News


Halter and Race Horse Owner-Breeder Linda Gordon Dies December 18
Texas businesswoman and horse breeder-and-owner Linda Gordon died December 18, 2021, in Denton, Texas.

© Courtesy AQHA.com
Halter and Race Horse Owner-Breeder Linda Gordon Dies December 18

DENTON, TX—DECEMBER 21, 2021—Texas horsewoman Linda Thompson Gordon passed gracefully and peacefully into the hands of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 18, 2021, in Denton, Texas. Linda was born in Dallas on May 28, 1954.

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 from 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.

In partnership with Gary Gordon and Ross Roark, Linda raced the 2014 AQHA Racing Champion 2-Year-Old Filly Jess Walking Thru ($447,266), winner of the Dash For Cash Futurity(G1) and third in the Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity(G1).

She 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 life member of the American Paint Horse Association. She was a national director and state director for 28 years serving as chairwoman 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 chairwoman of the Scholarship Committee. Linda worked diligently to develop the scholarship program for the Texas Paint Horse Club.

Linda served on the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame Committee. She was a major financial contributor to the AQHA halter classes at the AQHA World Show. She was very proud of Jess Walking Thru, the AQHA 2-year-old racing world champion 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, and 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 later.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials for Linda be directed to our family fund named for our parents, Dorothy and James Cleo Thompson Jr. Memorials may be sent to UT Southwestern, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9009.