September 2026 Real Rider of the Month
She came back to the arena. She keeps giving back beyond it.
For Janel Flook, horses have been part of life for 46 years. At Running F Quarter Horses in Paicines, California, that life includes barrel racing, ranch work, a breeding program, and about 40 horses to care for. It also includes a comeback she credits, in large part, to the animals waiting for her.
We are proud to recognize Janel as the Draw It Out® September Real Rider of the Month.
“I truly believe my horses are the reason I came back so strong.”
Janel Flook
The road back
In her application, Janel shared that a serious horse accident about five years ago left her with a traumatic brain injury and a broken back. She underwent brain and back surgery. She says her doctors were concerned about whether she would walk or talk again.
Today, she has returned to competing and winning at events. When she tells the story, she gives her horses a central place in it.
Her gratitude is plain: “Horses are truly a blessing in my life. I thank God for all the wonderful athletes he’s put in my life!”
The horses at Running F
Janel’s world reaches from the breeding barn to the barrel pattern. Her competition mares include JF Melitas Cash and JF God Gave Me You. Her breeding program includes junior stallion JF Downin Firewater.
Away from the arena, she enjoys checking cattle and riding the hills on the ranches. She also makes time for beach rides at Morro Bay. Different country, different work, the same connection to a good horse.
A routine built through the seasons
Asked for her best horse-care tip, Janel answered with two words: “Consistent fitness.”
That consistency carries into her daily care. A friend first introduced her to Draw It Out®. Today, she lists Liniment Gel, MasterMudd™ EquiBrace™, RESTOREaHORSE®, and IceBath™ among the staples in her program.
Summer brings IceBath™ back into the routine. In winter, Gel and MasterMudd™ remain familiar parts of the barn. Janel also describes using Gel and MasterMudd™ around performance work and in her breeding program. These are the routines she has built around the horses she knows.
When asked what those products mean to her program, she put it simply: “They are all a staple in our program.”
Chasing dreams. Finding cures.
Janel’s contribution to the horse community extends beyond her own ranch. She produces Chasing Dreams Finding Cures, a race that she says donates 100% of its profits to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
In her September application, Janel reported that the event has donated close to $400,000 over the past ten years. She also organizes a toy drive for Jacob’s Heart, a local nonprofit supporting children with cancer and their families.
That is a horsewoman putting the reach of her sport to work for other families.
Why Janel is our September Real Rider
Her story brings together the things this program exists to recognize: years of hands-on horse care, an honest account of what the animals mean to her, and a commitment to people beyond her own barn.
Janel, thank you for sharing your story, caring for your horses, and using your place in this community to help others. We are proud to have you as our September Real Rider of the Month.
Jon Conklin
Founder, Draw It Out®
Story and photograph submitted by Janel Flook. Personal experiences and fundraising figures are reported by Janel. As our selected Real Rider, Janel will receive a $75 Draw It Out® gift card after publication.
