The Collector
Bob Avila Temecula, California

The Collection
“Trophies and bronzes come and go, trophy saddles wear out, and prize money gets spent,” Avila quips. “But trophy buckles are something you can wear and enjoy for a lifetime.”

Avila earned his first buckle, middle top, at age 5 and remembers the milestone like it was yesterday. “Every win is fun,” he says, “but you always remember your first.”

Shown here are five of his prized NRCHA buckles—three Snaffle Bit Futurity and two World’s Greatest Horseman—one NRHA Futurity buckle, and one AQHA Superhorse buckle.

“I have my favorites,” he shares. For dressier occasions, he wears his 2003 Snaffle Bit Futurity buckle won with one of his favorite horses, Chics Magic Potion. He chooses one of the others shown here for everyday wear.