Bob Avila, a professional horseman and American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Hall of Famer, has died. He was 72.
Avila’s death occurred on Saturday, November 9th, 2024. No cause of death has been revealed.
The AQHA announced Avila’s sad death in a social media post, writing: “The AQHA family has lost a legend. AQHA Professional Horseman and American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame member Bob Avila passed away today at the age of 72. 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,”
Avila was one of the most respected horsemen in equestrian sports, his career a testament to excellence and his dedication to training champions and nurturing new talent unrivalled.
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His passing has stunned the industry and left many mourning him.
“Hard to say goodbye to a legend! Bob Avila was truly one of the Greatest horseman that ever lived. I was lucky enough to meet him when he lived in Yamhill and I won’t forget him or the things he taught me,” wrote one Erica Fitzgerald.
“It’s hard to put into words the void left by his absence. But no doubt Bob’s impact on the horse world will never be forgotten, and neither will his influence on those of us who grew up watching him and learning from his example. Rest in peace, Bob,” another tribute read.
Bob Avila Wiki
Bob Avila’s accolades include:
- American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame
- NRCHA Hall Of Fame
- NRCHA Million Dollar Rider
- NRCHA Futurity Champion
- 3 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
- AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year
He is also noted for his contributions to training and mentoring numerous successful riders, including his son B.J. Avila and notable trainers like Todd Bergen and Duane Latimer.
Bob married his sweetheart Dana and the couple lived in Scottsdale, Arizona, before his death. They ran their own training business, Bob Avila Quarter Horses, alongside marketing saddles, tack, and bits. Avila was active in the equestrian community right till his death, working as an AQHA judge and serving on various committees within equestrian organizations.Avila appeared in the television show Yellowstone, featuring in one episode, I Killed a Man Today which was the third episode of the eighth season.