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, go off to training, or come home. So today's blog isn't just for y'all, it's for me, too. I'm walking through the registered names of every horse in the barn, from our seasoned show mares to the up-and-coming foals we've bred here. If you've ever wondered how these names come to be or what makes them meaningful, buckle up, this is a deep dive into our horse breeding journey, one name at a time.

The Role of a Registered Name

Every horse that's officially registered with a breed association, like AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) or the Jockey Club for thoroughbreds, must have a unique name. These names often honor their bloodlines, hint at their barn names, or just reflect something quirky and fun. It's a tradition I love, and in my breeding program, I've made it a rule that all babies born here start with "RS" for Running Springs.

Hot Pistol Annie and RS Son of a Gun

Let's start with Annie, our homebred mare named Hot Pistol Annie. She was raised right here and is a big part of our program. Her recip foal, Huckleberry, is officially named RS Son of a Gun, kicking off the RS name we use for all our foals.

The Mystery of Phoebe

Phoebe came to us without a known past, she wasn't registered, and only had a number tag: PB106. So we gave her a fresh start and a barn name that stuck. She was the recip mare for RS Wanted N Dallas, who I'm keeping as a stallion prospect hence the catchy name. His mare and sire are Goodygoody Gumdrops and VS Code Red.

Retired Racers Turned Mamas

Some of our recip mares, like Opal (Jersey Hottie) and Willow (Willie U.), were successful on the track before stepping into their new roles as broodmares. Others, like Charlotte (Moro Charlotte) and Maggie (Brenda's Doll), came from strong lines but never raced. Regardless of their past, these mares now raise incredible foals that carry forward the best traits from their pedigrees.

Paint Horses and Playful Names

Bo, our beloved Paint Horse, is registered as Bodeous Legacy, a name that may have started as a spelling slip-up, but one we've grown to love. And then there's Rikki (Gone Commando), whose name might just be one of my all-time favorites. I can't wait to see what fun names we come up with for her future foals.

Powerhouse Dams and the Dam Line Obsession

If you've followed me for a while, you know I'm obsessed with the dam line in horse breeding. Names like Red Carpet Debut (Erlene), RS MarryAMillionaire (Millie), and RS Full of Elegance (Wheezy) all pay tribute to their maternal lineage. That connection to the dam tells a story, not just of who the horse is, but where they come from and the legacy they carry.

The Yearlings and Foals of the Future

The babies around here have some of the most fun names. There's RS Gumdrop Machine, RS Kopy Kat, RS Red E or Not, RS Ruby Red Slippers, and RS Have You Met Ted, each one chosen with care and creativity. Some names honor their sires or dams, others just reflect their unique looks or personality.

Our yearling stallion RS Black Ice is one I'm especially excited about. Out of La India Elegant and sired by Full Metal Jacket, his name reflects both pedigree and personality. And his sister, Wheezy (RS Full of Elegance), shares that same thoughtful naming strategy.

The Stallions: Present and Future

We've saved the big guys for last. First, there's Denver, our young stallion, still in training and growing into his role. His registered name is First Thingz First, a nod to his dam VS The First Lady. We're expecting his first foals in 2026, and the anticipation is real.

Then, of course, there's VS Code Red, the cornerstone of our program and one of the most important sires in the barn. His lineage goes straight back to Blazing Hot and Vital Signs Are Good, two of the most iconic AQHA horses in history. His name carries legacy, power, and responsibility, and his foals have been making names for themselves for decades.

Final Thoughts

Whether they're born from champion lines or rescued with unknown stories, every horse here has a name that means something. Each one plays a part in my passion for horse breeding, and I love seeing our foals grow up and carry these names into the show ring, the pasture, or wherever life takes them.