Muleskinner

Issue date: 2/7/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: Submitted by Janelle Schlobohm Janelle Schlobohm is more than just your average [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Submitted by Janelle Schlobohm Janelle Schlobohm, sophomore nursing major and Miss Rodeo Missouri 2008, relaxes with a casual horse ride. Schlobohm works part-time, goes to school full-time and participates in barrel racing competitions. [Click to enlarge]

From her appearance, Janelle Schlobohm seems like a typical college student. She always comes to class on time in her cowgirl apparel consisting of a pair of jeans, a nice shirt and cowboy boots.

Schlobohm is a sophomore nursing major who has made opportunities for herself that may change her life next December.

"Through horse riding, I have achieved things that otherwise might not be possible," Schlobohm said.

Schlobohm's family has shown her that horseback riding and the rodeo circuit can be both fun and rewarding.

She began barrel racing when she was eight years old and started barrel racing.

"Just as soon as I was old enough to sit up by myself, my grandfather had me on a horse," Schlobohm said. "I grew up on horses and riding just came natural to me."

Barrel racing led Schlobohm to compete in rodeo queen pageants where she recently earned the title of Miss Rodeo Missouri 2008. This gives Schlobohm the opportunity to go to Las Vegas in December to compete for the title of Miss Rodeo America.

Schlobohm's mother, Sue, explained that in order to compete in Miss Rodeo Missouri a contestant must be 19 years old. Janelle just turned 19 in May.

"I am not at all surprised she competed and won. In December she will compete in the Miss Rodeo America pageant in Las Vegas and, win or lose, it will be an opportunity of a lifetime," Sue said.

However, Schlobohm is not the only family member competing in rodeos.

Her brother, Danny, started riding steers when he was 12 and is now bull riding. He has won several awards including money, buckles and a new truck.

When Schlobohm is not riding horses or winning pageants, she is studying to become a nurse.

Schlobohm works part-time in Sedalia at Gene's Boots and Hats.

She said she plans to use her degree to help people in a unique way one day.

"My dream job would be combining my nursing career with horses. I would love to be part of therapeutic horseback riding for anyone with special needs," Schlobohm said.

Schlobohm does not take full credit for all of her hard work.

"In life, my mother has inspired me the most because of her strong will and determination," Schlobohm said.

"She has taught me that if I set my mind to do something and if I work hard, I can achieve my goals."

If Schlobohm wins in December, she will be named Miss Rodeo America and will receive scholarship money to help her obtain her future goal of becoming a Registered Nurse.

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