful, responsible riders and stewards of this amazing creature we love, the horse.
See this article in the May/June 2023 online edition:
May/June 2023 Issue
Owner / Publisher | Canfield Certified Trainer
Karen Pickering is a lifelong horsewoman and the founder of The Northwest Horse Source, which began in 1995 as a small equine newsletter and grew into a respected industry publication. With more than 30 years of experience serving the horse community, Karen now focuses on helping equine businesses and organizations build visibility, credibility, and lasting relationships through online marketing, digital promotion, and educational platforms.
As a Canfield Certified Trainer, she blends proven success principles with real-world industry experience, supporting both businesses and individuals navigating change in today’s digital landscape. Karen remains deeply connected to the horse industry and is passionate about serving the community she has helped build for over three decades.
Today, Karen remains involved with every aspect of Horse Source and treasures the community of thousands who share a common passion.