From the moment you lay eyes on VS Code Red, affectionately known as “Waylon,” it’s clear he’s something special. Whether you notice his impressive build, color, or personality first, Waylon has it all. But it’s not just his looks that have made him a standout—Waylon has a legacy of producing top-notch progeny that excels in various disciplines, earning him a spot as a top-producing all-around sire.
A Full-Circle Journey
Katie Van Slyke, Waylon’s current owner, has been a fan since her youth.
“I remember being at the Quarter Horse Congress, watching him and Vital Signs Are Good,” she recalls. “It is incredible to now be part of his legacy.”
The chance to own Waylon came unexpectedly about a year ago during the VS dispersal sale. Katie hadn’t considered buying him initially, but the idea soon took hold.
“We talked to my husband and parents and just threw around the idea. It was a dream of mine to own a stallion like him,” she says.
After thorough consultations with veterinarians and previous owners, they decided to place a bid.
“It ended up being the best decision ever. I feel very blessed,” Katie shares.
The Magic Crosses
Waylon’s success as a sire is evident in his offspring’s performance, particularly when crossed with specific bloodlines. Historically, he has produced outstanding results with mares bred from One Hot Krymsun, Invitation Only, and RL Best of Sudden.
“He’s a magic cross on these mares, but he’s so versatile he can cross on almost anything, and it will perform well,” Katie says.
She has bred Waylon to her RL Best of Sudden mare and plans to breed him to more of her stock, including thoroughbreds and hunt seat mares. His versatility shines through in these crosses, producing foals that are beautiful and strong and exhibit excellent temperaments.
Waylon’s offspring have made significant impacts in the show ring. His highest-earning foal, Snap It Send It, has proven Waylon’s genetics and his ability as a sire. Snap It Send It, out of the illustrious mare Snap Krackle Pop, has earned an AQHA Superhorse title, following in her dam’s footsteps. Another remarkable offspring is VS Lady In Red, who has garnered multiple world and congress championships and has gone on to produce VS The Fireman, an emerging stallion himself and the high seller of the VS dispersal sale at a whopping $2.25 million.
“Seeing his grand-progeny succeed is incredibly fulfilling, and it’s cool to see his sons now producing top winners,” Katie shares, highlighting the influence of Waylon’s genetics and his ability to produce standout junior sires.
[Read: All About Snap Krackle Pop]
A Level-Headed Legacy
One of the most praised attributes of Waylon’s progeny is their temperament.
“They have the best demeanor—easy to be around, easy to train,” Katie emphasizes.
This trait makes them ideal all-around horses, capable of excelling in multiple classes. Waylon himself exemplifies this level-headed nature. Katie describes him as a gentleman, even during the breeding season.
“He’s just the best—calm, cooperative, and incredibly friendly,” she adds.
Life at Highpoint Performance Horses
Waylon currently stands at Highpoint Performance Horses, where he enjoys a well-structured routine.
“He collects on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and it’s a quick process for him,” Katie explains.
The stallion is treated to pasture time, regular grooming, and a stable environment next to his brother.
“He loves his routine and the people there,” she notes.
Despite his active breeding schedule, Waylon maintains his calm demeanor, making him a favorite among the staff and visitors alike.
Future Plans and Aspirations
Katie is enthusiastic about expanding Waylon’s legacy by experimenting with different crosses. She is particularly interested in breeding him to larger mares, including thoroughbreds, to produce versatile all-around and hunter-jumper prospects.
“I want to show just how diverse his talent can be,” she says.
With five foals expected next year from Katie’s herd and plans to breed him to a variety of mares, the future looks promising.
Waylon’s exceptional semen motility allows him to breed a large number of mares each year. Katie keeps his books open to accommodate mare owners who make last-minute decisions.
“We know so many people, including myself, sometimes choose a stallion later in the season for various reasons, and I want to be able to accommodate them,” she explains.
This flexibility is greatly appreciated by breeders who value Waylon’s genetics.
Continuing the Legacy
As Waylon ages, Katie remains committed to representing him and keeping his legacy alive.
“We pamper him a ton and do extensive vet work to ensure he stays healthy and happy,” she says.
While there are no immediate plans for retirement, Katie is open to standing a son of Waylon’s if the right candidate emerges.
“It has to be equally or better than him,” she asserts.
VS Code Red “Waylon” has made his mark on the all-around world and will continue to do so. His lineage, outstanding progeny, and gentle demeanor make him a sought-after sire. Waylon’s influence grows as his offspring and grand-progeny continue to make their mark, so there is no doubt that his legacy and that of his dam’s will continue on in the performance arena.
Katie’s dedication to showcasing his versatility and maintaining his health speaks volumes about the bright future ahead for this remarkable stallion. While breeding trends come and go, VS Code Red “Waylon” remains a constant, proving time and again why he is a true legacy in the making.
