It is easy to think that trophies, prizes and money are the only way to quantify Bob Avila’s influence on horsemanship because he has earned all of those things several times over as he has rode some of the best horses and won the most prestigious competitions. However, the scope of Bob Avila’s influence is so much greater than what can be measured in hardware and riches.
Bob avila
As the Horse&Rider magazine editor for nearly 10 years, I was able to see the “Bob Avila Effect” in every western trainer I came across and in the barn where we covered the Winning Insights section, which was published in every monthly issue of Horse&Rider magazine long before I was hired. I can confidently say that of all the horsemen and horsewomen on and off the circuit that I have met, Bob possessed and exhibited the same four most important traits, and I was not alone in this belief. He had a flawless work ethic and a keen sense of understanding his business and his clients, and he was generous with his skills and knowledge. His influence will remain vital in shaping the industry for years to come.
Dedication to Excellence
Bob’s barn was always immaculate. Bob would always sweep the barn, keep the stalls tidy, and keep the barn organized. His gear was kept spotless and his trucks and trailers were clean. For every shoot, Bob would put on new polo wraps and would put on fresh tack. He had his horses ready to go for a world show. Bob was always ready to go too, with a fully starched outfit, a perfectly creased hat, and polished boots. Polos and caps were rare and were always neat.
Bob was always aware of the first impression his horses and himself would make on his business. His presentation was the first thing a lot of his customers would see. Bob knew his rig would always be a traveling advertisement, and that’s why he allowed no exception to the cleanliness of his rig. A lot of business had already been given, but Bob knew there would always be potential new customers no matter the show. He new people would see disorganization and dirty horses. Bob was always ready to show his horses for big checks, and for that reason he always believed he should be ready to show, even if he was just practicing.
Bob dedicated himself fully to outstanding client interactions. Daily training engagements were only a portion of riding for bob avila; building relationships with owners and creating a top-tier riding experience were higher priorities for Bob and Dana, and were expected of their staff. This dedication built Bob’s client base and brought in new clients based on his program’s growing reputation.
This level of dedication to excellence guarantees success, whether it be in business or on the competitive side of equestrianism.
Expert Care
Bob was dedicated to learning about equine nutrition and health; Bob was dedicated to educating himself on the tools that could help his horses achieve their maximum potential. From top-tier therapeutic machines and feeding programs to helping his sponsors design protective and rehabilitative gear for horses, Bob was uncompromising to achieve what he believed was the best. He was fully aware it could be the difference of winning first place and second place. He was also fully aware it could be the difference of a horse having a short career in the spot light, or a horse having a long and successful career that showcases the horse’s true talents, which could also be the difference of winning from aged classes to being a competitive veteran in senior classes and contesting as a non-pro with a youth horse.
I was especially thankful that Bob’s big heart appreciated horses of all ages, especially the retired, including Brother White (“Preacher”). Preacher was shown by Bob, Dana, and Bob’s son BJ.
Bob was a self-made success. He instinctively understood business and was an excellent judge of character. He moved locations for business and self-interests. He relocated from Oregon to California to establish a more centrally located base for his business and to invest in property for his financial future. The move from California to Arizona came at the perfect time, allowing him to retire and enter a new venture. He constructed a hydrotherapy swimming pool for his business.
I have lost count of how many horse trainers I have spoken to who explain how they either worked for Bob, contacted him for business-related advice, or learned through observation and by reading his magazine articles.
Bob encouraged the horse trainers he mentored as well as those who had other associated businesses, to have a good work ethic and to supply a good service. He taught them the importance of reputation and how to consider how the world perceived them and how to plan for the future. Bob would tell me that he had seen many of his friends, great horse trainers, not be able to support themselves in old age, as they had not planned for the future. Bob was committed to making sure his trainer friends would not be in the same position.
Willingness to Share
Bob loved discussions with his peers about horses and horse training. This love did not diminish whether the individual was a world champion like himself, or an incoming novice. His publication Ride With Bob Avila was a hit, and the amount of articles and resources he contributed to the H&R audience were innumerable. He hosted many clinics and created the extremely popular Heroes & Friends Symposium, which was even more popular in its VHS and DVD formats. He taught many of the top non pro riders, and the amount of resources he had to offer was astounding.
Bob was fortunate enough to come to prominence during the age where horsemen had to have all the skills from roping to all the horse disciplines, and he excelled at every one of those as well. But, Bob decided to stick with reining and cow horse. He always made sure to stay attuned to the roping and whatever other happenings were going on around the horse industry. During a time where the horse industry had a lot of divisions, Bob’s broad mind and skills made his knowledge extremely valuable. We are all lucky that he shared it, whether in print, and in person.
Be More Like Bob
While bob avila was incomparable, I hope that after his loss, we could all aim to be more like him. Lets work on our own self growth, practice good horsemanship, work to better those around us through business, and be communicative so we can all reach our goals.
While we can’t all be as handy, or as cool as Bob, let’s make an effort to be more like him every day.
