AQHA Superhorse

For the second year in a row, Sumac Gunnabeflashy has earned the title of AQHA Superhorse, the most prestigious award at the Markel AQHA World Championship Show. The Superhorse is the open-division horse that earns the most points and was shown in a minimum of three Level 3 open classes in at least three categories. 

Shown by AQHA Professional Horseman Bud Lyon of Whitesboro, Texas, Sumac Gunnabeflashy was the 2025 world champion in working western rail and senior ranch riding, with a record score of 257. Bud and “Romeo” also competed in senior ranch trail and placed seventh in the senior reining. With owner Leslie Lange, an AQHA Professional Horsewoman from Greeley, Colorado, Romeo also placed seventh in performance halter geldings.  

The 2025 AQHA Superhorse prize package includes $15,000, a rose neck ribbon, $2,000 Equibrand gift certificate, a Blue Ribbon custom work saddle and a Lisa Perry bronze.  

Sumac Gunnabeflashy is a 2017 chestnut gelding by Gunnatrashya and out of Chics Graceful Whiz by Whiz N Tag Chex. He was bred by Donald Sobey of Trenton, Nova Scotia.  

Hot Lopin Lily, who was the AQHA Superhorse in 2023, finished in the reserve Superhorse spot this year.  

Hot Lopin Lily was the senior trail world champion, with a record score of 250.5 with AQHA Professional Horseman Blake Weis of Pilot Point, Texas. She also placed fourth in performance halter mares, seventh in senior western pleasure and eighth in senior western riding.  

The reserve Superhorse nets $10,000 and a rose neck ribbon.  

Hot Lopin Lily, a 2017 bay mare by RL Best Of Sudden and out of Shes A Lopin Machine by A Good Machine, is owned by the Cavallo Family Trust of Staunton, Illinois, and was bred by Twylla Lynn Brown of Perry, Missouri.  

About AQHA 

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.

AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more information visit www.aqha.com/news or subscribe to our news text "AQHA In the Know" for the latest Association updates.

About the Show

The Markel AQHA World, Adequan® Select World and Adequan® Level 2 Championships are the premier events in the equine industry for amateur, Select amateur and open exhibitors. The show includes Level 3 and Adequan® Level 2 classes, as well as AQHA Level 1 Champion of Champions classes. The shows feature over three weeks of exciting competition, educational opportunities and a bountiful trade show. For more information, visit www.aqha.com/worldshow.

About the Sponsor

We are Markel Insurance, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within the Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we leverage a broad array of capabilities and expertise to create intelligent solutions for the most complex specialty insurance needs. However, it is our people – and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers, and clients – that differentiates us worldwide.