Janice Collett

Tennessee Lass Has Lots Of Fun ‘Being a Cowgirl'

"Being a cowgirl is lots of fun," said Janice Collett, nine-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Parce Collett, of Parsons, Tenn.

Janice began riding at the age of four. She won her first trophy at 5 in the pony class, competing with children up to 12 years old.

"It took lots of spills before I learned to ride well," said Janice, "but amid the spills I've had lots of thrills."

Janice not only is a good rider but also is quite an expert in training her horse, Domino.

In the last 4 years, she has been awarded 19 trophies and 200 ribbons in horse-show competition. Classes in which she has won include barrel racing, flag racing, pleasure class, pole bending, and youth horsemanship. Competition in the timed events has been with adults as well as youths. She has won in more than 80 per cent of the shows she has entered.

Mother Surprised

Janice won second place in the Little Breeches calf-riding contest at a rodeo last summer, which came as a surprise to her mother who was not present. (She didn't approve.) Janice competed with boys from 12 years and under in the amateur rodeo and was the only female entrant.

Janice is a member of the Decatur County Saddle Club and rides every Friday night during the season at the horse show. She has ridden in horse shows throughout West Tennessee. Some of her awards have been received at county fair horse shows.

Janice has recently bought a new Mexican type pony which she spends many hours breaking and training to ride. Her aim is to win more trophies in 1966 in barrel racing and other events. She has won more awards than her father, which is a great thrill to her.

The brunet cowgirl weighs 65 pounds and is 4 feet and 11 inches tall. She is in the fourth grade at Parsons Elementary School. She made straight A's in her third-grade work.