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? Patron 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 from the 6th grade through college & the rest of his life so far. 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. A Masters degree in pyschology came from The University of San Diego, and his doctorate degree was earned at Texas Tech University.

Jim has competed in rodeos bull riding, calf roping, bare back bucking 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 Mora de 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 who conducts training across the Texas South Plains for teachers and administrators. Maria loves the kids she teaches Spanish to in Ralls, Tx. Maria is having great fun teaching kids again after 25 years out of the classroom as an teacher of teachers and administrator.

Thankfully Maria has a exceptionally good eye for quality equines and Catahoula dogs.

Jordan Hughes is our friend, trainer of riding & driving mules and horses and a gifted riding instructor.

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 labor 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 you 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, was a cowboy in training for several years and was a valuable asset for Rancho Santiago. Chris has developed many cowboy skills and is great with the mules.

Update: Chris is a United States Marine, served in Iraq, graduated from Texas Tech University. Chris recently married the love of his life! Chris is now an officer in the Marines. Chris has now advanced to Pilot training.

We are so proud of our chosen "son".