I’m a big fan of the Superhorse contenders. The 40-plus horses who qualify to compete for the award earn the attention of everyone at the show, and the recognition begins with the Farnam Superhorse Preview Barn Party, held last night. (Learn more about how the competition works here, in a video interview with AQHA Executive Director of Shows and Judges Pete Kyle.)

There’s one contender in particular that’s won over the crowd, beginning last week by taking his rider, Lincoln Figueiredo, to the reserve title in the Farnam All-Around Amateur race. He then carried disabled Air Force veteran Derrick Perkins to win of the para reining class, with top trainers Shawn Flarida and JD Yates as support. And last night at the barn party, the flashy stud was ushered down the “red carpet” by two young boys—one riding bareback and one leading. The trio stole the hearts of everyone in the crowd.

To kick off the Superhorse hoopla, Farnam endorsee Kevin Oliver greeted each horse’s handler with a gift bag of Farnam products. The ultimate winner of the 2014 Superhorse title will get not only a great prize package, but $25,000 cash. Not to mention the prestige associated with earning the title. (Click here for a selection of videos about past Superhorse winners and what the award has done for their careers.)

Follow along with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to keep up to date on the Superhorse race. We’re using #FarnamSuperhorse, if you’re into that sort of thing. 

We have a feeling this is going to be a good year with stiff competition, so you won’t want to miss any of it.