American Horse Trainer Bob Avila passed away on November 10, 2024, at the age of 73, leaving friends, family, and loved ones devastated.
Robert Charles “Bob” Avila was recognized as one of the industry’s best-known all-around horsemen.
He trained champions in AQHA, NRHA, NRCHA, Major Leaguer, Mist N Smoke, Chics Magic Potion, and many others.
Moreover, Bon also won the World’s Greatest Horseman on Paid By Chic in 2000 and Light N Fine in 2007.
Highlights
- Bob Avila was a prominent American horse trainer and American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame 2020.
- Avila passed away on November 10, 2024, at 73, following an undisclosed cause, announced by his family members.
- Bob was married two times. His first wife was Christine Skuzeski Avila. He married his second wife, Dana Mandala Avila, in 2006.
Bob Avila began his journey with horses when he left home after high school to make his way, but he soon found that way would be with the horse.
He learned each step and established himself as a qualified horse trainer. He became a million-dollar rider while serving on the judged commute and executive board in NRCHA.
Similarly, Bob was a founding member of the AQHA Professional Horsemen’s Committee. Moreover, in 1995, he became the first AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year.
Furthermore, Bob Avila appeared as a horse trainer in the popular drama series Yellowstone season 3, episode 8, I Killed a Man Today. He shared the screen with famous actor Kevin Costner, who played John Dutton in the Series.
Bob Avila Passed Away At 73 Following An Unknown Cause; Fans Suspects Heart Attack
His family announced Bob Avila’s demise news. The legendary horse trainer died on November 10, 2024, at 73. However, they did not reveal the cause of death.
Similarly, on social media, there are tons of condolence messages on the devastating news of Bob Avila.
His friends, fellow horse trainers, horse riders, his fans, and those who looked Bob up as a role model wrote emotional messages and his obituary remembering his long and influential legacy.
Horse marketing agent Chelsea Schneider of Chelsea Schneider Media Inc. remembered Bon Avila as a legendary horseman and personal hero. She writes,
To learn of the sudden passing of Bob Avila, a man who was not only a legendary horsemen, but also a personal hero to me.His sudden passing is a devastating loss, especially after all he overcame this year.est in peace, Bob. You’ll be missed more than words can express.
Chelsea Schneider
Similarly, Horse & Rider Magazine writes Bob Avila as an icon in the Horse racing industry and a true horseman whose legacy is firmly imprinted into the archives of Western History. They wrote,
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Avila, an AQHA Professional Horseman, multiple AQHA world champion, winner of World’s Greatest Horseman titles, and American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame member, who passed away today at the age of 72.
Horse & Rider Magazine
While mentioning Bob Avila’s heartfelt condolences. Some of the fans mentioned that the icon passed away following the heart attack. However, there is no confirmed news about the cause of Bob’s demise.
In one of the Facebook posts, one of the fans commented,
I heard he had a heart attack however I cannot confirm. It’s sad; losing one of the amazing trainer too soon.
Bob Avila Was Married To Dana Mandala Avila And Father Of A Son, BJ Avila
Bob Avila married his wife, Dana Mandala Avila, on December 16, 2006. Dana is a Palm Desert, California native and has worked for more than 18 years on the ranch at Temecula, California, along with Bob Avila.
Later, Dana and Bob relocated their horse ranch to Scottsdale, Arizona, where they continued developing and marketing saddles, tack, and bits.
Furthermore, Dana is often seen on her social media with the horses, training, riding, and caring for them. Similarly, she shares tips and techniques for horse training with her audience on her social media.
Before Dana, Bob Avila was married to Christine Skuzeski Avila, the mother of his son BJ Avila.
Christine graduated from Yamhill-Carlton High School, received a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation, and formed life at Oregon State University.
Bob Avila and his ex-wife built a successful horse training business in Yamhill.
Unfortunately, on May 25, 2022, Christine Skuzeski Avila passed away at 69 due to natural causes.
Her son, BJ Avila, announced her demise on his Facebook account. BJ is an accomplished horseman rifer and trainer. He learned the horse business industry with the guidance of his father, Bob, and mother, Christine.
According to Christine’s obituary post, it is recorded that Bob and she had another son, Robert J. Avila.
Additional Information
- Bob Avila’s estimated lifetime earnings are $1 million from his NRCHA involvements and about $400K from his NRHA association.
- Bob Avila’s father, Don Avila, was a trainer and rodeo cowboy, and his mother, Pat Avila, worked at a Western store while giving riding lessons.
- Horsemen, including Todd Bergen, Daune Latimer, and John Slack, worked with Bob and trained him before starting their own business.
