NEW RIVER, ARIZ. – John William Hoyt was born Nov. 16, 1959 to John and Jane Hoyt. “Lil” John returned to our heavenly Father Sept. 26 2020.
The term “Lil John” was bestowed on him in his youth to differentiate from his father, the famous Hall of Fame horse trainer. Lil John parlayed his upbringing into his own career and reputation as a horseman which he loved. He was well versed in horse training in multiple disciplines, and was a good hand with a rope. But his unsolicited claim to fame came as a horse chiropractor. Lil John had an ability for assessing problems in horses and instantly correcting any issue. Although he never chose to focus or specialize, he could not hide from the his reputation as the guy with the magic touch. His talent was unique, and he changed the mind of plenty of hard-headed non-believing horse owners about chiropractic.
It wasn’t that he rejected or denied his God-given ability as a horse healer, it’s just that he loved every aspect of training, and preferred being thought of in more general terms. Great horseman, great person, great teacher. One of Lil John’s quotes was “If a horse has bad manners on the ground, he is gonna screw your life up later on.”
LJ’s loving companion of 22 years, Tina Skjerseth, states there will be a celebration of life held later. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Timmy and (Frank) Pancho. He is survived by his sister Betsy Schwarz of Whitesboro, Texas; daughter Ashley Ellis, Gold Beach, Oregon; and son Garrett Hodges of Texas.
Good ride, Cowboy, good ride.
Happy trails, Lil John.