Quarter Horse breeding in Anjou, France
Since 2001 we have been breeding Quarter Horses and Paint Horses for leisure riding: calm, people-friendly, level-headed horses. They are born at the ranch, in Contigné, and grow up as a herd out in the fields.
How do we raise our horses?
In Contigné (Les Hauts-d’Anjou), 30 km north of Angers, breeding horses is our passion.
From birth, our foals grow up here, roaming free over large areas that help their physical and mental development. Raised at the ranch and handled young, they are brought on to become reliable partners for leisure riding. Valentin Rey, who is based at the ranch, starts and schools the horses we breed.
Horses trained for leisure riding and for performance
Our philosophy rests on bringing up true companions for life:
- For everyday and outdoor riding: calm, reliable partners for trekking, groundwork and riding out in the countryside.
- For performance and sport: top-quality horses with excellent potential to move up to more demanding disciplines (reining, ranch sorting).
Raised in a group, out in the field, around people
- Started gently from the age of 2 (starting means a young horse’s first lessons under saddle)
- For sale at any age, from foals to horses ready to ride
- Trial and guidance on site before you commit
- 2001
- the year we started breeding Quarter and Paint Horses
- 20
- or so broodmares, living as a herd in the fields
- 2
- stallions at the ranch: Texas and Forest du TR
- 15
- or so foals born at the ranch every year
Why a Quarter Horse?
The Quarter Horse is the horse of American ranches and of western riding. It is known for its versatility, its hardiness and above all its calm nature. It makes an ideal mount for adults coming back to riding, for families and for anyone looking for a horse they can bond with and feel safe on.
We often say that a well-brought-up Quarter Horse is the Rolls-Royce of leisure riding.
“It’s a magnificent horse with an exceptional temperament, which I discovered in the United States. And above all, it’s a childhood dream.”
We breed our Paint Horses in the same way: the Paint Horse is the same type of horse as the Quarter Horse, with a pinto coat. Our Quarter Horses are registered with the AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) and our Paint Horses with the APHA (American Paint Horse Association). Horses born here carry the “du TR” suffix, and their registration certificates name the ranch as breeder, under the name of Jacky Thomas or EARL Thomas.
Our Quarter Horse stallions and stud fees
Texas and Forest du TR were born at the ranch. They stand at stud for in-hand covering: the mare comes to the ranch, and the stallion covers her while held in hand.
Booking a covering
While she is with us, your mare stays at livery at the ranch, at €15 per day. Tell us which stallion you are interested in and the period you have in mind: we will get back to you about availability and terms.
Come and see our foals and stallions at the Angers Horse Show (Salon du Cheval d’Angers), from 13 to 15 November 2026, at the exhibition centre.
Ask about a covering or about our stallions| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Texas du TRIn-hand covering | €550 |
| Forest du TRIn-hand covering | €550 |
| Livery for the mareWhile she stays at the ranch | €15 per day |
Stud fees as listed by the ranch in 2026.
Our broodmares
Some of the dams of our foals: Quarter Horse and Paint Horse mares, many of them born at the ranch.
Which horses do we sell?
Our horses are for sale at any age. You can reserve a horse, try it and take part in its progress: we guide you on site before you commit to anything.
- Foals1 to 3 years old
- In training3 to 5 years old
- Ready to ridefrom 4 or 5 years old
Like one of our horses? Come and meet it and try it at the ranch, in its usual surroundings.
Keepsake album: our horses born at the ranch and already sold
Keywest du TR, presentation video
Keywest du TR at work
Born at the ranch in April 2021, by AR Rock Star out of Dina du TR, Keywest was sold in October 2025. His presentation video shows him working in the outdoor arena, on the ranch’s trail course (a course of natural obstacles) and near the cows.
Horses for sale todayFrequently asked questions
Can I try a horse before buying it?
Yes. Come and meet it and try it at the ranch, in its usual surroundings. We guide you on site before you commit to anything.
At what age do you sell your horses?
At any age: foals from 1 to 3 years old, horses in training from 3 to 5 and horses ready to ride from 4 or 5. We start them gently from the age of 2.
Can I reserve a foal and follow its progress?
Yes. You can reserve a horse, try it and take part in its progress until it leaves the ranch.
Do your horses have registration papers?
Yes. Our Quarter Horses are registered with the AQHA, our Paint Horses with the APHA. The certificates of horses born at the ranch name the ranch as breeder, under the name of Jacky Thomas or EARL Thomas.
How much does a Quarter Horse cost?
The price depends on the horse’s age, pedigree and level of training: a foal costs less than a horse that has been started or is ready to ride. The price is shown on the horse’s page once it has been set; otherwise, just ask and we will tell you.
How much is a covering?
In-hand covering: €550 with Texas du TR or Forest du TR, plus €15 per day of livery for the mare (prices as listed in 2026).
What is the difference between a Quarter Horse and a Paint Horse?
The Paint Horse is the same type of horse as the Quarter Horse, with a pinto coat. We breed both, for leisure riding.
Interested in a horse we have bred?
Tell us what you are looking for, a foal, a horse in training or one ready to ride: we will invite you to come and see it and try it at the ranch.
