Podcast Summary: Katching Up With Katie – "Answering Your Questions, How To Knit, What's 67?"
Host: Katie Van Slyke
Episode Date: November 25, 2025
Main Theme & Purpose
In this episode, Katie Van Slyke returns to her original, candid Q&A format—answering listener questions about horses, mini cows, ranch life, business, and even crafts, all while knitting live on the podcast. Joined by friends Lindsay and others, Katie offers a behind-the-scenes look at farm life and equestrian ventures, delving into the nuances of training, breeding, and future plans for her animals, as well as personal anecdotes and playful banter.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Knitting and Craft Chat
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Opening Whimsy:
- Katie begins the show knitting on camera, embracing a creative break. “I'm here to prove it by knitting on camera. … I feel like every five years I knit a scarf.” (00:17)
- The group jokes about accidentally knitting or crocheting giant scarves or "temperature blankets" that track the year’s temperatures with different color rows.
- “You, like, make a chart for each color... you do a row every day based on temperature, so by the end of the year, you have a blanket.” (01:12)
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Audience Engagement:
- Katie encourages listeners to interact on her Facebook for Q&A prompts and behind-the-scenes content.
- “If you don't follow my Facebook, that's probably where you get the most bang for your buck. … So, if you want to just kick us off, Lindsay.” (02:00)
- Katie encourages listeners to interact on her Facebook for Q&A prompts and behind-the-scenes content.
Q&A – The World Show & Denver’s Story
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Why Aaron Didn’t Show Denver in Western Pleasure (03:16):
- Denver’s focus was on evolving into a Western riding horse, having already performed well in Western pleasure. The decision prioritized Denver’s long-term progress over chasing more wins in an already-familiar class, especially because transitioning between different show disciplines can mentally stress a young horse.
- “He just kind of killed it... but it just seemed unfair to Denver… to flip back and forth can be kind of difficult mentally, to figure out.” (09:29)
- Katie addresses criticism from online “haters” and emphasizes the bigger picture:
- “People in the comments have been little haters… I don't really care. He’s doing more than we could've ever imagined. … Improvement is winning. Like, he, yeah, absolutely won for us.” (05:47, 12:16)
- Denver’s focus was on evolving into a Western riding horse, having already performed well in Western pleasure. The decision prioritized Denver’s long-term progress over chasing more wins in an already-familiar class, especially because transitioning between different show disciplines can mentally stress a young horse.
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Why Not Do What You Want With Your Own Horse? (12:43):
- Katie explains her respect for Aaron’s expertise and the importance of not contradicting the trainer’s efforts. She believes in a collaborative approach for her horse’s benefit.
- “I've entrusted him and his program with my horse. … If, like, every time I wanted to get on him, I just went and did whatever I wanted and, like, undid a bunch of work, … It's just not what’s best for everybody.” (12:52)
- Practical tip: On young horses, consistent cues are crucial.
- “Four is still so young. Like, they're still in the baby stages of training to where you have to be so consistent with your cues.” (15:33)
- Katie explains her respect for Aaron’s expertise and the importance of not contradicting the trainer’s efforts. She believes in a collaborative approach for her horse’s benefit.
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What’s Next for Denver in 2026? (16:51):
- Denver will get a month’s rest after show season, followed by a breeding season (January–March) at High Point, then transition into more Western riding and possibly trail classes. Katie may show him in non-pro or limited amateur classes, but will prioritize his longevity and happiness.
- “He’ll just go home, be a horse. … Then he goes in January to High Point… All in on the western riding this year, maybe starting in trail.” (17:26, 19:24)
- On not being “greedy” with his classes:
- “I don't want to be too greedy with this horse. Like, I want what's best for him and, like, the longevity of his career.” (20:45)
- Denver will get a month’s rest after show season, followed by a breeding season (January–March) at High Point, then transition into more Western riding and possibly trail classes. Katie may show him in non-pro or limited amateur classes, but will prioritize his longevity and happiness.
Mini Horses & Their Training
- Why Send Jack to Training Early, But Wait With Gretchen? (21:31):
- Gretchen was acquired with “zero plan” but grew in importance as Katie learned about mini horse versatility. Jack, showing real promise, is being sent to training early for halter classes and good foundational care.
- “I had zero plan when I got Gretchen. … But with Jack, if he's gonna be a halter horse by spring, the earlier I could get him to the trainer, the better.” (21:34, 25:00)
- Katie's goal: Bring awareness to miniature horses as athletic, affordable options for equestrians.
- “Bringing this world into the light… doing it in hopefully the correct way.” (23:53)
- Gretchen was acquired with “zero plan” but grew in importance as Katie learned about mini horse versatility. Jack, showing real promise, is being sent to training early for halter classes and good foundational care.
Miniature Cows: Bottle Feeding or Letting Moms Do the Work?
- Calving and Raising Plans (27:08):
- Katie plans for Poppy and Petunia (the mini cows) to raise their own calves, rather than bottle-feeding—banking on the natural approach due to the cows’ sweet temperaments, which should make the calves friendly over time.
- “I think what we’re gonna do is leave them with their moms… I know we’re gonna let Poppy and Petunia raise their own babies.” (27:16)
- Katie plans for Poppy and Petunia (the mini cows) to raise their own calves, rather than bottle-feeding—banking on the natural approach due to the cows’ sweet temperaments, which should make the calves friendly over time.
Breeding & Foal-Keeping Decisions
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How Many Foals Will Katie Keep From the 2026 Crop? (28:55):
- Katie is expecting nine foals and hopes to keep no more than four, intending to observe which exhibit the best prospects. Embryo foals are “almost always” keepers due to their investment value.
- “I’m going to try to keep no more than four. … Pretty much I will always keep an embryo past weaning due to the fact that I paid for that embryo.” (29:57, 32:11)
- On social media confusion:
- “I keep saying, ‘Gosh, I don’t even know what 6, 7 is.’ Like, ChatGPT didn’t even know what 6, 7 was...” (29:09)
- Humorous interlude debating the meme/slang “6, 7,” illustrating generational gaps in language. (29:09–30:25)
- Katie is expecting nine foals and hopes to keep no more than four, intending to observe which exhibit the best prospects. Embryo foals are “almost always” keepers due to their investment value.
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Breeding Logistics and Embryo Sales:
- Explains contracts where certain foals (e.g., from purchased mares) go back to the seller after weaning.
- “That’s another thing—people were like, ‘Why would you buy a mare... then the baby goes back?’... That would allow me to have full control over like, breeding season with her.” (33:13–34:22)
- Explains contracts where certain foals (e.g., from purchased mares) go back to the seller after weaning.
Horses in Training & Future Show Prospects
- Current Training String and Path Forward (35:11):
- Penelope (Trudy x Allocate Your Assets): heading for Hunter Under Saddle.
- Wheezy (Indie x Full Metal Jacket): a late bloomer, moved to Jamie English for further development and show exposure in four- and five-year-old futurities.
- “Wheezy... is just so big. We were giving her time to grow and not push her hard.” (36:41)
- Denver: Focused on Western riding and possibly trail.
- Yearlings: Will begin training in the spring, each on their individual timeline.
Farm Life, Facilities, and Kennedy’s Pond
- Why Not Give Kennedy (the mare) the Mini Cows' Pond? (37:26):
- Listeners frequently ask why Katie’s mare Kennedy doesn’t get her own pond (as she did at her previous home), but logistical and safety challenges rule it out.
- “It is so far from the barn. … It’s not safe. ... I have this huge investment in this horse. No, I'm not putting her in this freaking giant pasture with his pond.” (38:29)
- Pledges to provide a pond in the future if facilities allow, but for now, the Tennessee bedrock and farm layout make it unfeasible.
- Listeners frequently ask why Katie’s mare Kennedy doesn’t get her own pond (as she did at her previous home), but logistical and safety challenges rule it out.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Improvement vs. Winning:
- “He didn’t win, but improvement is winning. Like, he, yeah, absolutely won for us.” (Katie, 12:16)
- On Generational Slang Disconnects:
- “I never felt so old as this 6, 7 phenomena, and I've always been able to keep up, and I'm not keeping up.” (Katie, 30:10)
- On Trusting Professional Trainers:
- “I've entrusted him and his program with my horse… it would be contradictory… if every time I wanted to get on him, I just went and did whatever I wanted… it's just not what's best for everybody.” (Katie, 12:52)
- On Knitting and Multi-tasking:
- “I’ve honestly been surprised at your ability to knit and talk.” (B, 15:49)
- Regarding Unreasonable Requests for Kennedy’s Pond:
- “I have this huge investment in this horse. No, I'm not putting her in this freaking giant pasture with his pond.” (Katie, 38:29)
Engaging Moments & Tone
- Playful Banter: The hosts joke throughout about knitting mistakes, scarf length, and generational language confusion ("Bullin’," “6, 7”).
- Transparent & Informative: Katie candidly addresses criticisms, the reality of horse/breeding investments, and farm challenges.
- Educational: Listeners unfamiliar with show horse and mini animal management receive accessible, firsthand perspective.
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:17 – Knitting talk and crafting anecdotes
- 03:16 – Q&A begins: Denver’s World Show experience
- 12:43 – Riding/training etiquette and respecting the trainer-client dynamic
- 16:51 – Denver’s 2026 plan and breeding details
- 21:31 – Mini horse training: Gretchen versus Jack
- 27:08 – Mini cow calving: bottle feeding or natural raising?
- 28:55 – 2026 foal-keeping plans and “6, 7” slang confusion
- 35:11 – Training prospects for current show horses
- 37:26 – Kennedy’s pond and farm infrastructure
Summary
Katie Van Slyke’s episode is a charming blend of expert insight and approachable, farm-based camaraderie. With honest explanations, practical advice, and a willingness to laugh at herself, Katie exemplifies what sets her “Katching Up With Katie” podcast apart: transparency, connection, and a boots-on-the-ground look at the beautiful chaos of running a modern farm, raising animals, and building an equestrian brand.
Listener Takeaway: Whether you’re in it for the horses, the business, or just some knitting and friendly laughs, Katie’s Q&A offers both substance and heart, making newcomers and long-timers feel right at home down on the farm.