Bob Avila

Rate or speed control is essential for all horses, but especially reiners in their rundowns. Here’s why rate matters and how to maintain it.

There comes a time when you just need more horse. Use these tips to ensure that your upgrade will get you where you want to be.

Negativity in your riding will keep you from reaching your goals.

This often-overlooked concept can make or break your pattern work. Bonus: Use it to square-up your horse’s shoulders.

Bob Avila discusses the finer points of the finished rollback.

It takes time to learn all the skills required for showing your horse well. Find success faster with my five recommendations.

Use this exercise to improve your straightness for lead changes.

Read about my MVBs—most valuable bits—and why I wouldn’t walk into a tack room that didn’t have these options.

Are you an all-in risk-taker? Or a more conservative speculator? It matters when shopping for young horses.

Mindful management can extend the career of your senior performance horse.

Bob Avila’s trophy belt buckle collection.

When it comes to horse headsets, everyone has opinions. Before making up your mind, consider these factors.

A precise end to a set of spins keeps you out of the penalty box and prevents your horse from developing bad habits.

Not reaching your riding goals? The key might lie in letting your horse do his job.

Kids and horses make the perfect pair for valuable life lessons.

Being a non-pro/amateur rider is challenging. But it can be easier if you avoid making these seven common mistakes.

Focus on your comeback rather than your setback to move on from mistakes.

Hall-of-fame horses are few and far between. I was fortunate to ride one his entire career.

Save yourself trouble and heartache by learning from the eight horse-buying mistakes I see buyers make all too often.

A solid start with a snaffle and mindful progression to a bridle will give your horse power steering for his entire performance career.

The secret to effective horse training is simple: You have to know when to quit.

Any performance prospect is a gamble. But you can up your odds of finding a good one by knowing what to look for, and why.

Consider my list of do’s and don’ts as you plan for your horse’s post-career years.