Katie Van Slyke's Horse Breeding Update: Broodmare Bump Date

If you'd like the watch the Broodmare Update Video, click here!

This update gives a month-by-month, close-up view of her broodmares as they approach their due dates. Katie provides a glimpse into her horse breeding journey, sharing insights on each mare's progress, challenges, and triumphs. This season, with eight broodmares in foal, Katie's barn is bustling with anticipation as she prepares to welcome new additions to her herd.

Katie Van Slyke's breeding program centers around her standout stallion, VS Code Red, renowned for producing foals with exceptional movement and winning potential. Her meticulous selection of broodmares, each with impressive backgrounds in competitive arenas, further elevates her breeding operation. Here's a sneak peek into Katie's recent broodmare update, complete with size measurements, due dates, and a little behind-the-scenes insight into each mare.

Meet the Broodmares: Upcoming Due Dates and Belly Bumps

Katie's first broodmare, Erlene, is due to foal on January 16th. At 88 inches around, this seven-year-old mare is the first on Katie's watchlist. Erlene was a competitive show horse before a foot injury retired her to broodmare duties. Her match with VS Code Red promises a foal with stellar movement and potential for the competitive circuit.

Next up is Kennedy, due January 29th. Kennedy is relatively new to Katie's breeding program, but she boasts an impressive track record, including multiple world championships. Kennedy's broodmare bump measures 86 inches, showing a healthy but modest size. Katie is excited about this mare’s potential, as Kennedy has already produced top-quality foals through embryo transfer before carrying one herself this season.

Another mare, Ginger, is due on February 10th. At only three years old, she’s one of the youngest in Katie's program. Though on the smaller side at 81 inches, Katie is carefully monitoring Ginger's health and diet to help her gain weight. Ginger recently had her teeth floated to address discomfort that was impacting her food intake, and she's expected to make gains as her due date approaches.

Ethel, one of the larger mares, measures a substantial 92 inches around and is due on February 11th. Known for her substantial appetite and easy ability to gain weight, Ethel is carrying a foal from Katie's prized mare, Beyoncè. Katie is keeping an eye on Ethel's diet to ensure she stays healthy through her pregnancy. Given her size, Ethel is likely to deliver one of the largest foals this season.

Annie is scheduled to foal on February 21st, but with her history of going past her due date, Katie anticipates she may give birth in early March. At nine years old, Annie is a mare Katie bred and raised herself. She carries a foal by Cool Ladies Man, a younger stallion Katie selected for his pedigree and potential. Despite her modest bump of 87 inches, Annie could surprise everyone with a larger belly closer to her due date.

March and April Deliveries: Keeping Up with the Bump Dates

Phoebe, another broodmare, is due March 13th and measures 89 inches. She is carrying a foal from the late mare Goody Goody Gumdrops, one of Katie's past champions. Katie is especially excited about this foal, having used sexed semen to increase the chances of a colt, something she's been hoping for in this breeding season.

Gracie, at 14 hands, is one of the smallest mares in Katie’s broodmare lineup. She measures 88.75 inches around and is due in late March. Gracie's compact build and history as a trail horse make her an interesting contrast to the larger, sport-bred mares in Katie's program. Yet, despite her small stature, Gracie has produced healthy, well-sized foals, and Katie is optimistic about this foal as well.

Finally, there's Happy, another surrogate mare, carrying an embryo from the renowned Marilyn Monroe. Happy is due on April 15th but has shown a tendency to foal slightly early. Measuring 87.75 inches, Happy is right on track for a healthy delivery. Katie is eager to see how this particular foal develops, given Marilyn Monroe's reputation and the genetic contributions of VS Code Red.

The Anticipation of Breeding Season

Katie Van Slyke's horse breeding operation is as much about maintaining high standards as it is about sharing the journey with her fans. Her monthly "broodmare bump dates" serve as an educational experience for those interested in horse breeding. Fans can track each mare's journey, learn about the breeding process, and share in the excitement of watching these remarkable animals prepare to welcome their foals.

Horse breeding is a time-intensive and carefully managed process. From choosing the right stallions to ensuring mares receive optimal care, Katie's dedication shows in her commitment to each horse’s health and well-being. Every mare in her lineup contributes something unique, whether it's her bloodline, temperament, or athletic history, and each foal is a carefully crafted result of selective breeding practices.

For fans, Katie's bump dates are more than just updates; they are an immersive experience into the world of horse breeding. With due dates spread out from January through April, Katie Van Slyke's barn is gearing up for an eventful season, and the countdown to each delivery is on. As the foaling season approaches, Katie's followers will continue to see regular updates on TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, offering a close look at the new foals and the future of her breeding program.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a seasoned horse enthusiast or new to the world of breeding, Katie Van Slyke's monthly broodmare updates are a captivating way to stay connected with her journey. This year's crop of foals promises exceptional potential, and each month brings Katie and her fans one step closer to welcoming the newest additions to her legacy. Be sure to follow Katie on social media for the latest in horse breeding, broodmare updates, and, of course, those much-anticipated foaling announcements.