The Basics of the Thal Quarter Horse Breeding Program

As a veterinarian, I am often dismayed by what I see as the loss of the valuable, critical qualities of horse breeds because of breeders selecting for characteristics of questionable value. This has certainly happened in the Quarter Horse Breed. Examples include Show halter horse breeders selecting for pretty heads and huge musculature, and sacrificing bone, foot, and brains. The cutting horse industry has selected for very small horses with little foot and bone that have many lameness problems.

My breeding program is about getting back to the basics. I start with Foundation Quarter Horse lines that have a history of time-tested performance and the characteristics I am interested in. I pick individuals from those lines who have trainability, potential to perform, and structural soundness. Horses with those characteristics make up the broodmare band. I then cross these mares with specific sires that I think will result in progeny with more specialized characteristics. I feel that these crosses will work well for general using horses, pleasure horses, and western performance horses. The specific characteristics that I look for are medium-sized to large Quarter horses with:

• Heavy bone and boxy thick joints
• Heavy large feet with thick hoof walls and normal hoof conformation
• Strong, medium to short backed horses, with long, athletic necks that tie high into the chest
• No angular limbs, flexural deformities or other limb abnormalities
• Healthy, sound horses - no lameness
• Trainability
• Intelligence - quick learning
• Sensitivity - “life” and interest in performing.

I try to make time to start the horses myself. As a vet, time does not always allow that. I have enjoyed starting young horses since I was 13 years old. I have learned a great deal over those years about training functional working horses, and I continue to learn every day. The horses that I have worked with will all have good ground manners, are trusting but respectful, and have the basics under saddle.

The horses live on the range at 7,000’ elevation in northern New Mexico. All of these horses do well on rough, rocky ground and on native range grass with little supplementation. The young horses are raised on pasture, not pampered in a stall. I bring individuals in periodically and work with them at our Santa Fe Facility.

Other points:
I will only sell my horses to homes, individuals and conditions that I deem acceptable.
I recommend a purchase exam from another experienced veterinarian.
I look forward to developing a relationship with the new owner and will always be available to discuss any veterinary issues.

Doug Thal, DVM • Santa Fe, New Mexico • 505-438-6590


Email Dr. Thal