The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) recently announced that noted Scottsdale, Arizona, horseman Bob Avila died November 9 at the age of 72.
A California native born into a horse-loving family, Robert Charles “Bob” Avila became an all-around industry standout with many national titles in the world of competitive Western riding. Known for his work with Quarter Horses in particular, the AQHA Professional Horseman was a Hall of Famer with both the AQHA and the National Reined Cow Horse Association.
“Horses have given me everything I have,” Avila said in a 2020 profile on the AQHA website. “Quarter Horses have helped make me what I am. They have been my life’s work, and I owe them everything.”
A versatile professional
From raising, training and showing horses to mentoring other riders and trainers, Avila is remembered as a versatile professional who had a special way with both horses and people.
Always willing to share his exceptional knowledge through books, videos and business ventures, Avila was still active in the horse world at the time of his passing. He had even made a special appearance (as himself) in the third season of Paramount’s hit Western series, “Yellowstone.”
“The AQHA family has lost a legend,” the AQHA reported on its Facebook page. “We extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to his wife, Dana, son, BJ Avila, and the rest of the Avila family and their extended AQHA family. We will post funeral and memorial details as they become available.”
Highlights of Avila’s career include–but are not limited to–the following accomplishments, according to his website:
Lifetime Earnings
- NRHA $381,339.94
- NRCHA $1,113,022.09
Accomplishments and Awards
AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year; American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame; NRCHA Hall Of Fame; NRCHA Million Dollar Rider; NRCHA Futurity Champion; Three-time NRCHA Open Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion; NRHA Open Futurity Champion; Multiple AQHA World Championships; Multiple AQHA World Reserve Titles; World’s Greatest Horseman – 2000 & 2007