Presented by the American Quarter Horse Association, the awards recognize the horses whose talent, athleticism, and presence capture the attention of the audience. Fan Favorite awards will be presented in five categories: the Million Dollar Reining, the Cutting Horse Challenge, the Cow Horse Challenge, the Cowboy Heritage Ranch Challenge, and, in the newest event to the event’s lineup, the Breakaway Roping Showcase presented by Shorty’s Caboy Hattery.
“The AQHA Fan Favorite Awards give fans another way to connect with the remarkable horses competing at The Run For A Million,” said The Run For A Million Show Manager Cheryl Cody. “We are excited to welcome the Breakaway Roping Showcase to the program this year and give even more fans an opportunity to support their favorite horses.”
An official start date for voting will be announced closer to the event, but fans will be able to vote at AQHA.com/the-run-for-a-million, and they can do so whether they are watching the competition in person at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas or following the action from home.
The 2025 AQHA Fan Favorite winners included Kittennish, owned by Billy Wolf and ridden by Austin Shepard for cutting; Wildflowerz, owned by Las Tunas Cattle Company and ridden by Poncho Gonzalez in the Cowboy Heritage Ranch Challenge presented by Markel; Metallic Casanova, owned by Pitzer Ranch/Dack Cattle LLC and ridden by Clay Volmer in the cow horse; and Golden Coins, owned by Coin Toss LLC and ridden by Kole Price in the Million Dollar Reining.
The 2026 nominees will be announced when the voting portal opens.
About the American Quarter Horse Association
The American Quarter Horse Association, headquartered in Amarillo, Texas, is the world’s largest equine breed registry and membership organization. AQHA’s mission is to record and preserve the pedigree and integrity of the American Quarter Horse, while protecting its welfare, promoting its versatility and encouraging lifelong enjoyment of the breed. AQHA is the global advocate for the American Quarter Horse, celebrating its legacy, uniting a passionate community and leading the equine industry.
Find more information at AQHA.com
About The Run For A Million
Created by Taylor Sheridan, The Run For A Million, held annually at the South Point Hotel & Casino, is one of the premier events in Western performance horse sports, bringing many of the industry’s leading athletes, horses, owners, fans and brands together in Las Vegas. What began as a groundbreaking reining competition has grown to include reined cow horse, cutting, the Cowboy Heritage Ranch Challenge, Youth, Non Pro and Rookie Reining Challenges, the Breakaway Roping Showcase and additional special events.
The Run For A Million provides Western performance horse athletes the opportunity to compete on a world-class stage while introducing their sports to a broader audience. The event, this year scheduled for August 11-15, has been featured through The Last Cowboy, the unscripted television series created by Sheridan, and the 2026 Million Dollar Competition will reach a nationwide audience through a two-hour CBS television special airing Saturday, August 22.
For additional information, visit TheRunForAMillion.com.
