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10 Basic Cow Terms Every Beginner in Cattle Farming Should Know

10 Basic Cow Terms Every Beginner in Cattle Farming Should Know

If you're new to cattle farming or simply fascinated by life on the ranch, you've probably heard terms like heifer, bull, or seed stock and wondered what they mean. Learning...

5 Creative Things to Do with Your Calendar (Besides Just Checking the Date)

5 Creative Things to Do with Your Calendar (Besides Just Checking the Date)

A good wall calendar is more than just a place to mark birthdays and vet appointments, it's a fun, functional piece of your daily life. Whether yours features your favorite...

A Doozy of a Cattle Sale, New Calves, and Happy Accidents

A Doozy of a Cattle Sale, New Calves, and Happy Accidents

Hey y'all, what a weekend it's been! Between the chaos of the cattle sale, some accidental bids (oops), and a brand-new baby calf born while we were gone, it's safe...

katie with amazon box

17 Amazon Prime Day Finds You'll Actually Use (Katie Van Slyke's Favorites!)

It's that time again, Amazon Prime Day is here! Whether you're shopping for your home, barn, or beauty routine, I rounded up some of my absolute favorite finds that are...

7 Things Your Goats Will Love to Play With (And Why It Matters)

7 Things Your Goats Will Love to Play With (And Why It Matters)

Goats are natural explorers, climbers, and mischief-makers. If they're not nibbling on hay or testing your fences, they're looking for something fun to get into. That's why enrichment is such...

7 Things a Donkey Will Not Tolerate (They're Real Asses About It)

7 Things a Donkey Will Not Tolerate (They're Real Asses About It)

Donkeys may look calm and easygoing, but don't let those floppy ears fool you. These animals are smart, sassy, and very clear about what they will (and will not) tolerate....

11 Horse Facts You Probably Didn't Know

11 Horse Facts You Probably Didn't Know

Hey y'all, Katie Van Slyke here! Horses have been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I'm still learning new things about them every single...

Horse Terminology: Walk, Trot, Jog, Lope, and Canter Explained

Horse Terminology: Walk, Trot, Jog, Lope, and Canter Explained

Welcome to a new educational series with Katie Van Slyke. This series will introduce important horse terminology, the words and concepts that come up in everyday riding, training, horse showing,...

The Best Accessories to Pair with Shoe Charms

The Best Accessories to Pair with Shoe Charms

Y'all know I'm obsessed with shoe charms, they're the cutest way to make any pair of Crocs or charm-ready shoes totally unique. But if you're like me and your collection...

Opening Day of Dove Hunting with Katie Van Slyke

Opening Day of Dove Hunting with Katie Van Slyke

There are a lot of exciting days in the year, but for me, opening day of dove season is hands down one of the best. Dove hunting is a tradition...

Beginner Horse Riding Lessons: What to Expect in the Barn

Beginner Horse Riding Lessons: What to Expect in the Barn

If you're new to the equestrian world, horse riding can feel both exciting and intimidating. From catching a horse in the pasture to grooming, saddling, lunging, and finally riding, there's...

Katie giving jack a bath

Jack's First Bath: A Mini Horse Adventure in Horse Care

Life on the farm is never dull, especially when there are foals running around. Today, I want to share the story of Jack, our spirited little mini horse colt who...

Mini horse with foal

Mini Horse Breeding Season Preview

It's an exciting time here at the mini farm! Today, I'm sharing a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most anticipated parts of horse breeding season: pregnancy checks. Not only...

When is Horse Breeding Season? 2026 Foaling Season Preview

When is Horse Breeding Season? 2026 Foaling Season Preview

Now that all the Running Springs broodmares who are expecting foals in 2026 are on the property, it's time to share an update! If you've been following along with my...

Registered Names of my Mini Horses and Cattle

Registered Names of my Mini Horses and Cattle

Hi friends, I thought it would be fun to give y'all a behind-the-scenes look at the official registered names of some of my animals, both the mini horse crew and...

Katie with Denver and VS Code Red

Meet the Herd: All the Registered Names at Running Springs

Let's be honest, I'm not totally sure how many horses I have at this point. I think we're sitting somewhere around 30, but the numbers shift as babies are born,...