People of the Ranch | Rancho Santiago

Owners of Rancho Santiago are Jim and Maria Gamble. Thanks Arthur for your love and support and for giving us the appreciation of equines and the great out of doors. Why the ranch name of Rancho Santiago? Santiago is the patron saint of Maria's home town and the patron saint (Saint James) of her husband. Santiago is known as the patron saint of horsemen. Dr. Jim Gamble grew up in Lubbock, Texas. He is co-owner of Rancho Santiago. Jim worked on farms and ranches as a teenager. He begin riding horses and mules literally as a baby. Jim Gamble is a doctor of psychology who works with emotionally disturbed children and their families. Dr. Jim earned a bachelor of science degree in Agriculture Education with a minor in animal husbandry. Jim has competed in rodeos bull riding, calf roping, bare back horse riding, and in the wild mare race. He taught vocational agriculture for 12 years in California. Jim says that "working with mules and Catahoula dogs restores my soul."	Maria de Jesus Gamble is co-owner of Rancho Santiago. Maria grew up in the central Mexico region in the mountains near the city of Sahuayo, in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. Maria's family was involved in farming and ranching in Mexico and the United States. She earned a master's degree in education. Maria is an education consultant and conducts training across the Texas South Plains for teachers and administrators. Maria also teaches Spanish in Ralls, Tx. and is having great fun teaching kids again after 25 years out of the classroom. Maria has a exceptionally good eye for quality equines and Catahoula dogs.

Mike Dillard is our trusted friend, trainer of mules, riding instructor, and licensed hunting guide. Mike is a gifted trainer of dogs for hunting raccoons, mountain lions, bear, and wild boar. Mike also trains hunting dogs & dogs for herding cattle.

	Robin is our sister-in-law and Mike's wife. As far as we are concerned, she is a computer genius. Robin has a master's degree in management information systems from Texas Tech University. Ms. Robin professionally designs web sites and does other computer stuff I don't have a clue about. Robin designed this web site. My late brother Rob Gamble's web site, www.pjbellymusic.com, is also created by her. We are blessed by her persevering friendship.
Leroy Cagle brings a lifetime of experience and involvement with mules and jack stock to Rancho Santiago. Leroy is truly an expert in the field. His advice and guidance are key to the continuous upgrading of the quality of our operation. As in this picture, Mr. Leroy often takes life by the tail. He states there isn't anything your should not be able to do with a good gentle mule. Leroy has a mischievous glint in his eye, quick to smile, quick to laugh at life's absurdity, and best of all we call him friend.
	Leroy and Juan the mule. Leroy is wearing the hat. Prediction for Juan's size is 15 to 16 hands tall. Mr. Leroy likes the way this 2-year old is starting to rein.

Leroy ... we all thankyou for hard work and lobor of love to make Rancho Santiago a functioning best of mule ranches. We miss you daily. Rancho Santiaogo people are especially blessed by your sharing your special knowledge of mules, donkeys, and people. God Bless our friend. Locate us some good mules and we will meet with you on the other side of this life to ride in paradise.
Chris Kennann, cowboy in training, is a valuable asset for Rancho Santiago. Chris has developed many cowboy skills and is great with the mules. Update: Chris is now a United States Marine, served in Iraq, recently graduated Texas Tech University. Chris recently married the love of his life! Chris will enter the Marine Officer Candidate School in the spring. Chris then moves on to Pilot training. We are so proud of our chosen "son".
Chris Houy of Fort Davis, Texas, is an honor graduate of Texas A & M University. Chris has been an assistant professor in the school of agriculture at Sul Ross University. Chris teaches math and science at Valentine High School. He is a former teacher of agriculture, advisor to the ranch, and a most valued friend that makes us laugh. Mr. Chris and his son, Daniel, Director of Wildlife Operations and budding engineer, are pictured at Christmas on the rancho. Dawn and son Scott, also special long term friends, are not pictured.
	Christmas Eve at the ranch with good friends. God bless us all - each and every one.
Maria has a job, is smart, likes horses & mules, AND SHE CAN COOK TOO! Christmas Eve central Mexico style food at the ranch.