Katie Van Slyke’s Running Springs Farm Prepares for Foaling Season

Katie Van Slyke, a respected name in horse breeding, is thrilled to introduce her followers to the upcoming foaling season at Running Springs Farm. With anticipation mounting for this special time of year, Katie walks us through the expected foals and details each "baby mama" and her "baby daddy" highlighting the lineage, due dates, and expectations for each precious arrival.

What is Foaling Season, and Why January Birthdays Matter?

At Running Springs, Katie and her team carefully plan the breeding and birthing schedule, aiming to have most foals arrive after January 1st. This strategy is important because horses born earlier in the year have an advantage in show circuits like AQHA and other associations, where all horses share a January 1st birthday for competition purposes. Foals born on December 28th, for instance, would officially turn a year old just days later, on January 1st, impacting their eligibility and competitiveness in yearling shows.

Meet the Foal Mamas: Expecting Mares at Running Springs

Running Springs Farm has a stellar lineup of mares expecting foals in 2025. Each one brings unique genetics, accomplishments, and potential that Katie can’t wait to see shine in the next generation of Running Springs horses.

1. Erlene (Big E) - Due January 16th

Erlene, or "Big E" is a first-time mom at Running Springs. A former Hunter Under Saddle competitor by Allocate Your Assets and out of the mare Red Carpet Rita, Erlene boasts a decorated show career with top placements at events like the All-American Quarter Horse Congress. Bred to Katie’s stallion, VS Code Red, Erlene's foal is expected to bring a remarkable blend of athleticism and elegance, with hopes for a striking red roan filly.

2. Kennedy - Due January 29th

Kennedy joined the Running Springs family recently and is already expecting her first foal with Running Springs. Bred to the accomplished stallion Machine Made, known for producing top Western Pleasure horses, Kennedy herself is by VS Code Red and out of Cool Lookin Lady, making her a congress champion and NSBA world champion. This foal promises a range of potential coat colors and a pedigree stacked with Western Pleasure success.

3. Ginger - Due February 10th

Ginger is a special homebred mare at Running Springs. The daughter of VS Code Red and Beyonce, Ginger's foal will be a full sibling to her previous foal, Freddy, who delighted Katie and fans alike when he was born earlier this year. Ginger was bred to Cool Breeze, a red stallion and Congress Champion known for his outstanding offspring in Western Pleasure. Katie eagerly awaits to see if this foal takes after Ginger’s unique charm and impressive lineage.

4. Ethel (Surrogate for Beyonce) - Due February 11th

Beyonce, a beloved broodmare at Running Springs, retired from carrying her own foals after an injury but still contributes to the farm's legacy through embryo transfers. This season, Ethel is carrying one of Beyonce's embryos with VS Code Red. Katie is especially excited to see if this full sibling to Ginger and Stevie will resemble its older siblings or bring an entirely new look to the family line.

5. Annie - Due February 21st

Annie is another homebred mare at Running Springs, but with a unique backstory. Katie purchased an embryo from the mare Vested Wishes, breeding it with Hot N Blazing to produce Annie. Annie's impressive build and versatility make her an ideal candidate for Western and all-around events. This season, she's expecting a foal by Cool Ladies Man, and given Annie's last pregnancy extended to 345 days, Katie is curious if this foal will also arrive fashionably late!

6. Phoebe (Surrogate for Goody Goody Gumdrops) - Due March 13th

Phoebe is a leased mare carrying an embryo from the accomplished mare Goody Goody Gumdrops and VS Code Red. Katie chose this pairing with a goal of producing a potential stallion prospect, using sexed semen to ensure a male foal. Goody Goody Gumdrops has produced numerous champions, including the well-known stallion VS Goodride. Though she may be a temporary addition to Running Springs, Katie hopes Phoebe will remain a part of the family.

7. Gracie (Surrogate for Beyonce) - Due March 14th

Gracie, another surrogate for Beyonce, is carrying a foal that will be a full sibling to Stevie and Ginger. Despite a heartbreaking experience last year, when her foal was born prematurely, Katie has ensured Gracie is healthy and ready to carry this foal. This foal, like the others, is by VS Code Red, and Katie is eager to see the unique characteristics Gracie's foal will bring to the Running Springs legacy.

6. Happy - Due April 15th

Happy joined Running Springs shortly before giving birth to a foal earlier this year. Katie used Happy to carry an embryo from the accomplished mare Marilyn Monroe and VS Code Red. Marilyn Monroe has an impressive track record in Western Pleasure, and Katie hopes for a flashy foal with her signature quality and grace.

The Future of Running Springs Foals

As foaling season approaches, Running Springs Farm buzzes with excitement, as Katie Van Slyke and her team await the arrival of the newest members of their equine family. Each mare brings a unique background and prestigious bloodlines that make Running Springs foals highly anticipated for competition and breeding programs alike.

Whether you're following for the thrill of foaling season or intrigued by the intricacies of horse breeding at Running Springs, Katie Van Slyke's journey promises to be filled with joy, anticipation, and the magic of new life. Keep an eye on Running Springs Farm to see which of these foals makes their debut in January and the unfolding legacy they bring to the world of competitive horse breeding. If you want to watch the video of Katie interacting with these beautiful mares click here!