“Hillingdon Ranch tackroom” from Hillingdon Ranch: Four Seasons, Six Generations.
Saddles are treasured possessions, instantly reminding us of the character and work ethic of their rider. Through David’s lens, the saddles to the left remind me of ranchers who have since passed including Robin’s father, Palmer Giles, and Alfred Giles, who founded Hillingdon. The saddles to the right are used present day by Robin, Carol, Grant, and Misty Giles as they continue to care for land at Hillingdon, which has been a working ranch for almost 130 years.
David’s capturing of these saddles in time also allows me to share proud memories of the hard work demonstrated by both my immediate and extended family throughout multiple generations, which is truly a treasure. For example, these saddles mounted in the barn invoke vivid memories of my cousin, Robin Giles, and my grandfather, Giles Dreiss, ranching together day in and day out on horseback at both Hillingdon and Flat Rock. When my grandfather was alive, he and Robin shared a close bond and commitment to tending family lands. After my grandfather’s passing, Robin continued to ranch his land and still does so today. The example of their devotion and stewardship leave a long standing legacy in the ranching community that will be felt for years to come.
Similarly, how Robin and Carol Giles began many days by saddling their horses and riding out to herd sheep and goats are some of my most revered childhood memories. These saddles in David’s photograph symbolize their hard work, determination, and a willingness to spend countless hours ranching family land on horseback. Even as a young girl, I knew that the Gileses hung their saddles in the barn when the work was done, no matter what time it was on the clock.
Blog written by Amy Clark. Amy Clark, M.S., is the great-great-granddaughter of Annie Laura and Alfred Giles, founders of Hillingdon Ranch. She is the great-granddaughter of Beatrice Giles Dreiss, and the granddaughter of Alfred Giles Dreiss, who before he passed away, ranched in partnership with Robin Giles. Robin and David K. Langford are Amy’s cousins and are part of her extended family that lives on Hillingdon Ranch. Even though Amy currently resides in Denton, Texas, she is excited to share her childhood memories of living at Flat Rock (the area of Hillingdon closest to Comfort) and visiting the Gileses often.
Visit https://www.hillingdonranchbook.com for more details about this spectacular book.
Your family is inspirational and a great example to us all. Congratulations on your upcoming award: https://hillingdonranchbook.com/lone-star-steward-award/
Thank you, Julie, for all your help.
I was so honored to receive a signed copy of this book as a gift from my long time friend David Langford. I read it from cover to cover that night and loved it. I learned a lot about working with nature and am adapting my practices at Hodge Farm accordingly. One of my favorite parts is Robin describing how, because of limited resources, they hadn’t gotten around to eradicating pesky needle grass only to discover that the cattle would eat it when there was no other choice (such as in a time of drought). The lesson I took away? – A whole lot of the time things work out just like they’re ‘sposed to.
Thank you, Glenna. All me efforts have been blessed by your help and mentoring.
Thank you, Glenna. All my efforts have been blessed by your help and mentoring.
David Langford —
He loves Texas, it’s wonderful heritage, the land and especially Hillingdon Ranch.
He’s dedicated his life to preserving and protecting all the foregoing.
As a friend of his for some twenty-five years I can assure you he’s the real deal.
Robert Brandes
Fredericksburg, Texas
Thank you, Robert. All those kind words also describe you perfectly!
Great!
The photographs from this book are stunning.
Thank you, Julie!
Thank you, E.A.