Bob's Custom Saddles: Crafting Excellence and Elevating the Reining Horse Industry
In the dynamic world of reining, where precision, agility, and a deep connection between horse and rider define the sport, one name consistently stands out in the realm of quality and craftsmanship: Bob's Custom Saddles. As a proud Corporate Partner of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), Bob's Custom Saddles has played a pivotal role in shaping the reining industry, providing the perfect blend of functionality, comfort, and artistry that both professional riders and enthusiasts have come to trust.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Innovation
Bob's Custom Saddles was founded with a simple yet profound vision: to create saddles that enhance the performance and comfort of both horse and rider. With over four decades of dedication to the craft, Bob's Custom Saddles has become synonymous with quality, precision, and innovation in the equestrian community. From the finest materials to the meticulous handcrafting processes, every saddle is designed to meet the unique needs of reining riders.
What sets Bob's Custom Saddles apart is a commitment to understanding the intricate dynamics between horse and rider. Every saddle is carefully designed to promote balance, stability, and communication, allowing for seamless maneuvers and ensuring that every ride is a testament to the bond between horse and rider. This dedication to excellence has not only set a new standard in the industry but has also positioned Bob's Custom Saddles as a leader in the field.
Elevating the Reining Experience
The impact of Bob's Custom Saddles on the reining horse industry is evident in every turn, slide, and stop performed in arenas across the globe. Riders, trainers, and horse owners recognize the unparalleled quality and attention to detail that Bob's Custom Saddles brings to their equipment. The brand's saddles are designed with the specific demands of reining in mind, enabling riders to perform with confidence and precision.
Bob's Custom Saddles offers a range of eight distinct reining saddle models, each crafted to meet the unique requirements of different riding styles and preferences. From the classic to the contemporary, each saddle is a masterpiece of design and functionality:
- Named after the world-renowned trainer and NRHA Hall of Famer Bob Avila, this saddle is designed for riders who demand the highest level of performance. It has the DL seat which offers a mid-rise for a balanced, close contact ride.
- Developed in collaboration with $8 million rider Andrea Fappani, features a seat that is slightly higher and narrower than the AF model for enhanced feel and function. It includes Fappani Skirts with a close contact cut and latigo carriers positioned under the seat jockey.
- The AF Reiner, the original model ridden by Andrea Fappani, features the AF seat with a flat style design and a 3" cantle for a comfortable ride. It includes the #21 horn, which is slightly taller, more narrow, and angled forward. The AF skirts have a built-in cut-up for a closer contact feel, while the D Hendricks fenders provide maximum comfort for the rider.
- Developed by $2.8 million rider Duane Latimer, this saddle features the high-rising California seat, a hallmark of the Duane Latimer design, which creates a deep-pocketed feel. Additionally, the 3 1/2" cantle enhances the deep-pocketed feel for added comfort and security. A signature element of the Duane Latimer Reiner is its bulk-less in-skirt rigging, providing a bulk-free setup for complete freedom of fender movement.
- The McQuay model features the distinctive Tim McQuay seat, designed with a high rise and narrow shape to provide a deep, secure feel for the rider. It includes a 3 1/4" cantle for enhanced comfort and a deep-seated experience. The saddle also showcases a refined, smaller square skirt with a close-contact cut-up, ensuring maximum rider connection and maneuverability.
- The Lady Reiner features a high-rising California seat paired with a shallow Cutter seat jockey and a 3 1/2" cantle for a deep-seated feel. Its double-padded seat is the narrowest in our reining saddle collection, offering exceptional comfort and a close-contact feel favored by both men and women. The model also includes narrow KR fenders, providing maximum mobility for the rider.
- The Next-Gen Reiner is paired with our Tim McQuay square skirts, featuring a close-contact reiner cut-up. It offers the flexibility of in-skirt or on-tree rigging. The Next-Gen tree includes an 8 ½” tall BW front and a newly designed 2 ¾” cantle. For optimal comfort and performance, we recommend a hardseat with single padding, though it can be customized in any seat style of your choice.
- The Jordan Larson model utilizes the AF tree but is equipped with a high-rising California seat, offering a deep-pocketed feel and a 3" cantle for added support. This saddle can be made with either round or square skirts and typically features a 2" x 7" or 2" x 9" cut-up for a close-contact feel.
A Global Impact
Bob's Custom Saddles isn't just a fixture in the United States; it is a global phenomenon. With distribution in over 11 countries, the brand has expanded its reach far beyond its origins, bringing its commitment to quality and innovation to reining enthusiasts worldwide. This international presence has not only strengthened the brand's reputation but has also contributed to the growth of the reining horse industry on a global scale.
The expansion into diverse markets has allowed Bob's Custom Saddles to understand the unique needs and preferences of riders across different cultures and environments. This global perspective has enriched the company's designs, resulting in saddles that cater to a wide range of riding styles and disciplines, all while maintaining the core values of quality, comfort, and performance.
Official Saddle of the NRHA
As the official saddle of the NRHA, Bob's Custom Saddles is more than just a provider of equipment—it is a partner in the growth and development of the sport of reining. The NRHA, with its mission to promote and support reining at all levels, has found a perfect ally in Bob's Custom Saddles. Together, they have worked to elevate the sport, bringing it to new audiences and nurturing the next generation of riders.
Bob's Custom Saddles' role as the official saddle of the NRHA signifies a deep commitment to the sport and its community. The collaboration has fostered an environment where excellence is celebrated, and innovation is encouraged, ensuring that the future of reining is as bright and dynamic as its past.
A Commitment to Quality and Community
The positive impact of Bob's Custom Saddles extends beyond the arena. The company is deeply rooted in the community, supporting events, clinics, and programs that promote the growth and development of reining. This commitment to giving back has solidified its reputation not only as a leading saddle maker but also as a trusted partner in the reining world.
By sponsoring NRHA events and supporting riders at all levels, from amateurs to professionals, Bob's Custom Saddles has created a legacy of empowerment and opportunity. The brand's dedication to the sport and its participants is evident in every saddle it produces, every rider it supports, and every event it champions.
Looking Ahead
As the reining horse industry continues to evolve, Bob's Custom Saddles remains at the forefront of innovation and excellence. The company’s dedication to quality craftsmanship, its understanding of the needs of horse and rider, and its unwavering support for the NRHA and the reining community ensure that it will continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of the sport.
From the arenas of the United States to international stages, Bob's Custom Saddles is more than just a saddle maker—it is a symbol of excellence, a partner in success, and a cornerstone of the reining horse industry. With every saddle, every innovation, and every rider it supports, Bob's Custom Saddles reaffirms its commitment to the sport, the community, and the art of reining.
In a world where every detail matters, trust the saddle that has become the standard of excellence. Trust Bob's Custom Saddles—the official saddle of the NRHA.