Podcast Summary: “My Horse Trainer Answers YOUR Questions!”

Podcast: Katching Up With Katie
Host: Katie Van Slyke
Guest: Stephanie Bean (In-house Trainer at Running Springs)
Date: March 19, 2026

Main Theme

In this episode, Katie Van Slyke introduces listeners to Stephanie Bean, the newly hired in-house horse trainer at Running Springs. The conversation centers around Stephanie’s journey into professional horse training, her experience with different breeds and disciplines, perspectives on breeding and foaling, and the unique advantages of running a home-based horse training program. The episode is both an introduction and a deep dive into the roles and philosophies guiding horse training and breeding at the farm.

Stephanie’s Background and Start with Horses

[02:02–06:47]

Stephanie is originally from Clarkston, Michigan, north of Detroit, and contrasts Michigan winters with her current, warmer location.
She began riding at age 9, initially in hunter jumpers, inspired by her mother and cousin.
Switched to owning her own Appaloosa at around age 12–13, riding at home and showing in 4H and open shows, trying out many disciplines early on.
Transitioned briefly to working with racehorses at 19–20, then returned to show horses after finding the racetrack world too unpredictable and high risk.
- Memorable Quote:
  
  “I probably came off like once a day in the beginning of doing it.” – Stephanie [07:50]
Developed an appreciation for different safety gear, mentioning air vests and the expense of replacing their cartridges.

Pro Training and Show Barn Life

[09:01–15:43]

Stephanie turned professional in her early 20s after a stint with racehorses.
First hired by a trainer in Wisconsin with a focus on buckskin and quarter horses, developing her all-around training skills.
Discussed color breed associations: AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association), Buckskin Horse Association, Palomino Horse Association.
- Regional differences noted—the buckskin association is large in northern regions, and Stephanie appreciated the flexibility and number of showing opportunities.
More of a coach than a “catch rider,” helping clients succeed specifically in horsemanship, equitation, showmanship, and ranch riding while developing young horses.
- Memorable Quote:
  
  “My clients were, like, going for the all-around, so we were showing all day long.” – Stephanie [10:50]
Both Katie and Stephanie express their preference for hunter-type, larger horses, and clarify their multi-discipline approach (not just western pleasure).

Stephanie’s Broodmare and Breeding Goals

[13:40–16:36]

Stephanie owns “Pinky,” a Carmelo (red-based) mare, bred to Lazy Loper and due soon.
She unexpectedly bought Pinky as a yearling, overcoming initial lameness issues.
Pinky is notably modern bred on both sides and always produces foals with at least one cream gene (buckskin, palomino, smoky black).
- Genetic possibilities and how color genetics factor into breeding decisions discussed in detail.
- Humorous aside about palomino roans:
  
  “They just don’t… look shiny ever… always looked like dull.” – Stephanie [16:27]
Stephanie boards Pinky off-site due to stall availability, plans to keep a filly if “the right one” comes along, but will likely sell colts.

Experience with Breeding & Foaling

[19:18–21:09]

Stephanie has foaled out a variety of horses (Appaloosas, Quarters, Arabs) for herself and clients, which was invaluable for Running Springs during a recent emergency.
She’s deeply interested in breeding as a “little passion side project.”
Katie expresses gratitude for Stephanie’s competence in emergency foaling situations.
- Quote of Appreciation:
  
  “It was amazing having someone to kind of fall back on…” – Katie [21:11]

Role at Running Springs: Why Hire an In-House Trainer?

[21:39–28:15]

Stephanie is at Running Springs “for a good time and a long time,” quipping “Forever, forever” when asked about her commitment.
Katie discusses the flexibility, control, and economic advantages of training horses at home vs. sending them out—all important for both developing horses and managing farm business.
- Home training means direct oversight of health, training progress, timing for gelding, and greater customization per horse.
  - Key Quote:
    
    “It made so much sense monetarily to have someone here.” – Katie [26:39]
The presence of an in-house trainer allows for tailored decisions regarding keeping, gelding, or selling young horses after evaluation.
Also opens more authentic content opportunities for the Running Springs brand.

Horse Training Insights: Consistency, Groundwork, and Starting Young Horses

[22:52–25:46]

Stephanie emphasizes the importance of daily, consistent work in successful horse training.
- “So much of training is just like consistency and like, if you look at why a lot of people send their horses to trainers, it’s just because they don’t have the time…” – Stephanie [23:35]
Katie relates her own experiences starting horses, realizing past “holes” in her approach after watching Stephanie’s methods.
They agree each horse is different, and multiple training styles exist, but a thoughtful, individualized approach matters most.

Q&A Highlights: Trainer Favorites and Farm Horses

[28:15–32:09]

Stephanie is asked which 2-year-old is her current favorite at Running Springs (choices: Wally, Molly, Daphne).
- Stephanie resists picking: “I have a different favorite every day.” [29:13]
- Admits Daphne had a breakthrough:
  
  “She had a little ‘aha’ moment.” – Stephanie [30:43]
Discusses the unique challenges and growth opportunities of keeping a stud colt (Wally) on-site during breeding season.
When asked which horse excites her most, Stephanie chooses Kennedy for her work ethic and depth of training:

“She’s such a fun mare. She’s a little bit challenging, but, like, she loves to work.” [31:33]
- Anticipation for future shows and riding goals with Kennedy.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

Stephanie on racehorses:

“I probably came off like once a day in the beginning of doing it.” [07:50]
On safety vests:

“When you wear those vests, though, it’s way easier to just… bounce back up, like landing on a cloud.” – Stephanie [08:07]
On horse color genetics:

“They just don’t… look shiny ever… always looked like dull.” – Stephanie [16:27]
On being the farm trainer:

“Forever. Forever.” – Stephanie [22:00]
On training philosophy:

“So much of training is just like consistency and like, if you look at why a lot of people send their horses to trainers, it’s just because they don’t have the time…” – Stephanie [23:35]
On favorite horse:

“She’s such a fun mare. She’s a little bit challenging, but, like, she loves to work.” – Stephanie on Kennedy [31:33]

Notable Timestamps

00:00–02:02: Introduction of Stephanie; initial light banter about Michigan winters.
02:30–06:47: Stephanie’s background, transition from youth riding to professional work.
07:50: Stephanie’s stories about learning to ride racehorses and falling off.
09:01–15:43: Transition to professional training, color breed insight, show coaching.
13:40–16:36: Stephanie’s current mare, Pinky, and breeding plans.
20:12–21:24: Experience with foaling and managing emergencies on the farm.
22:52–28:15: Discussion on in-house training benefits, decision-making for young horses.
28:44–32:09: Rapid-fire Q&As about Stephanie’s favorite horses and future plans.

Episode Tone & Style

The conversation is casual, full of laughter and authentic exchange, with both speakers sharing honest reflections and occasional horse-world humor. Katie sets an inviting, warm atmosphere, whilst Stephanie responds with humility, candor, and expertise.

Conclusion & Next Steps

The episode functions as a genuine “get to know you” for Stephanie, outlining her skills and role at Running Springs, but also as a resource for listeners curious about professional horse training, breeding, and farm management philosophies. Katie invites listeners to send in more questions for future episodes or joint content with Stephanie, promising more in-depth looks behind the scenes at Running Springs.

For more episodes and behind-the-scenes looks, visit katievanslyke.net.