Geleynse, Karina Tees

Born deaf at Red Deer, AB, though deafness not diagnosed until age 3. Attended small-town public schools with the assistence of an interpreter, graduating high school at age 17. Trinity Western University for a year, but dropped out to become involved with exhibition horseriding. After a year at that, went to college in southern California to study veterinay medicine for horses, but dropped out of that after the first year. Enrolled in Red Deer College, studying part-time while working full-time. Continued to be involved with horse rodeos, eventually winning the Miss Rodeo Canada 1999 crown, the first and only deaf woman to wear it. Married a professional (hearing) bullrider, and with him raised and trained horses.