Person · 2010
NRHA Hall of Fame · Inducted 2010
John Hoyt
"The Dale Wilkinson of the West" · Mentor · Inducted 2010
John Hoyt was born in Arcadia, California, and ran away to horses as a boy. He became one of the most legendary trainers in western performance history — fearless, blunt, and profoundly gifted at getting extraordinary performances from ordinary horses. Called "the Dale Wilkinson of the West" by Hall of Famer Al Dunning and "the John Wayne of horse training" by Greg Darnall, Hoyt mentored generations of top riders across five decades. He trained AQHA Supreme Champions, qualified for 21 consecutive AQHA World Shows, and produced countless champions. He passed away December 20, 2016.
"John Hoyt is the Dale Wilkinson of the West."— Al Dunning, NRHA Hall of Famer
Career Highlights
- Multiple AQHA World Championships — won the first-ever AQHA World Champion Western Riding (1975); 21 consecutive AQHA World Show qualifications; trained two AQHA Supreme Champions; 1986 NRHA Limited Open Futurity Reserve Champion
- Legendary mentor — influenced trainers including Randy Paul, Greg Darnall, Al Dunning, and others; known for blunt honesty and an almost supernatural ability to develop horse-and-rider partnerships
- 2013 AQHA Lifetime Achievement Award — received at the AQHA Convention; NRHA HOF 2010; passed away December 20, 2016
- Arizona / Texas · Passed away December 20, 2016
Class of 2010