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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!
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