CLICK HERE to view the February Issue of GoMag
Featured on the cover of the 200th issue of GoMag is social media sensation and new stallion owner Katie Van Slyke of Running Springs Quarter Horse & Cattle Co. in Nolenville, Tennessee. Katie is pictured on the cover with her stallions, the legendary VS Code Red and his grandson, First Thingz First.
On August 9th, 2023, Van Slyke purchased the AQHA World and Congress Champion producing stallion, VS Code Red, aka “Waylon,” after placing a winning bid in the VS Dispersal Sale. She immediately began promoting him to the horse world through various digital platforms. She was already making waves through her social media empire, which features daily ranch life – from animal husbandry to breeding to the joys and heartbreaks of horse ownership and wanted to own a top-tier stallion.
Van Slyke admits, “When I bought Waylon, he had nothing to prove. He was already well-established and respected in the industry and was known for his mind, versatility, and famous front leg, which he put on his babies. So, I was blessed to hit the ground running with the great team at Highpoint behind him.”
Additionally, Katie purchased a second young stallion (and Waylon’s grandson), First Thingz First, aka “Denver,” from Capall Creek Farm in May of 2024. Six months later, Denver was named Reserve Three-Year-Old Pleasure Versatility Champion at the AQHA World Show under the guidance of Aaron Moses Show Horses. This year will be his first year standing to the public.
While Denver’s sire, RL Best Of Sudden, may need no introduction, his dam, VS The First Lady (aka “Kennedy”), is also an incredibly accomplished mare in her own right. She is by VS Code Red and out of the great-producing mare Cool Lookin Lady and is now an integral part of Van Slyke’s impressive broodmare band.
First Thingz First will begin his all-around career this year, with plans to be shown in the western pleasure, western riding, trail, and performance halter. It’s still hush-hush about who may be showing him in the trail and western riding, so stay tuned. Katie and Denver plan to make their western pleasure debut at The Sudden Impulse in April at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. “I’m excited because I’ll be able to show him as a limited rider and also in the Level 2 classes.”
VS Code Red and First Thingz First stand at Highpoint Performance Horses in Pilot Point, Texas. VS Code Red’s breeding fee is $5,000. First Thingz First’s stud fee is $2,250 and he will have a limited book due to being shown this year. Please contact Christi Christensen for more information at 903-816-1428 or christi.highpointperformance@gmail.com.
CLICK HERE to view the February Issue of GoMag
Cover Design: Valor Designs | Cover Photo: Kirstie Marie
The deadline for the March issue of GoMag is Friday, February 28th. To reserve your space, call or text Suzannah Fuhrman, GoHorseShow’s Co-founder and Executive Vice President at 214-449-8716 or email her at Suzannah@GoHorseShow.com. She will be happy to answer any of your questions and can help design an advertising package to fit your needs and budget perfectly. GoHorseShow…Where The Winners Go.