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What's it like adjusting to farm life when you didn't grow up on one?
Katie Van Slyke's husband, Jonathan, shares that while he didn't grow up on a farm, he had some experience working on a pumpkin farm as a teenager. However, transitioning to life at Running Springs, where Katie keeps her horses, was a learning curve.
He explains, "I really had to follow Katie's lead. There are things you don't naturally think about when building on a farm, like making sure foals can't get into small gaps and hurt themselves."
What's it like being married to a horse girl?
Jonathan jokes that he had previous experience dating horse girls before Katie, but nothing prepared him for this level of dedication. "It's definitely on another scale! But I've learned a lot, and Katie has made it easy to get involved."
Katie adds, "There's an extra layer of thinking that comes with farm life, but Jonathan has taken to it like a fish to water. Without him and our amazing team, we wouldn't be able to make all the improvements we have at Running Springs."
What's on Jonathan's wish list for the farm?
While Katie's list is long and includes chandeliers in the barn and a custom-built mini barn, Jonathan keeps it simple. "I'd love an underground shooting range. Maybe one day!"
Does Jonathan want his own horse?
"I feel like I already own a lot of horses!" he laughs. While he isn't in a rush to claim one as his own, he admits he'd love a gelding someday. When asked about his dream horse, he imagines a sturdy draft-cross gelding around 16.2 hands high - strong enough for a long trail ride or a working cattle job.
Katie suggests, "I think he'd look great on a bay!" Jonathan agrees, as long as the horse is steady and reliable.
How does Jonathan handle the negativity that comes with social media?
Being married to a well-known social media figure comes with challenges. Jonathan says he used to read negative comments but stopped when he realized they weren't worth the energy. "It's hard seeing people criticize someone you love, but at the end of the day, those people don't really matter."
Katie shares that the hardest comments to ignore are the ones questioning her intentions. "I can handle disagreements, but when people assume I have bad intentions with my animals or content, that's tough. I just have to remind myself that I know my heart and my priorities."
What's next for the farm?
Jonathan and Katie both dream of expanding. "More cows, more horses, and hopefully more land," Katie says. "We want to grow our breeding program and continue improving Running Springs to be the best place for our animals."
Jonathan adds, "We never know exactly where life will take us, but we're here for the adventure."
Stay tuned for more updates from Katie Van Slyke and Running Springs as she continues her journey in farm life, horses, and social media!
7 comments
Coming across one of your videos and watching that video I was hooked! I have loved horses since I was a little girl. I never got to truly own my own (yet) do to my Dad being in the Army and moving a lot. We finally moved to Colorado and I became very close to a lady ( my 2nd Mom) and they had horses cattle and a ranch. She said one day he get on up and go ride and let your mind take in the feel, smell, wind and sun you will always remember this day. Well I had rode horses here and there before but she was right I always remember that day and more importantly the horse who became my heart horse.Im 54 still don’t own my horse but I ride here and there through the years and I will own my own horse one day.
Katie I’m so grateful to watch your videos and learn listening to your horse trainer when she talking and working the horses. Watching you I can see how proud you are, your down to earth (not a nose in the air with a attitude of I know it all), you are passionate about your animals and continue to want to learn. You are a beautiful young lady that has a big heart for your husband friends, family and employees. You acknowledge.the hard work that your whole teams does and I would be damn proud if I worked for you.
Well this is already to long but keep reaching the goals and stars your doing amazing
Love you my friend hugs
Both my partner and I both started watching you and following you. Neither of us knew the other did for a long time. I grew up with and was around horses most my younger year until I graduated high school. Having friends who owned them I got to ride. Never could afford one nor had land to keep one on my own. Watching you with all your animals is a wonderful experience.
Hi Miss Katie!
My name is Taylor I’m from Ohio! My little girl and I LOVEEE watching your videos online of all the cute babies and animals you all have!!! She’s almost 5 and is the BIGGEST animal lover!!! We always have an annual zoo membership! But she’s always told me she wants a horse or to ride one! I tried to take her to meet a horse and them being as big as they are compared to her at 2.5-3 at the time scared her lol!
Thank you so much for sharing your life and joy with all your babies!!! :)
Hi Katie,
I just wanted to let you know I love watching your videos! I love horses, but don’t know that much about them.
Your videos are very informative.
I also wanted to say how amazed I am that you know the names of all your critters.
I look forward to seeing more of your videos and seeing all the new babies coming up.
Ok just gonna say it, gurrl you have my life! Well I wanted one that looks like yours 🥰 but didn’t work out. It’s ok I’m 58 now and have met the love of my life who loves animals and nature just like me! But since I’m not in my “prime” anymore I’m happy livin vicariously through all y’all❣️ it seems you are loved and have a great heart, it shows in your animals and comes across in your posts. I just want to know the best (most up to date) place to follow?? So many links..and FB stuff is not in order. I was still waiting on miss bella to burst and now I see blossom’s babies are 11 weeks old, I thought she just had them last week, I’m so confused.. help please. Hope you see this msg. Have a blessed day. Becca and Joey from New Hampshire