Podcast Summary: “Why Does My Horse Hate Me? | Q&A”
Podcast: Katching Up With Katie
Host: Katie Van Slyke
Date: January 20, 2026
Episode Overview
In this engaging Q&A format episode, host Katie Van Slyke and her crew answer listener-generated questions about horses, farm life, breeding, business, and more. The tone is friendly and informal, with a focus on authentic behind-the-scenes ranch stories, practical advice, and laughter. Key topics include horse breeding fantasies, the realities of horse and mini cow management, heartfelt moments about letting go of animals, and candid advice for fellow horse and farm enthusiasts.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Life at the Ranch: Updates & Schedules
- Katie shares updates about life in a “pre-floodgate” moment—waiting for foals and calves (00:00–01:22).
- “I have a feeling when, like, the floodgates open, we’re just gonna have, like, four babies in a night.” (00:16, Katie)
2. Dream Horse Breeding Matchups
- If Katie could choose any mare and stallion (alive/deceased) for an embryo, she’d pick Invitation Only as the sire, and possibly Kennedy or the legendary Vital Signs Are Good as the dam.
- “I’ve always said that Invitation Only is one of my favorite stallions of all time.” (01:58, Katie)
- Katie discusses the tough choices with breeding icons and notes she’s never shown a direct Invitation Only foal (02:50).
3. Freeze Branding: Pros, Cons, and Perspectives
- Katie explains the freeze branding process, its uses, and public opinions:
- Freeze branding is less painful than hot branding: “It’s freeze branding, it doesn’t hurt … the hair comes back white. It’s not scarring.” (03:19, Katie & crew)
- Brands are useful for identification, safety (in case a horse ends up in a bad situation), and as a breeder’s mark.
- Some show people dislike visible brands for aesthetic reasons.
- Katie seeks listener input: “Would it bother you if your horse is branded?” (04:59, Katie)
- Memorable moment: Describing each horse’s distinct brand marks, e.g., Lexi’s “Nike swoosh” (05:01–05:28).
4. Fun Sidebars: Socks, Gifts, and Everyday Ranch Life
- Sidebar on socks as ranch-necessities and favorite holiday gifts, highlighting the warmth of team culture.
- “There’s just something about a good sock.” (06:26, Katie)
- Secret to useful winter ranch gifts: alpaca socks, neck gaiters, and heated hand warmers (06:26–07:20).
5. Balancing Multiple Roles: What Drives Katie
- Katie reflects on her passion for horses and education, driven by ambitious, structured goal-setting:
- “My goals are always going to surround the horses … being in the industry of AQHA breeding, showing—that is like the passion. That’s the root.” (08:04, Katie)
- She enjoys setting and beating her own deadlines—“I’m a competitive person, so I’m very competitive with myself.” (08:44, Katie)
- Unique insight: daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, five-year goals—loves “crossing goals off” (08:55).
6. Tales from the Pasture: Mishaps and Lessons Learned
- Funny and harrowing stories about close calls with live animals—mini cows and foals on the loose.
- “Abigail almost got smashed into the wall by Happy two years ago.” (09:45, Katie)
- “You almost die, like, twice a week.” (09:57, Katie to crew member)
- Katie’s leadership in tense animal situations: instructs others to “find shelter,” knowing when to stay calm and wait for backup (11:14–12:09).
7. Horses as Characters: Anthropomorphizing
- Katie imagines horses as movie/TV characters:
- “Bo is Sam Elliott. Period.” (13:26, Katie)
- Wally would (comically) sound like “Pauly Shore” (14:38), noting the incongruity with Wally’s stallion persona.
8. Horse Breeding & Management FAQ
a. Inducing Mares for Labor (15:13–16:59)
- Katie has never induced labor in mares but knows it's possible; most horses deliver naturally.
- Sometimes, palpating and checking with a vet can help if overdue.
- Veterinary medication like oxytocin is mentioned but not used by Katie.
b. Hardest Send-Off (Selling/Training)
- Childhood trauma over parents selling ponies without warning.
- “They had sold one of my favorite horses and he was already gone.” (17:52, Katie)
- Recent emotional send-off: “I cried a little with Noel this year, sending her off.” (18:05, Katie)
- Generally, sending horses to training is less emotional—"I get excited for what they’re doing." (19:08, Katie)
- Katie’s philosophy: excitement for a horse’s next chapter often replaces sadness.
c. Retirement Plans for Broodmares
- Some mares “owe me nothing” and will stay on the ranch for life; Indy is a notable example (21:16).
- Others, like Willow (still rideable), may be sold if they’re young and suited for a new career.
- Mare Gracie will become a “pony horse” for exercising other horses (22:28).
- Katie is dedicated to responsible rehoming: therapy centers, kids’ horses, etc., so every horse is cared for (22:45–24:00).
9. Crew Trail Ride—Who Rides Whom?
- Hypothetical crew trail ride: Katie assigns Ethel to one crew member (“safest”), Gracie to another (for a bit of “spice”), and discusses the current riding roster (24:05–25:23).
10. Mini Cow Calving Arrangements
- Plan for coming mini-cow births: bring all up to the cow barn so new calves can be closely monitored, reintroduce them to the herd after calving (25:31–26:25).
- “Posey was literally this big…” (26:46, describing mini cow calf size)
- Approach: let the mini cow moms raise their babies rather than bottle-feeding, as the moms are friendly and hands-on interaction is preferred (26:58–27:25).
11. Competition FAQs: Mares, Stallions, and Heat Cycles
- Yes, at competitions, mares and stallions may compete alongside each other except in halter classes, which are gender-separated (27:43–28:41).
- At high-level shows, mares are often kept on hormone regimens to suppress heat cycles for consistency.
- Responsibility is on stallion owners to make sure their animals are well-trained and safe to compete even with mares in heat—“If you bring a stallion to a show, it needs to…know how to handle it.” (29:18, Katie)
- Sometimes, exhibitors intentionally allow mares to cycle for breeding purposes, balancing showing and embryo transfer (29:51–30:00).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “I have always said that Invitation Only is one of my favorite stallions of all time.” (01:58, Katie)
- “It’s freeze branding. It doesn’t hurt, but, like, the hair comes back white.” (03:19, Katie)
- “There’s just something about a good sock.” (06:26, Katie)
- “I’m a competitive person, so I’m very competitive with myself.” (08:44, Katie)
- “You almost die, like, twice a week.” (09:57, Katie)
- “Bo is Sam Elliott. Period.” (13:26, Katie)
- “They had sold one of my favorite horses and he was already gone.” (17:52, Katie)
- “If you bring a stallion to a show, it needs to…know how to handle it.” (29:18, Katie)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Episode Opens & Farm Update: 00:00–01:22
- Dream Horse Pairing: 01:37–03:07
- Freeze Branding Deep Dive: 03:13–05:28
- Sock & Gift Tangent: 06:24–07:20
- Business & Goals Discussion: 08:03–09:05
- Mishaps & Self-Preservation: 09:05–13:10
- Horses as Characters: 13:13–15:07
- Mare Labor & Induction: 15:13–16:59
- Hardest Send-off (Selling/Training): 17:05–20:49
- Broodmare Retirement Plans: 20:51–24:00
- Trail Ride Hypotheticals: 24:05–25:23
- Mini Cow Calving: 25:31–27:25
- Mares, Stallions, and Shows: 27:43–30:30
Tone & Takeaway
The episode is warm, candid, and often humorous, blending practical advice with hilarious anecdotes and emotional candor. Katie consistently emphasizes education, responsible animal care, and openness about the ups and downs of farm life. Long-time listeners and ranch newcomers alike will come away with greater insight into horse and mini cow management—and a newfound appreciation for good socks.
For more Q&A episodes, or to submit your own questions, check out Katie’s socials or visit katievanslyke.net.