GoHorseShow is sad to report the passing of halter industry icon Linda Gordon of Fossil Gate Farms. Linda has been an integral part of the community breeding, raising and showing some of the industry’s best horses. Her passion, dedication and friendship will be greatly missed by all.
Fossil Gate Farms, located just south of Denton, TX along I35 is recognized as one of the premier halter breeders of the modern-day era and is home to industry leading stallions like FG Rising Star, Execute, FG Born Legacy, Im Tee Totally Cool, Suchan Ego, FG Xxpectations, Very Cool, FG A Tru Fella, Grand Slam Touchdown, and FG Mr Mc Dreamy. Linda’s impact on every aspect of the halter industry has reached far and wide and across virtually every stock horse breed.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing this amazing woman. We will update our readers as we received more information.
From Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home & Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park:
Linda Thompson Gordon, born in Dallas, Texas on May 28, 1954, passed gracefully and peacefully into the hands of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 18, 2021, in Denton, Texas. She is survived by her mother, Dorothy Thompson and her sister, Christy Thompson.
Linda grew up as a member of Highland Park Methodist Church. She graduated form Southern Methodist University where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. Linda had a successful career working alongside her father, James Cleo Thompson, Jr. and her sister, Christy Thompson, in the family businesses including oil and gas operations and exploration and ranching.
Linda met Gary Gordon in 1994, while he was judging a horse show. They fell in love and were happily married for 22 years. They were a perfect match with his knowledge and love for the horse business. Together they raised many world champion horses. Linda Gordon loved life and to her, life meant horses…Linda’s participation and accomplishments in the equine industry were far reaching. She was involved in the halter industry, the Quarter Horse racing industry, and more recently, the barrel racing industry.
Linda was extremely influential in many aspects of the horse industry for decades. Linda Gordon was involved in many equine breed associations. Fossil Gate Farms and Linda were active breeders in APHA, AQHA, ApHC, IBRA, ABRA, and PHBA, and were synonymous with the best in the business. Many World Champions were bred and raised by Linda Gordon, and her favorite time of the year was breeding and foaling season. She was an active and hands-on participant in the daily operations of Fossil Gate Farms.
Linda was a Lifetime Member of the American Paint Horse Association. She was a National Director and State Director for 28 years serving as Chairman of many committees. Linda was appointed to serve on special committees for APHA because her business knowledge was well known. The Texas Paint Horse Club was a primary focus for Linda for many years. She was ardently involved in many aspects of the TPHC having served as President, Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, and Chairman of the Scholarship Committee. Linda worked diligently to develop the Scholarship Program for the Texas Paint Horse Club.
Linda served on the AQHA Hall of Fame Committee. She was a major financial contributor to the AQHA Halter Classes at the AQHA World Show. Linda was very proud of Jess Walking Thru, the AQHA World Champion Racing 2 Year Old Mare in 2014. After a very successful racing career, Jess went on to become the foundation of the Fossil Gate Farms Quarter Horse Racing Division.
Linda served on the Board of Directors of the Breeders Halter Futurity for 10 years. She was instrumental in the success of the BHF. Linda brought her business expertise and acumen to the BHF Board. She will be sorely missed by all.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials for Linda be directed to her family fund named for her parents, Dorothy and James Cleo Thompson, Jr. Memorials may be sent to UT Southwestern 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas TX 75390-9009
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Gordon family.
