Equestrianism is a sport of passion, dedication, and communication between horse and rider. For many, like Brazilian horse trainer Karoliny Lopes, it’s a lifelong journey driven by sheer determination. As we featured in a previous article, Karoliny's self-taught approach to horse training is a testament to how barriers should not limit one’s pursuit of equestrianism. Despite growing up in a beach community with no cultural ties to horses, she defied norms, eventually becoming a renowned figure in a male-dominated field.
Her success story reminds us that no one should be automatically excluded from developing a partnership with horses. This applies not only to individuals without formal training but also to those with disabilities, including people who are deaf and hard of hearing. Below, we take a closer look at how deaf and hard-of-hearing riders are increasingly finding their place in equestrianism.
There has been a growing presence of deaf or hard-of-hearing riders in equestrian sports in recent years. One such trailblazer is teenager Athien Hernandez from California. Born deaf, Athien is training to become a professional cowboy in reining, a competitive equestrian discipline with roots in the Old West. With the help of his coach, who doesn’t know sign language, Athien has learned to communicate with his horse through body movements rather than relying on traditional verbal cues.
In a few more years, young Athien may reach the heights of riders like Makenzie McGuire, Raleigh Hiler, and Laurentia Tan. Diagnosed with Pendred syndrome when she was two years old, McGuire today competes in eventing once or twice a month with the goal of entering the Olympics. Meanwhile, equestrian jumper Hiler just competed in the highest level of international show jumping competitions in winter 2023 despite losing her hearing to Meningitis at 8 months old. Finally, Laurentia Tan has gone on to win multiple medals in the Paralympic Games after being born with cerebral palsy and profound deafness.
These riders prove that success is possible no matter the obstacles. They aren't just participating in equestrianism but excelling and leading the way for others.
As equestrianism becomes more inclusive, there are an increasing number of tools designed to assist deaf and hard-of-hearing riders. One such innovation is the hearing glasses developed by Nuance Audio. This particular eyewear is equipped with beamforming technology, which helps the wearer focus on conversations while reducing background noise — a particularly useful feature in bustling riding arenas. They also have flexible settings that allow riders to personalize their hearing experience through a mobile app, ensuring that communication with instructors and fellow riders remains clear and seamless.
While modern technological advancements like these are certainly beneficial, traditional solutions have also been helping deaf riders for years. In her quest to raise deaf awareness, McGuire loves to share how cochlear implants help her communicate with her instructor. Cochlear implants convert sound into electrical signals that directly stimulate the auditory nerve so users can hear sounds they otherwise wouldn’t be able to, allowing McGuire’s instructor to put down the megaphone that the two had originally relied on.
In addition to technological tools, there are simple ways that can make space for deaf and hard-of-hearing riders. For starters, many riders have found support in online forums and social media communities dedicated to deaf equestrians, like McGuire’s Deaf Eventing Facebook page. Otherwise, many equestrian clubs and schools are becoming more inclusive, providing specialized programs for riders with disabilities, including hearing impairments. Being part of these communities can help deaf and hard-of-hearing riders feel connected while learning from others at the same time.
The stories of Makenzie McGuire, Athien Hernandez, and other accomplished deaf riders serve as powerful reminders that equestrianism is an inclusive sport with space for everyone. As more tools are developed and awareness continues to grow, the equestrian world will undoubtedly become even more accessible for riders of all abilities.
