News
How to Groom a Horse: Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide
Hi y'all, Katie Van Slyke here! Grooming a horse is one of the very first things you'll learn at the barn, and honestly, it never stops being one of my...
Do Female Highland Cows Have Horns? Male vs. Female Differences Explained
I run a herd of 8 miniature Highland cattle at Running Springs. Everything in this article is sourced from breed authorities or comes from first-hand experience raising and watching them...
The Length of Pregnancy for Horses: How Long Is a Mare's Pregnancy?
I run a working Quarter Horse breeding program at Running Springs, where I track every one of my pregnant mares from breeding all the way to foaling, season after season....
How Big Do Mini Highland Cows Get? Size Chart, Weight, and What to Know Before You Buy
I run a herd of 8 miniature Highland cattle at Running Springs, including Poppy, Petunia, and the rest of the "P" crew. Every measurement and recommendation here is sourced or...
How to Catch a Horse in the Pasture (Without Losing Your Mind)
Hi y'all, Katie Van Slyke here! If you've ever spent twenty minutes walking circles around a pasture while your horse side-eyes you and trots the other direction, you know the...
Mini Highland Cow vs. Regular Highland Cow: What's the Difference?
Hi y'all, Katie Van Slyke here! I raise both miniature Highland cattle and full-size Simmental cattle at Running Springs, so I get this question constantly: "What's actually different about a...
How Much Does a Mini Cow Cost? A Real Owner's Breakdown
Hi y'all, Katie Van Slyke here! "How much is a mini cow?" is probably the number one question I get in my DMs, and the honest answer is: it depends....
What to Expect: Your First Time Riding a Horse
Hi y'all, Katie Van Slyke here! Horse riding for beginners can feel equal parts exciting and terrifying, and I get it. The first time you sit in a saddle and...
My Mini Highland Cow Journey: Raising 8 Fluffy Girls at Running Springs
Hi y'all, Katie Van Slyke here! Raising mini Highland cows has been the most surprising, rewarding, and humbling part of building Running Springs. Three years ago I brought home two...
Horse Terms Every Beginner Should Know
Hi y'all, Katie Van Slyke here! If you have ever stood at a barn and felt completely lost while everyone else fired off horse terms you...
Horse Placenta 101: Anatomy, Foaling & Retained Placenta
Hi y'all, Katie Van Slyke here, and today I want to walk you through one of the most overlooked but critically important parts of horse breeding: the horse placenta. If...
Podcasts Katie Van Slyke Has Been Featured On
Over the years, Katie Van Slyke has had the opportunity to join a variety of podcasts as a guest, sharing her experiences in the equine industry, agriculture, outdoor life, and...
The Essentials For Foaling Season
Here at Running Springs, we are officially deep into foal watch, and if you have ever been through a foaling season, you know that preparation is everything. We are waiting...
How Many Animals Does Katie Van Slyke Have? The 2026 Count
As of my most recent count, we care for roughly 176 animals across the whole operation at Running Springs. That crew includes about 42 equines (full-sized Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds, miniature...
Bump Dates, Bellies, and Babies!
Hi y'all, Katie Van Slyke here, and I realized something recently. We have not done an official bump date yet going into the 2026 foaling season. So today felt like...
How to Measure a Horse and Identify Canter Leads in Equestrian
Working with horses is one of the most rewarding parts of life on a farm, whether you are involved in horse breeding, training young prospects, or simply improving your skills...