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It’s a new chapter for one of the AQHA and NSBA industry’s powerhouse Western Pleasure mares. Congress and NSBA World Champion Gone Commando has found her forever home with none other than Tennessee-based equestrian influencer, breeder, and competitor, Katie Van Slyke.
Gone Commando is a Congress Champion and World & Reserve World Champion, with proven talent in the western all-around pen. The mare made her name in western pleasure and has also shown versatility across horsemanship, trail, and showmanship. Her pedigree, paired with a high-profile show record, makes her a valuable addition to any breeding or show programme—but especially one as visible as Katie Van Slyke’s as she builds a diversified broodmare band to support her stallions VS Code Red and First Thingz First.
The announcement, made public through GoHorseShow.com earlier today, sent a wave of excitement across the stock horse world. Not only does it mark a notable acquisition for Katie Van Slyke — a popular figure whose platform reaches millions — but it also offers a second act for the mare known for her stunning presence and decorated show career.
Gone Commando is a 2019 bay mare sired by Gone Viral (No Doubt Im Lazy x Suddenly Style N (RL Best of Sudden)) and out of Only A Sterling Moon (Only In The Moonlite x Texana Leaguer (Leaguers Last)), bred by Cecilia May Hylton. Her early career was nothing short of stellar. Under the guidance of elite professionals like Taft Dickerson, she picked up wins at the All American Quarter Horse Congress and the NSBA World Show. It’s this level of performance that caught Katie’s attention — not just as a fan, but as a horsewoman ready to invest in a once-in-a-lifetime partner.
What makes this move so exciting isn’t just Gone Commando’s proven track record — it’s what she represents to Katie Van Slyke and the broader equestrian community. Known for her candid social media presence and passion for education, Katie brings horses into the spotlight in a way that reaches beyond the show pen.
Her goal with Gone Commando is twofold: add her to a select group of elite broodmares within Katie Van Slyke’s growing program, and potentially continue the mare’s success in the show ring.
In a fitting twist of timing, we had the opportunity to interview trainer Taft Dickerson — who guided Gone Commando to several of her biggest wins — while he was hauling the mare, affectionately known as “Rikki,” to her new home in Tennessee. Taft shared insights on her personality, his training philosophy, and the special bond between the two. Keep your eyes open for our full feature article with Taft Dickerson, coming soon to StallionCompare.com.