Deaf teen tries her hand at 4-H Horse Show

From: Shawano Leader, WI - Sep 2, 2003

By Kent Tempus, Leader editor

Smiling brightly as the judge nears, Mindy Radies readies herself and her horse.

A few feet away, fingers on the hand of friend Ashley Rogers flicker, and Mindy takes the next step in a showmanship class at the Junior Fair Horse Show at the Shawano County Fair.

Mindy takes the instruction through sign language, as she's been deaf since birth.

"She loves horses -- she's always wanted one," said Ashley, translating for her friend.

The 15-year-old girl, who recently moved from Marion to Caroline, is only in her first year of working with horses. Still she took a first in at least one class.

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