Remembering Janet
November 22, 1943 – September 16, 2026
Janet. How does one begin to explain the Janet we knew? There are probably a lot of people shaking their heads right now, smiling as they remember a woman who was truly one of a kind.
Born in Canoga Park, California, on November 22, 1943, Janet lived a life that was anything but ordinary. She was a woman who would go to extraordinary lengths to help an animal in need. But if a human being tried to pull a fast one on her, well, five generations of wit would take over. She could slice an ego into omelet-sized vegetables with fewer words than most comedians needed for a punchline. She was sharp, fearless, and never one to suffer fools gladly.
Her life revolved around horses. She devoted herself to them and spent decades teaching others not only how to ride, but how to respect and love these magnificent animals as she did. She also taught parents the importance of allowing their children to grow, learn, and find their own way.
Janet was not only a remarkable horsewoman, a fiercely independent woman, but also a woman of academic achievement. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Elizabeth City State University, graduating *summa cum laude*. This accomplishment reflected the intelligence, dedication, and determination that carried out every aspect of her life. Whether in the classroom, raising her children, or working with horses, Janet approached life with a sharp mind and an unwavering commitment to doing things her way—and doing them well.
Janet was tough in ways that are difficult to imagine today. Family members tell stories of the number of fractures she endured and simply set aside—more, perhaps, than most emergency rooms see in six months. Many times, she would wrap up an injury, carry on with her day, and get back to whatever needed doing. Stopping was rarely part of the plan.
Janet raised her three children, who were just 9, 11, and 13 years old, when she stepped out of marriage and on to her own. Whatever vehicle she had at the time became a family transport, often packed to capacity with her children, neighborhood kids, and sacks of horse feed. Somehow, she made it all work. She built a life around her children and her horses, meeting each day with determination, resourcefulness, and a spirit that refused to quit. She did what needed to be done, found a way when there seemed to be no way, and kept moving forward.
Janet's equestrian journey spanned more than 65 years. It began with rodeo during her college years, carried her through the demanding world of hunter-jumpers, and ultimately led her to dressage, where she competed at the Prix St. Georges (PSG) level. Each chapter reflected her dedication, skill, and lifelong desire to learn, improve, and become one with the horse beneath her.
In time, Janet reached a point in her life when she could enjoy some of the things she had worked so hard to achieve. She was able to purchase a new vehicle of her own to haul her horses to shows and events, and she established her own ranch in Deming, New Mexico. These were more than accomplishments; they were the realization of a dream built over a lifetime of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to the horses she loved.
During her retirement in Deming, Janet shared her life with two special horses, Beckham and Cyrus, along with her dogs, Red and Dusty. They were her companions in the life she had worked so hard to build—a life centered on the animals she loved and the freedom of being where she wanted to be, doing what she had always loved. It is hard to imagine Janet without animals nearby, and comforting to know that Beckham, Cyrus, Red, and Dusty were part of her final chapter.
Janet passed away in Deming, New Mexico, on September 16, 2026. While saying goodbye to someone so strong, spirited, and unmistakably herself is never easy, those who knew her can probably picture her now, somewhere far above us, doing what she loved most.
Perhaps she is working with her horse, finding that precise rhythm and connection that only a true horsewoman understands. Only now, there are no limitations, no pain, and no obstacles—just the horse, and the movement of the ride.
We can imagine her executing every movement with glorious precision, enjoying the harmony and perfection she spent a lifetime pursuing. And if there is a place where a horse and rider can finally move as one, with nothing left to correct and nowhere else to be, then surely that is where Janet belongs.
Janet leaves behind a legacy of grit, independence, sharp wit, and a profound love for horses and animals. She taught by example that life is not always easy, that you do not give up just because something hurts, and that there is always room to stand up for what you believe in. She was a force of nature, a devoted horsewoman, a mother who found a way to raise her children on her own, and a woman who lived life on her own terms.
Those She Leaves Behind
Janet is survived by her three children, Carolyn Smith, Robert Reed, and Sandra McCarty. Her legacy lives on through them and through the countless lives she touched with her fierce independence, sharp wit, determination, and lifelong devotion to animals and horses.
Though she has taken her final ride, the lessons she taught, the memories she created, and the spirit with which she lived will remain with her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Ride on, Janet. May your reins be light, your movements flawless, and your ride eternal. May Beckham and Cyrus carry you into that perfect rhythm, with Red and Dusty never far behind. You were one of a kind, and you will never be forgotten.
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