Ella Panten, a deaf rider from Oklahoma, is competing at the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby in Oklahoma City. Despite being born deaf and facing other challenges, Ella has overcome many obstacles to get to the arena.
Para Reining Competition
Ella’s goal is to be the champion in the para reining competition, a category for riders with disabilities. Her trainer, Josiane Gautier, speaks to her through a phone into a microphone so Ella can hear and make adjustments while riding.
Ella’s horse, Linus, understands her in a way most humans can’t. ‘He looks out for me. Helps me out while I’m riding. He knows how to sit there and make me work for what I want. He won’t give it to me easy. He’s making sure I work for it,’ Ella said.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
