Biography
Robert Charles 'Bob' Avila (1951–2024) was born in November 1951 in Redwood City, California, and grew up immersed in the world of horses. His father, Don Avila, was a rodeo cowboy and horse trainer, and his mother, Pat, gave riding lessons and worked at a western store. Avila showed his first horse at the age of five, and from that moment on, he was hooked on showing.
Growing up, his idols included Don Dodge, Tony Amaral Sr., Harry Rose Sr., Clyde Kennedy, and Jimmy Williams — legendary horsemen who helped shape his understanding of the craft from an early age. At age 20, Avila went to work for NRCHA Hall of Fame member Tony Amaral, eventually going out on his own to build what would become one of the most accomplished careers in the history of the American Quarter Horse industry.
Avila won over 37 World or Reserve World Championships in events ranging from reining and working cow horse to Western riding and halter. He showed everything from halter horses and rope horses to Western pleasure, Western riding, and trail in AQHA, producing champions in every discipline he entered. He was an NRCHA Million Dollar Rider, a three-time NRCHA Open Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion, and a two-time World's Greatest Horseman. He won the Snaffle Bit Futurity Open in 1988 on Smart Little Calboy, in 1999 on Smart Zanolena, and in 2003 on Chics Magic Potion. He captured the WGH title in 2000 aboard Paid By Chic and again in 2007 on Light N Fine. He won the Magnificent 7 three times and was one of only two people to win both the NRCHA and NRHA Open Futurities. He also won the NRCHA Stallion Stakes a record-setting five times.
Avila trained champions across AQHA, NRHA, NRCHA, NCHA, and other associations, including Major Bonanza, Major Investment, The Major Leaguer, Mist N Smoke, Smoke Em Okie, Wright On, Smart Lil Calboy, Smart Zanolena, and Chics Magic Potion. In 1995, he became the first AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year, and he was inducted into both the AQHA and NRCHA Halls of Fame.
Beyond the arena, Avila's impact as a mentor was arguably his greatest legacy. NRHA Futurity Champions Todd Bergen, Duane Latimer, and John Slack all worked under Avila, along with Andrea Fappani, Clinton Anderson, and John Lyons. Through books and videos of his training methods, his methodology became some of the most widely followed in the industry. He co-hosted The Bob and Al Show on RFD-TV with fellow horseman Al Dunning. Partnering with Professional's Choice for over 30 years, he created an extensive line of bits and spurs. Avila also appeared on camera in the hit television series Yellowstone.
Bob Avila passed away suddenly on November 9, 2024, at the age of 72, while attending the AQHA World Championship show — doing what he loved, where he loved doing it. He is survived by his wife Dana and his son B.J. Avila, who has become a well-known trainer in his own right.