ApHC Member of the Month- Janelle Stelk
Janelle on These Spots Are Hot
ApHC News
By: Syndee Adams
Janelle is from Phillips, Nebraska where she spends her time with her Appaloosas and helping others. The highlight for 2017 for Janelle was her three top 10 placings at the 2017 Western Dressage World Championship Show in Guthrie, OK. where she rode her Appaloosa mare, These Spots Are Hot.
Janelle shows how versatile her Appaloosas are by riding them in trail riding, trail challenges, open and breed shows, and Dressage Shows. In 2015, she rode to a World Reserve Champion finish in Ranch Horse Pleasure on her horse Hazard at the World Appaloosa Show. Once a year, for several years, she and the Nebraska Appaloosa Club hosts an open show. If anyone knows anything about hosting shows, you know it takes a lot of work. Janelle volunteers her time to do that plus shows at that very same show.
Sydnee Adams on Spotted Elroy Jetson and Janelle on Hazard.
She and her husband no longer does this, but back in the day, they assisted a therapeutic group, and they had a group of girls that did vaulting. Vaulting is like “gymnastics on horseback.”
She currently volunteers her time by helping me with my Appaloosa horse. Ok, no biggie, as most people would say, but most people wouldn’t know until they saw me. Then, they would know I have a disability. I have dwarfism. Finding a horse that is tolerate of different, but has the same cues, is a challenge.
Sydnee Adams on Spotted Elroy Jetson.
We gave up on finding a broke finished horse for me. We found a youngster that was green broke, but wasn’t finished. She has taken the time to help me get this horse broke and adjusted to my aids. She has taught me what I need to do, so basically, my horse is more familiar to my cues versus anyone else. We have a long way to go, but we’re taking one step at a time.
Janelle working with Hazard.
Most people would have given up on me years ago, but she is somehow still with it. About a month ago, she built me a mounting station, so I can now saddle and bridle my own horse without any assistance. After decades of years of riding, it’s nice to saddle my own horse. She pushes me to do everything average-size people do with horses, but maybe in a different way.
If it wasn’t for Janelle Stelk helping so many people, including myself, the horse industry wouldn’t be where it is today.
Thank you Janelle for showing the world the versatility and the wonderful nature of the Appaloosa horse.
