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| THE Jana Kelly
As I was tossing around ideas in my head of who I should write a new blog post about, I was also in the middle of writing an article for the Tri State Livestock News about a Jordan, Montana rancher by the name of Mike Pierson (the article will be published in the Stallion Showcase edition, December 31st, CHECK IT OUT!). While I was writing the article on Mr. Pierson, I called on his neighbor, Jana Kelly for some tid bits and insight about some of Mike's horses. Then it dawned on me. I have this blog which is dedicated to incredibly handy women and I've yet to do an interview with Jana! C'mon Bailee! I quickly rendered my mistake by contacting Jana again asking if she would be willing to do an interview. As most can hear Jana saying she replied with "Hell yes I will but you might have to edit out most of it!" If you are ready to meet the most happy go lucky, brutally honest woman in the country, read on!
At 56 years of age, Jana proudly says that she celebrates her "un-birthdays" 364 days a year. And if anyone knows Jana, you can bet she's celebrating those "un-birthdays" with a Bud Light, or maybe 10. As the youngest of seven siblings and self proclaimed "perfect baby" of the family, Jana stated she grew up a river rat being raised on the Musselshell River. She now resides with her husband Kevin in the rough river breaks of Garfield County, north west of Jordan, MT near Brusett. If you have attended a ranch rodeo in Montana or surrounding areas lately you have probably heard Jana's name mentioned as "Top Hand" (she's won quite a few of those!). You can also bet she will be on a Top Horse (an award which she has also won). Jana is a sought after ranch rodeo team member, whether its on an all women team or an open team.
I was able to spend some time with Jana this past January while we were both soaking up the Arizona sunshine, escaping the cold winter temps for a few weeks. I can tell you that Jana is passionate about ranching, roping, horses, good friends, family and of course, Bud Light. If you hang around Jana for very long and your sides aren't aching from belly laughing, you don't have a sense of humor!
Here's some splendid life advice from the top hand herself:
1) Growing up, did you always want to be a cowgirl:
JK: I didn't always want to be a cowgirl. When I was about 9 yrs old, I was gonna be a bull rider, but the milk pen calf quickly educated me on that!
2) What is your favorite part of "ranch life"?
JK: My favorite part of ranch life is the view I see between my horses ears! That's when I'm the happiest too!
3) What is one thing you wish more people knew about the ranching/western lifestyle?
JK: I wish more people knew, (especially the "rule makers" in Washington) about the blood, sweat and tears it takes to put food on their table!
4) Tell us about the best horse you've ever rode:
JK: This is a tough one, so far I've been fortunate enough to have 2 BEST ones! They both came from Pierson's: "Marley", the little brown, with the biggest heart, and my current #1, "Nacho". Both are cowy sonsabitches!!!
5)What is the greatest piece of advice you've been given?
JK: The best advice came from my Dad, Clint Woodford, as I was leaving home one time, "Remember, for every mile of road, there's two miles of ditches!" (Pictured below is Jana's dad! Doesn't he just look like a gem of a guy!)
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| Kevin & Jana Kelly |
JK: I work with men all the time. The keyword in my opinion is "with" not "for"! I've never felt I had to "watch the gate" or "hold their horses"! Everywhere you go, learn something. Either what works or what doesn't! Keep an open mind and slow up before you get to the gate!!!
7) What's a typical day like for you and Kevin on the ranch?
JK: Each morning for Kevin and I, starts with a 6 a.m. game of cribbage. Sometimes I have to let him win or he'll quit playing! Then we head out usually in different directions, I like to work alone, that way it's my story and I can tell it anyway I want!
8) You have had a lot of success in the Womens Ranch Rodeos, explain to the readers about ranch rodeos and your team and why you enjoy competing:
JK: Ranch rodeos are so dang much fun! Where else can you compete in events you get to "practice" almost daily? It's the team work that makes them so much fun! Our women's rodeo team is sponsored by the ranch we manage (and by we, I mean Kevin!!! ha!) I'm the captain because I'm older and wiser! And I have what I call my "dream team" which consists of Sam Kortum ( I stole her from another team) she's as gritty as they come, and my 2 young guns, Jennifer Weeding and Tierani Brusett. These gals are the best! We take care of business but ALWAYS have fun! Making of memories that will last a lifetime!!! (Pictured below is the dream team!)
9) What is one thing most people don't know about you:
JK: Probably the best kept secret is my stint as a secretary where I had to wear a dress to work. Go ahead and poke yourself in the eye to get that image out of your mind
10) What's on your bucket list?
JK:At the very top of my bucket list, I WANT TO WIN A SADDLE! And take a hot air balloon ride, I figure I can fuel that baby for miles!
11) And finally, the handiest person you know is?
JK: My Dad. He never let me think "I can't because I'm a girl". And my brother, Jay, he's carrying on the family tradition of hard work and honesty and he's mighty handy with a rope!!! And also, Dallas Currey! This guy has a boatload of knowledge but you have to ask the right questions!
Jana says she traded the neighbor young 'un, Cash Pierson this hat for "dinner & a movie"!
The two love birds, Kevin & Jana doin' a little team ropin'!
**All photos courtesy of Jana Kelly**
**Interview happily compiled by myself, Bailee Murnion**
