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.

Many riders think there’s something mysterious about romal reins. I’m here to tell you what they are and what they aren’t.

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.

Teach your young horse solid rollback fundamentals for a foundation to build a stellar show horse.

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.

Can you put each of your horse’s feet where you want them? Learn how with my tips.

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.

Your competitive mount requires special attention at home between shows to optimize your success.

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

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

I’ve been on both the production and the prospective-buyer ends of sale videos. Learn from my experience to make a better video—and watch a sale video critically.

Use these pre-show spiff-up tips to prep your horse for an eye-catching performance.

Learn how a few extra minutes and a little elbow grease can take your next sale-ad photo to a professional level.