Les Vogt, a legendary horseman, trainer, and innovator in the reined cow horse industry, passed away suddenly on September 6, 2025, at the age of 83.
Born into a family of horsemen, Les grew up learning the trade from his grandfather, Chet Vogt, and was riding almost before he could walk. As a boy, he could often be found racing bareback along canal banks on his mare Sweetheart. At just nine years old, he started his first horse—a neighbor’s Shetland pony—and by fourteen, he was working at Sun A Via Ranch under the guidance of Johnny Lamont, where he was introduced to the artistry of the Spanish Vaquero tradition.
Les went on to enjoy one of the most celebrated careers in reined cow horse history. In 1970, he and Wrong Key, together with Bobby Ingersoll, won the inaugural Snaffle Bit Futurity, a landmark event in the sport, and he went on to win the Futurity again in 1973. Over the years, he earned more than 30 major championship titles, including 15 World Championships in reining and reined cow horse events. His unmatched skill was further proven at the AQHA World Championship Show, where in his only appearance he achieved a feat still unequaled—winning both the Senior Working Cow Horse and Senior Reining world titles.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Les was inducted into the National Reined Cow Horse Association Hall of Fame in 2004. Horses he trained, including King Fritz and Chex A Nic, also earned Hall of Fame honors. In 2020, he was presented with the Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity and National Reined Cow Horse Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award.
Beyond his competitive success, Les was known as a “trainer of trainers,” generously sharing his expertise through clinics, training videos, and mentorship of countless horsemen and women. He also built a respected business designing custom bits and spurs and enjoyed team roping at rodeos throughout California. As recent as last month, Les won the RCR Arena Paso Robles Team Roping Event, as a champion heeler.
Les’ passion, talent, and generosity left an indelible mark on the horse world. He will be remembered not only for his extraordinary accomplishments but also for his deep love of the Spanish Vaquero tradition, his willingness to teach, and his enduring story-telling and infectious laugh, all which will influence the next generation of riders.
For more than 50 years, Les was also a proud member of the Rancheros Visitadores, where he treasured the camaraderie of lifelong friends and continued to compete in roping and cow horse events. Les is survived by his son, Brooks Borror, and grandsons Tyler and Travis Borror and son Steve Alford; his brother, Chet Vogt; and his sister, Susan Vogt Benes. Services will be held in Shandon/Paso Robles, with details to follow.
