Weatherford Equine Breeding Center
ABOUT
Weatherford Equine Medical Center began in 2001 when three local veterinarians decided to join forces and create a facility to serve the ever growing horse population in Parker County. Weatherford Texas is known as the “Cutting Horse Capital of the World.” Being situated in the heart of Texas, the hospital has the pleasure of caring for some of the finest western performance horses in the industry. Weatherford Equine is a large full service equine hospital. On staff boarded surgeon and internal medicine doctors are available around the clock to assist our valued clients whenever necessary.
As the practice grew, it became apparent that the reproduction department would need more space. So in 2011 Weatherford Equine Breeding Center was opened a short distance from the main hospital. The new property has since sprouted two large mare motels, turn out paddocks, covered equiciser, and three very distinctive stallion barns. Available living quarters accommodate intern veterinarians and veterinary students that come for extended visits.
We are privileged to manage some of the best producing dams and sires in their respective disciplines, and Weatherford Equine Breeding Center is equipped to handle all their breeding needs. With the addition of our affiliation with Select Breeders Service we are capable of providing the highest standard of semen freezing currently available.
Services
Staff
Dr. Justin Ritthaler
DVM: Colorado State University 1999
Professional Interests: Advanced Reproduction and Lameness Diagnosis/treatment
Dr. Ritthaler was raised in Wyoming as the son of a mixed animal veterinarian. He attended college at University of Wyoming and then completed his veterinary degree at Colorado State University. Dr. Ritthaler then joined Dr. Foland in the Weatherford area where he developed his expertise in treating performance horse issues and advanced equine reproductive techniques. Dr. Ritthaler and Dr. Foland joined Dr. Hebbert to create the hospital, and are now the three managing partners of Weatherford Equine. Justin is proudly married to Dr. Heidi Ritthaler and has three beautiful daughters Regan, Alex, and Kelsey. He enjoys golfing and hunting with friends, but as spare time is limited, he admits spending time with his little girls is his greatest joy.
Dr. Gabe Young
DVM: Iowa State University 2010
Internship: Weatherford Equine Medical Center 2010-2011
Professional Interests: Advanced Reproduction (oocyte harvest, embryo transfer), general practice
Dr. Young was raised on a farm in southern Iowa. He attended both undergraduate and veterinary school at Iowa State University and then joined Weatherford Equine for his Internship. Following his internship Dr. Young moved to Lexington, KY where he worked as an associate veterinarian for Equine Medical Associates, PSC. Here he served some of the finest thoroughbred horse farms in the world focusing on reproduction, sales, dentistry, and general practice. He returned to Weatherford Equine as an associate veterinarian and has a strong interest in advanced reproduction along with general practice. Gabe is proudly married to Ann Young, DVM and enjoys spending time with their son, Levi. In his free time he enjoys woodworking, fishing, and riding horses.
Ben Habig, Stallion Manager
Andrea Booty, Recipient Mare Manager
