When it comes to cattle, horses, roping and cowboying on your family’s 10,000 acre ranch, Landon Gill, 26, from Madera, Calif., is stepping out in style and on top of his game. Winning last year’s title fight at the Dynamite Arena, dominating multiple World Series ropings with his father, David Gill, and winning well over $70,000, Landon has set high standards for 2013, striving to be successful no matter what he endeavors.
Raising out-of-this-world horses for over 60 years, running roughly 400 head of stock, and ranching in Madera county for over 80 years, Landon helps his family work on their ranch living up to their well-respected name. Their bi-annual horse sale started in 2001, selling Gill’s horse bloodlines – 2013 brings a horse sale!
His grandfather, Will Gill Jr., and his father, David Gill, are his inspirational and influential figures in his life.
“My grandpa is well respected and always leads by example. He is very generous, kind hearted, and hard working man. Anyone should idolize him. My father, I respect him for what he’s done throughout my life with the opportunities to do whatever I want while always giving the best advice.”
One of Landon’s biggest compliments is having someone praise his horses. He takes pride in the horses his family has raised being able to cowboy on the ranch to the transition of backing one in the box and winning.
As we talked fashion, we both laughed because I already knew the answers to my questions – short and simple as I assumed. Ralph Lauren and Wrangler are Landon’s favorite clothing companies. His wardrobe consists of long sleeved button-ups, polo shirts, which he loves, and a plethora of old clothes.
Passionate about life, grateful for his family and friends, Landon is a handsome, fun, happy, talented man who has goals of following in his father’s footsteps and competing at the NFR. In 10 years, he hopes to be a very successful businessman on and off the ranch, running cattle of his own, a family of his own, and taking his roping above all limits.
When I asked Landon about his favorite quote, he looked at me and laughed – then I had to die laughing with him. “A corriente’s nightmare and a woman’s dream,” a quote Landon himself created – appropriate for his happy-go-lucky personality.
“Any closing thoughts?” I ask.
“Like my mom said every day when she dropped me off at school: ‘Be kind and do one nice thing for someone.’ Those words have stuck with me. Be happy and be thankful for what you have.”
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Landon Gill poses with California Dreamin' columnist Amy Witt.