Inside Katie Van Slyke’s First Day at the NSBA World Championship Show — Her Turquoise Outfit, Kennedy’s VIP Setup and a Fun Show-Day Decision
Katie Van Slyke has officially kicked off Day 1 at the NSBA World Championship Show, and before the competition gets underway, she’s giving fans a look behind the scenes.
From a special turquoise jewelry combination she’s spent years putting together to her riding outfit and Kennedy’s extra-spacious accommodations, Katie shared some of the details from her first day at the show.
She also introduced something new: her first-ever outfit of the day.
And Kennedy might soon get a say in what Katie wears next.
Katie Kicks Off Day 1 at the NSBA World Championship Show
Katie had already been busy riding by the time she remembered to share her outfit.
With the heat getting to her and her bangs about to be held back by a pair of sunglasses, Katie started by showing fans her jewelry.
Her colorful shirt gave her the perfect opportunity to bring out one of her favorite combinations: a beautiful mosaic-style turquoise and shell jewelry set.
But despite how perfectly the pieces complement each other, Katie didn’t purchase them as a complete set.
The Special Story Behind Katie’s Turquoise Jewelry
Katie explained that her grandfather gave her the necklace.
The piece features a mixture of shells and turquoise, including what Katie believes is spiny oyster.
She paired it with earrings and a ring that appear to belong together — but there’s an interesting story behind the combination.
Katie loves collecting turquoise jewelry in person and tries to make sure she’s purchasing pieces created by genuine artists.
Rather than buying the necklace, earrings and ring together, she found the different mosaic pieces at separate locations.
Over several years, she gradually assembled pieces that happened to complement one another.
The result now looks like a coordinated set.
And Katie isn’t finished collecting.
While attending the show, she plans to keep an eye out for more turquoise pieces to add to her collection.
Katie Reveals Her Day 1 Riding Outfit
After showing off the jewelry, Katie moved on to the rest of her outfit.
She believed her top came from Amazon and paired it with a bralette underneath.
For jeans, Katie chose Holla jeans, which have become one of her favorites.
She explained that finding jeans long enough for riding while still fitting comfortably isn’t always easy, which is one reason the brand works particularly well for her.
Conveniently, the company also has a vendor at the show, so Katie is already considering doing some shopping while she’s there.
She completed the riding look with Ariat boots and Harris leather and silver work on her spurs.
It’s a practical show-day outfit, but one that still gives Katie plenty of opportunity to incorporate her love of Western jewelry and fashion.
Meanwhile, Kennedy Is Getting the VIP Treatment
Katie wasn’t the only one settling into the show.
Kennedy also made a brief appearance — although Katie jokingly pointed out that Kennedy wasn’t exactly dressed for an outfit-of-the-day feature.
Instead, Kennedy was relaxing in what sounds like some seriously comfortable accommodations.
She has fans to help keep her comfortable and, even better, two stalls combined into one enormous space.
Katie had a simple explanation for the special treatment:
Kennedy is the queen.
While Katie showed off her outfit, Kennedy seemed perfectly content to enjoy her oversized setup.
Katie and Kennedy Will Soon Enter the Show Ring
The relaxed first-day atmosphere won’t last forever.
Katie revealed that she and Kennedy are scheduled to show for the first time in a couple of days.
That means there are still preparations ahead before the pair officially enters the ring.
Katie also teased that she now has quite an impressive collection of show clothes — which gave her an entertaining idea for an upcoming outfit.
Should Kennedy Choose Katie’s Show Shirt?
Katie ended her update by putting a question to her followers.
With so many show shirts now available, should Kennedy be allowed to choose which one Katie wears?
Katie already seems convinced that the answer should be yes.
The idea could make for a particularly fun follow-up as their first competition approaches.
For now, Day 1 is about settling in, riding, staying cool, appreciating some beautiful turquoise and making sure Kennedy receives the royal treatment she deserves.
But in just a couple of days, attention will shift from the stalls and outfits to the show ring.
And if Katie follows through with her idea, Kennedy herself might have the final say in what Katie wears when the time comes.
