Despite his passing on November 9, 2024, at the age of 72 due to diabetes and lung ailment, Bob Avila’s legacy will be kept alive and well in the horseracing world. Anyone who knew him or followed his career can tell you just how much of an impact he had—not just as a champion, but as a mentor and a true horseman. Raised in Redwood City, California, with a dad who worked as a rodeo cowboy and trained horses and a mom who gave riding lessons, Bob was immersed in this lifestyle from a very young age. Being around horses was natural to him.

Bob’s list of accomplishments speaks for itself—over $1.1 million in NRCHA earnings, a spot in the NRCHA Hall of Fame, two World’s Greatest Horseman titles, and countless other wins. But what really set Bob apart wasn’t just the titles or the money—it was his deep love for horses. Whether he was training, showing, or mentoring others, Bob made sure to pass on everything he knew, including to his son. His son, now continuing the family legacy, proved he is the son of a legend by winning the hard-earned title.

Following in Bob Avila’s legendary footsteps

Back in 2019, BJ Avila, the son of legendary horseman Bob Avila, did something that truly carried on his father’s legacy. At the NRCHA Celebration of Champions, BJ and his horse Dera Cat clinched the Open Bridle World Championship. It was really hard. Ten horses were vying for the title, but BJ and Magnum’s skills shone through. They clinched the leading position, with a score of 428.5, earning a hard-fought triumph that filled BJ with a mix of pride and gratitude.

For BJ, this win was the result of dedication and effort put in over years of training, alongside his father and Magnum. A skilled horse adept at cutting and ropemanship that had been under BJs watch, for three years. “His big deal is on a cow,“ BJ explained. “He’s a really good fence horse. He can run, he can cut really good, he’s a three-event horse. I’ve shown him twice at the World’s Greatest [Horseman] and just kind of had some bad luck in the roping and stuff. He’s a very adrenaline-driven individual,” he added.

The victory was also a huge milestone for the Avila family, as BJ had spent his childhood admiring his father’s success in the equestrian community. “It’s the first belt buckle I’ve won the owner since I worked for him the last two years,” BJ said. “This was his first big time show horse, so it’s kind of neat to win him a buckle that says World Champion on it.” Being the son of Bob Avila is no easy task. Bob’s influence on the world of horses is everlasting, and stepping into his shoes is quite a challenge.

The secret behind Avila’s lasting influence in the equestrian world

Bob Avila was a figure in the horse community with an impressive track record that spanned decades. From his induction into the Quarter Horse Hall of Fame to his nearly two-decade tenure as a respected judge. Despite reaching his 70s and relocating from Temecula to Scottsdale after 18 years in California’s hub, Bob continued to remain actively engaged in the beloved horse industry that fueled his passion.

He wasn’t only known for his skills in horsemanship. For his business acumen, he collaborated with Professionals Choice for more than three decades to develop a range of Bits and Spurs products and shared his expertise through books and instructional videos that gained popularity within the equestrian community.

Bob’s unique quality lay in his mentoring skills rather than just instructing individuals on horse riding. He guided them towards becoming skilled equestrians like Todd Bergen and Andrea Fappani, to name a few, who acknowledged Bob’s impact on their professional journey. Bob put forth his wisdom and expertise in a manner that set him apart from the rest. His impact will be remembered by the riders and instructors he guided and by the generations who will benefit from his teachings. Our thoughts are with his wife, Dana, and son, BJ, in this challenging moment.