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 at Running Springs.
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.
How AQHA Horse Names Actually Work
Here’s a little trivia for the curious: the AQHA gives you up to 20 characters, including spaces, to name a registered Quarter Horse, and no two horses can carry the exact same registered name at the same time. That’s why you see so many clever spellings and plays on words, breeders are working inside real limits and trying to stand out.
It’s also why a strong name usually nods to the sire, the dam, or a barn name everyone already uses. Once you know the rules, you start reading a horse’s name like a little family tree, which is exactly why I love them so much.
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.
Can’t get enough of the boys? Our Katie’s Classics collection has the everyday Running Springs staples that horse folks love to live in.
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.
Want to Meet Even More of the Crew?
If you loved this peek into the horse side of Running Springs, the rest of the mini farm has its own roster of registered names too. Read the registered names of my mini horses and cattle here.
You can also see the full count of every single animal on the farm in our annual animal count, and check out our 2026 foaling season preview for the broodmares we’re watching, their due dates, and predictions for the next round of RS-prefix foals.
Want to wear your favorites? The mini farm crew has merch too, from our mini cows and mini horses to the donkeys.
Shop Running Springs
So many of these animals have inspired the designs in our store. If a name in this post made you smile, there’s a good chance the herd is on a tee or hat somewhere. Browse the newest drops or shop the whole lineup below.
Shop All Running Springs Merch
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the “RS” prefix mean in Katie Van Slyke’s horse names?
RS stands for Running Springs, our farm. I’ve made it a rule that every foal born here carries the RS prefix in its registered name, so you can always tell which horses were bred at Running Springs.
What is VS Code Red’s registered name?
VS Code Red is both his barn name and his registered name. He’s the cornerstone sire of our program, and his lineage traces straight back to Blazing Hot and Vital Signs Are Good, two of the most iconic AQHA horses in history.
What is Denver’s registered name?
Denver is registered as First Thingz First, a nod to his dam, VS The First Lady. He’s our younger stallion, still in training, with his first foals expected in 2026.
How are AQHA horses named?
The AQHA allows up to 20 characters, including spaces, and no two horses can hold the exact same registered name at the same time. Most names honor the sire, the dam, or a barn name, which is why so many of them read like a little pedigree.
How many horses does Katie Van Slyke have?
Honestly, the number moves around a lot. We’re usually somewhere around 30 horses, but it shifts as foals are born, horses head off to training, and others come home.
About the Author
Hi, I am Katie Van Slyke, and I share my daily life at Running Springs farm with millions of wonderful people online. I am best known for raising a huge variety of animals, from Quarter horses to famous mini Highland cows.
My true expertise lies in hands-on animal husbandry and living an authentic Tennessee outdoor lifestyle. I love bringing my everyday farm adventures and practical experience straight to you!
406 comments
Please consider RS Denver 2 Cheyenne for Cheyenne.
I love you so much im almost 11 and my dream is to be you i look up to you i hope maggie is ok and her baby girl
I love you so much im almost 11 and my dream is to be you i look up to you i hope maggie is ok and her baby girl
Hello,
I’m just wondering if my mare’s Dam RS Texas Tuffy 2001 is from Running Springs.
Thank you!!!
Willow is my first pick because I know her blood line! My second favorite is indie who gave us that beautiful colt Walter! He’s so gorgeous!