Katie Van Slyke Reveals Her NSBA World Show Lineup — Four Horses, 10 Classes and One Very Special Comeback
Katie Van Slyke is spending the next nine days at the NSBA World Show, and this year’s lineup is packed with familiar favorites, exciting debuts and a few surprises.
Katie explained that her team is set to show approximately 10 times with four different horses — some ridden by Katie herself and others handled by professional trainers.
From a homebred filly making her very first show appearance to a decorated mare returning from broodmare retirement, each horse has a very different role to play.
Here is a closer look at Katie’s 2026 NSBA World Show string.
Penelope Is Making Her First-Ever Show Debut
First on the list is Penelope, registered as RS Crazy Cat Lady.
Penelope is a three-year-old filly who was born and raised at Running Springs, which makes this appearance especially meaningful for longtime followers who watched her journey from the very beginning.
Her dam is Trudy, registered as Cat Tails Are Blazing, and her sire is Allocate Your Assets.
This NSBA World Show will be Penelope’s first time ever competing.
She is scheduled to show in the Three-to-Four-Year-Old Novice Hunter Under Saddle with Jamie English.
Katie made it clear that this is the only class Penelope is entered in, but the excitement surrounding her debut is still huge.
For a horse who was born and raised at Running Springs, simply stepping into the show ring marks a major milestone.
Hollywood Is Back in Western Riding
Next is Hollywood, registered as Nothing Compares.
Hollywood is Katie’s 18-year-old gelding, and the pair have been showing together this year primarily in western riding.
Katie has also been experimenting with trail classes, although trail is still more of a “maybe” at this particular show.
Hollywood is expected to compete in:
- Novice Amateur Western Riding
- Amateur Western Riding
Katie also mentioned Novice Amateur Trail, but there is a scheduling conflict.
If the timing becomes too tight, she plans to prioritize western riding over trail.
That means fans will have to wait and see whether the trail class actually happens.
Ethel May Not Show — But She Still Has an Important Job
Then there is Queen Ethel, registered as Flash Me a Good One.
Ethel may not enter the show ring at all during this NSBA World Show, but Katie emphasized that she is still an important part of the team.
Her job is to act as a pony horse for Kennedy.
That support role could help Kennedy stay more relaxed and prepared throughout the show.
Katie explained that even if Ethel doesn’t go home with ribbons, she is still an integral part of the overall plan.
Sometimes the horses who never enter the ring can still play a major role in helping the rest of the team succeed.
Kennedy Returns With a Championship History
Next comes Kennedy, registered as VS The First Lady.
Kennedy is Katie’s 11-year-old red roan mare, and her story is particularly special because she came out of broodmare retirement to become a show horse again.
Katie has been showing Kennedy throughout the year, and now they are taking on the NSBA World Show together.
Kennedy is scheduled for:
- Novice Amateur Western Pleasure
- Amateur Western Pleasure
But Kennedy isn’t new to success at this show.
Katie revealed that Kennedy has already won at the NSBA World Show four times in the past.
Still, Katie isn’t putting pressure on herself to make it five.
Instead, she said she would simply love to have some good rides with Kennedy.
That makes this appearance less about chasing another title and more about enjoying the opportunity to compete together again.
Mr. Denver Returns After a Huge 2025 Show
Last but definitely not least is Mr. Denver, registered as First Things First.
Denver is Katie’s five-year-old stallion.
His first foals arrived this year, adding another exciting chapter to his career, but he is still very much a show horse.
This is Denver’s second year competing at the NSBA World Show.
His previous appearance was a strong one.
Katie explained that last year Denver:
- Won in Western Pleasure
- Won the $10,000 Limited Horse class
- Was Reserve World Champion in Performance Halter Stallions
This year, Denver is returning to the Performance Halter Stallions class.
He is also scheduled to compete in western riding with Aaron Moses.
And there may be one more possibility.
If the schedule allows, Katie might personally show Denver in a western pleasure class.
But with so many horses and classes happening at once, that decision will depend entirely on timing.
Ten Classes, Four Horses and Nine Busy Days
Katie’s NSBA World Show schedule is shaping up to be packed.
Penelope is making her debut.
Hollywood is continuing his western riding season.
Ethel is supporting Kennedy behind the scenes.
Kennedy is stepping back onto a stage where she has already won four times.
And Denver is returning after an impressive previous showing.
The goals may be different for each horse, but Katie’s overall hope is simple.
Good rides.
With nine days ahead and around 10 show appearances planned, there will be plenty of opportunities for memorable moments.
And if everything lines up just right, there could even be a few unexpected classes added along the way.
