American Quarter Horse Association Professional Horseman and American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame member Bob Avila passed away, he was 72 years old. More than a great horseman, but also a great business person, communicator, and so much more. Always kind in the warm up pen, smiling , and helpful.
About Bob Avila
Robert Charles “Bob” Avila was born in November 1951 and grew up in Redwood City with American Quarter Horses. His mother worked at a western store and taught riding lessons to support her horse show addiction, while his father was a trainer and rodeo cowboy. After high school, Bob went out on his own and soon discovered that his path would involve horses.
Bob became one of the most well-known all-around horsemen in the profession after learning every step of the way. Major Bonanza, Major Investment, The Major Leaguer, Mist N Smoke, Smoke Em Okie, Wright On, Smart Lil Calboy, Smart Zanolena, Chics Magic Potion, and other associations have all had champions trained by him, including AQHA, NRHA, NRCHA, and NCHA. Additionally, Bob won Light N Fine in 2007 and World’s Greatest Horseman on Paid By Chic in 2000.
Bob was a founding member of the AQHA Professional Horsemen’s Committee and was elected into the NRCHA Hall of Fame. He became a million dollar rider while serving on the executive board and judges committee. He was an AQHA judge for 19 years, was the first AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year in 1995, and has been on the judges committee since 2009.
Bob and his wife, Dana, lived on their ranch in Temecula, California, where they grew horses, Bob trained, and Dana competed as an amateur. Bob was an AQHA director from Oregon for over ten years. In addition to continuing to create and market saddles, equipment, and bits, they recently moved to Scottsdale, Arizona.
Our thoughts and prayers to his wife, Dana, son, BJ Avila, and the rest of the Avila family.
