A native of Listowel, ON, Dr. Keith Colquhoun graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1988.
Breeding horses has been a Colquhoun family interest that has passed down through the generations; Keith’s great-grandfather imported Clydesdale stallions from Scotland and stood them, and his grandfather and father have both bred and raised standardbreds.
Now in his third year as an SBOA Director, Dr. Colquhoun operates an equine practice with a specific interest in reproduction from a small hobby farm located between Rockwood and Guelph, ON.
Who do you think you have learned the most from about the breeding business?
My father Al– he has been involved in the business for 7 decades.
Also, I was the farm vet for Glengate Farms when they stood several stallions and bred 80+ mares a year.
I learned a lot about running a commercial breeding operation from Doug Nash and Jim Bullock.
What do you consider the toughest part about being a breeder?
Trying to breed and raise a yearling that will be marketable. The buyer can be very selective and if you don’t have the right individual, or a fashionable pedigree, you’re bound to lose money.
What is your favourite horse that you’ve raised?
Easter Bonnet. She raced in the OSS Super Final at two. Unfortunately, she made a break leaving, but it was thrill to have her make it there.
What are your culling criteria for broodmares?
Lack of production; poor reproductive performance; pedigree no longer fashionable.
What has been your biggest disappointment in the business over the past year?
Selling a Majestic Son yearling for $1000 over the stud fee.
Mind you, lots of people sell yearlings for less than the stud fee, so I’m not complaining, just answering the question!
What do enjoy most about the business?
Having a good-looking yearling in the sales ring. It’s like having an attractive woman on your arm!
How many yearlings are you selling this year and where?
Two—at the Canadian Yearling Sale at Flamboro.
What advice could you give someone just starting out in the Standardbred breeding business today?
Concentrate on quality not quantity.
What do you think it takes to succeed in the breeding business today?
Merciless culling. Looking forward rather than back. Consistently good decision- making that isn’t influenced by emotion or ego.
What are you most looking forward to in 2011?
This year’s foals.
How do you unwind away from the business?
I like the short getaway. A trip to the cottage, overnight at a Bed and Breakfast, a weekend road-trip, just a little change of scenery.
It’s easier to see the big picture when you get a chance to step away from your day-to-day activities.
