Michael Hoyt Performance Horses – Taking a Passion for Riding to the Next Level
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By Susan Winslow
Michael Hoyt is a horseman with drive, determination, and a passion for horses and competition. He was born in Cortez, Colorado and grew up in Bloomfield, New Mexico, a high desert community steeped in Native American history. Hoyt grew up with his father and mother, Michael Senior and Connie, and his sister, Terri, and younger brother, Bryan. While most parents find ways to fend off the begging and pleading of a horse crazy child, hoping it will give way to less expensive interests, Hoyt’s parents took a different tact.
Although his family was not a horsey one, Hoyt’s parents generously indulged their son’s interest, and his first horse took up residence in the family’s backyard. He laughs when he recalls, “Basically, they finally gave in to my begging.” His parents’ kind act would feed a passion that would eventually lead Hoyt to multiple World Champion and Congress titles and his own thriving business, Michael Hoyt Performance Horses at Rancho Brillando in Moorpark, California. Nestled on a hillside in the heart of Ventura County, an hour north of Los Angeles, Michael Hoyt Performance Horses regularly turns out local, regional, and national champions, welcoming riders of all ages, abilities, and interests.
Working his way to the top of elite competition, Hoyt paid his dues. After graduating from high school and attending college, he followed his passion for horses and never looked back. He recalls, “My interest in horses began when I was about eight years old. I started out showing in 4-H and FFA and moved on to Quarter Horse shows. When I was showing at the Quarter Horse shows, I started taking lessons from Pat and Derald Ferrari. When I was old enough to drive, I started working for the Ferraris after school and on the weekends in exchange for lessons and board on my horse.”
Hoyt spent ten years working for the Ferraris, and he’s grateful for the experience and support he found. “Pat and Derald Ferrari taught me to work hard to get what you want, because no one was going to give it to you. They also started me in the horse business and encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming a horse trainer. They taught me that the horse business can be a great way of life.”
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