The Yellowstone season 5 finale is the most watched episode in series history. According to the Paramount Network, over 11.4 million viewers in the US tuned in to find out the fate of the Dutton-family ranch on Sunday night alone. Before that record-breaking audience saw a minute of resolution, however, the finale kicked off with a tribute to real-life cowboy Bob Avila.
“This episode is dedicated to Bob Avila,” the episode read over a black placard. “See you down the dusty trail, Amigo.” Avila made a short cameo as himself back in Yellowstone season 3. He appeared in the eighth episode, titled “I Killed a Man Today.” During a scene in which John Dutton (Kevin Costner) and Kayce (Luke Grimes) show Tate (Brecken Merrill) a horse they’re interested in purchasing, the real-life horse trainer demos some impressive riding skills.
Sadly, Avila died just this past November. He was 72 years old, according to Sports Illustrated’s Rodeo. Over the course of the Californian’s life, Avila was a two-time World’s Greatest Horseman winner. He also earned over a million dollars in winnings with the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA).
The moment echoed Yellowstone’s tribute to real-life spur maker Billy Klapper in season 5’s mid-season premiere. Though Avila could not appear in the episode himself, Klapper featured in episode 9 and even gave Cole Hauser’s character a bit for his horse. Say what you will about how Sheridan spent his final Yellowstone episodes, but he always honoured the real cowboys that helped inspire the series.