VS Total Heartthrob claims APHA Superior All-Around Award

By Jessica Hein, PHJ News:

The APHA Superior All-Around award is one of the highest perpetual honors a Paint Horse can earn, and VS Total Heartthrob has recently added his name to the list of recipients of the coveted award. The 2015 bay tovero stallion was bred by Vanessa Anderson of Columbus Grove, Ohio. “Luke” is owned by Candice Monsen and Cooper Evans of Kaysville, Utah, and Riverton, Utah, respectively. He is by VS Flatline (QH) and out of She Can Cadillac.  

Luke earned the Superior All-Around Award in 2024, adding another title to his already impressive résumé. He is a multiple APHA world champion and has earned 1,393.5 lifetime APHA points. 

Accolades 

After his success at the 2019 APHA World Championship Show in Fort Worth, Texas, where he earned three world championships and the All-Around Novice Amateur title, Candice decided to aim for the Superior All-Around title. The honor requires earning a Superior award at halter and at least one performance event, as well as Registers of Merit in four additional performance categories. 

Fortunately, Luke is well-rounded. He has 10 Superiors and 28 Registers of Merit to date in events ranging from hunter under saddle, over-fences classes, trail, Western pleasure, Western riding and stake race. Candice calls him “a true all-around horse.”  

Celebrate 

Join us in honoring VS Total Heartthrob and other outstanding award winners at the 2025 APHA Hall of Fame & Awards Ceremony. It takes place June 26 at 6 p.m. in the Round Up Inn in the Amon Carter Building at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas. The ceremony takes place in conjunction with the APHA World Championship Show.  

2025 APHA Hall of Fame & Awards Celebration 

June 26, 2025
Round Up Inn, Will Rogers Memorial Center
Fort Worth, Texas 

Buy your ticket now—seats are going fast!

Event Details: Email Jennifer Crites

 

By Laurel Cox

Image by 831 Ranch Photography, courtesy Candice Monsen and APHA