You might’ve noticed a change to our Facebook cover image. (If you haven’t see it, go check it out!) 

Thanks to Farnam Horse Products and Soft-Ride Equine Comfort Boots, assistant editor Alexis Bennett and I will be bringing the open-competition week of the AQHA World Championship Show to you on all of our social platforms—Facebook, Instagram (HorseandRiderMag), and Twitter. Under #FarnamSuperhorse, you’ll find videos, blog posts, and photos of Superhorses past and those in contention for the 2014 title. Under #WalkInOurBoots, we’ll bring you video and blog interviews with people who are in the trenches at the show, preparing each horse and rider to compete, as well as inside looks at the trade shows, the barns, and everything else you’d miss if you didn’t go to Oklahoma City.

Being Quarter Horse Journal alumnae (myself as a field editor at the beginning of my career and Alexis as a past Journal intern), we’ve seen what it takes for horses to achieve the title of AQHA Superhorse. (Click here to learn more about how horses earn the title, as well as a list of past winners.) It’s an all-around honor in a world of specialization, especially in open competition, and I think you’ll be interested to hear just what it takes to earn the title. Some trainers make a great master plan, as was the case of JD Yates and Bob Avila when they showed Smoke Um Okie to the title in 1986; others are barely aware that they’re in contention until it comes down to the final points. In any case, each of the horses must have true grit and talent to best a large field of competitors—more than 45 horses in this year’s contest.

We’re also excited to give you a behind-the-scene glimpse into what it’s like to be a trainer, assistant, or owner at the show—so you can “walk in our boots” at the event. While some of these horses and riders make annual trips to Oklahoma City for the big event, it’s not old hat for most of us in the industry. We plan to bring you a look at all that goes into preparing these horses to get through the preliminary rounds and then making it to the last name called to win a world championship. Beyond that: Shopping. The AQHA World Show has a great trade show, and we’ll give you a glimpse at the hottest items that you’ll want to add to your holiday wish list.

Mark your calendar for November 15—that’s when I’ll head to OKC to begin with coverage of the junior and senior reining finals—and plan to follow us through November 22, when the 2014 Farnam Superhorse is named. Also, if you’re at the show, share your photos with us! Let us know how you and your horse have done! You never know: We might just track you down for an interview.