Douglas O. Thal
DVM, DABVP
Dr. Thal is the owner of Thal Equine. Raised on a cattle ranch in Northern New Mexico in a family of horse enthusiasts, Doug Thal has been riding and training horses since childhood. Dr. Thal attended the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, where he received his DVM degree in 1993 with an emphasis on equine and large animal medicine and surgery. Following veterinary school, Dr. Thal was the resident intern at Littleton Large Animal Clinic (now called Littleton Equine Medical Center) in Littleton, Colorado in 1993-1994.
Littleton was and remains one of the largest private equine hospitals in the Rocky Mountain region. As an intern living on site, Dr. Thal assisted with a heavy caseload and gained valuable experience that he used in forming his own practice and practice philosophy. Littleton is highly regarded for its in-depth and precise lameness diagnosis, and Dr. Thal maintains a keen interest in that area.
Jessica Fuentes
DVM
My name is Jessica Fuentes, and I’m a veterinarian originally from Mexico City, where I earned my degree in veterinary medicine from UNAM. Since the beginning of my professional career, I have dedicated myself to equine medicine, driven by a deep connection to these remarkable animals. Equines are both strong and powerful, yet beautiful and kind. They’re incredibly sensitive creatures, and working with them is always interesting and rewarding.
I joined Thal Equine a year and a half ago, drawn by the clinic’s genuine commitment to horse welfare and its emphasis on horsemanship and client education. What we do here goes beyond treatment—educating clients is key to the long-term well-being of horses, donkeys, and mules. I also value the close-knit team atmosphere. We’re a small group, and it really feels like family.
Moving to the United States represented a new adventure for me and an opportunity to further develop my skills in a field I love. Outside the clinic, I enjoy attending concerts (especially hard rock), dancing, and spending time with cats. As a devoted Harry Potter fan, I find magic and adventure in everything life offers, and I’m always ready for the next challenge.
Hannah Garthwaite
DVM
Hi y’all! My name is Hannah Garthwaite, DVM and I am so honored and excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the Thal Equine team. I am a recent graduate from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine…Gig ‘em! After graduation, my husband and I moved from Amarillo, TX to Santa Fe with our two fur babies, Rhett and Indy. While I am passionate and intrigued about most everything we do and see at Thal Equine, especially surgery and repro, I see a growing need in our area for podiatry, dentistry and emergency services. I come from a background in podiatry and dentistry prior to vet school, and am excited to continue learning from Dr. Thal and other veterinarians we interact with to better serve the horses under our care. One of the things I appreciate the most about being a part of the Thal Equine team, is our commitment to excellence and providing the best care we can to the horses that need our help. After my internship, my aim is to stay on with Thal Equine as an associate veterinarian (if Doc will have me), and to continue to learn and serve this community to the best of my ability.
Tomas Medrano
Veterinary Assistant
Tomas is our senior barn hand and a veterinary assistant at Thal Equine. Tomas cares for our boarded horses daily and is regularly of great help with our veterinary patients. Tomas is originally from Chihuahua, Mexico. He was a jockey for several years in California.
Haylee Nykanen
I grew up in Edgewood, New Mexico going to rodeos and trail riding with my family. I have always loved animals and have always wanted to care for them in more ways than one. I started in vet med at a mixed animal practice and realized that my heart lays with horses. I applied here at Thal Equine and got the job. I enjoy working here and being a part of the care that each patient that is unloaded off of a trailer gets.