54 • THE PLAID HORSE
and really concentrate before it gets so busy.” When asked what he would like his legacy to be, he answered, “I would like to be remembered as the guy that fixed something: a horse, a rider, the footing, a problem.” He prides himself on being able to help problematic horses, “horses people gave up on. I take pride in getting it done.” As for his riders, he claims that “85% of my riders were told in some way that they were not going to make it. I teach them to embrace the competition and the sport.” Durango Farm has a familial feel to it. “It is OUR barn, not MY barn,” he explains. Many of his employees have been with him for decades and he applies the same loyalty to his clients. In fact, former employer Allison LaJoie has been Bustillos’ assistant for four years! Bustillos is constantly learning and improving.“I am a student of everything. The greats inspire me and I try to follow them. I feel so humble every time I learn a new thing. I watch and learn from the best.” Look for David Bustillos and Durango Farms on the California horse show circuit. Be sure to view his now legendary Instagram video on their Facebook page. ◼ SISSY WICKES, EDITOR
DAVID BUSTILLOS’ ASSISTANT ALLISON LAJOIE AND LINTAS.