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Feature Interview · March 2022
Bob Avila
AQHA, Sun Circuit & the New Equine Rehabilitation Program
By Tracy Wager  ·  Bridle & Bit Magazine
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Bob Avila — Bridle & Bit March 2022
Bob Avila  ·  Bridle & Bit Magazine · March 2022
Fresh off judging the NRCHA World's Greatest Horseman in Fort Worth and his AQHA Hall of Fame induction, Bob Avila sits down with Bridle & Bit for a March 2022 update. He discusses a bold proposal to add $1 million to AQHA World Show payouts, record Sun Circuit entries, his new equine rehabilitation program at the ranch, and why Arizona remains the center of his world.
NRCHA World's Greatest Horseman & AQHA
QYou just returned from judging the NRCHA World's Greatest Horseman in Fort Worth — How tough was the competition?
A

The competition was outstanding, not only were the numbers up throughout the show I think the quality of competition was as well.

QYou just returned from the AQHA convention after your induction into the AQHA Hall of Fame — What is happening new with the AQHA?
A

As always AQHA is striving to improve for the better of our horses and our shows. In my opinion the most exciting thing is a proposal that was made at the convention to add $1 to each entry at all AQHA shows. This $1 would go towards the payout at the World shows! From the calculations that were made this could add over $1,000,000 in payouts and cost the average exhibitor just $42 a year!! As I stated it is just a proposal, but many of the members I have spoken with are behind it 100% including myself. We no longer have the incentive fund and quite frankly I think payouts are what is lacking in incentive to show at AQHA shows especially the World shows. With the affiliates now bringing so much in the way of increased payouts the AQHA World shows need to have this added money to keep up the incentive to attend the shows.

Sun Circuit
QSun Circuit entries appear to be at an all-time, record, high — What do you attribute the continued growth too?
A

I spoke with Doug Hulls and the Sun Circuit is sold out of stalls! I am not really sure what has caused all the growth but I think it's great! In my opinion the Covid situation was a dose of reality to lots of people. I think many realized there is no time like the present to take the time to get out and enjoy the things we love to do; as they say tomorrow is not promised and that became a reality for most of us.

QHas the competition become tougher over the years at Sun Circuit?
A

Sun Circuit is just a great event. I think the best part of it is it's diversity! When you get enough of one event you can go find at least 6 other arenas to watch something else in. It is a great way to start off the year and what better place to do that than beautiful Scottsdale AZ!

QSun Circuit has a lot to offer, what is your favorite part of the event?
A

The AZ Quarter Horse Assoc. has done such a terrific job of putting on great shows for so many years I probably have too many great memories to pick a favorite. I can say that when I lived in Oregon I was just like most everyone in the country and I couldn't wait to kick off the year in AZ and soak up some sunshine. We have had numerous calls this year from people looking for stalls to come in early, I bet it would add up to at least 100 stalls! Everyone just wants to be in AZ; and that being said there are no stalls to be had!

QCan we expect to see you at Sun Circuit this year?
A

Oh yes of course I will be there! As I am sure most people know I have retired from training horses, so I am really looking forward to just enjoying being at the Sun Circuit and getting a chance to visit with all of my friends. My wife will be showing so I am sure that will keep me busy as well.

Equine Rehabilitation Program
QYou are preparing to offer rehabilitation care for horses and have invested in new swimming and exercise equipment at the ranch — Are you planning to offer the rehabilitation services to the public or just by veterinarian referral?
A

We have changed gears since I quit training outside horses and opened an equine rehabilitation program. We just finished installing an in ground AquaTred, a Priefert free walker, and a few other pieces of equipment. We are mostly going to be on Veterinarian referral for injuries. However, we will do some conditioning as well. We have had lots of requests for people that leave AZ for cooler places and want to keep their horses in shape and ready to compete when they return.

QHow many horses can you help at a time?
A

We have capacity for only 15 horses at a time on our facility and that includes room for our horses.

QYou understand the needs of horses more than most folks. Are you going to be involved in providing these services?
A

We want to be a very hands-on operation providing excellent care, we feel the key to doing that is to stay small. In our experience with rehab and vet facilities they concentrate solely on the injury. With our background in caring for literally hundreds if not thousands of horses over the years we want to care for the entire horse. We have had horses come back after treatment looking like they came out of a killer pen that were sent to the facility in show condition. We are adamant that when the horses leave our facility, they will not only feel good but they will look their best.

QWhen does the rehabilitation program become available?
A

We are up and running as of about February 15th!