2007 Instructor of the Year
Karen Abbott
SIRE, Houston’s Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Hockley, TX
about Karen

President's Award
Mary Jo Beckman
about Mary Jo

James Brady Professional Achievement Award
Nancy McGibbon
about Nancy

Founder’s Award
Dana Butler-Moberg

2007 NARHA Adult Equestrian Recognition Award—
 “Susan Bangert epitomizes grace,” writes Registered Instructor Ross Braun.   “Although she is quadriplegic and blind she is just as dedicated to improving her physical abilities as the most disciplined athlete. She sets her own lofty goals, perseveres through pain to obtain them, and makes sure that each session is fun for everybody.”

Her friends at the Exceptional Equestrians of the Missouri Valley, Inc., will tell you that when you are with Susan it is impossible to believe that there is any obstacle in the world than cannot be overcome.  As she jokes with her side-walkers, tells stories about her teenage son and encourages her horse, it is obvious that Susan loves life.

Susan’s utmost concern is for her horse and her volunteers.  During a routine trail ride, Susan’s horse, a large Belgian named Spot, was stung by bees. Her volunteers had to perform an emergency dismount on the trail.  Despite the fact that she was in great pain from the quick position change, the first words out of Susan’s mouth were, “How is Spot?”

Susan inspires the riders, staff and volunteers at Exceptional Equestrians of the Missouri Valley.  She advocates for therapeutic riding, praising its benefits to members of the community.

In a letter of recommendation for this year’s Adult Equestrian Recognition Award, Laura Jensen wrote, “It is impossible to spend more than ten minutes with Susan Bangert without re-evaluating your own life.”

NARHA is honored to present the 2007 Adult Equestrian of the Year Recognition Award to Susan Bangert of Alton, IL.
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2007 NARHA Child Equestrian Award
Eric Angelo has cheerful nature, an abundant smile, a great love of horses and the challenges shared by all the regular kids who happened to be born with Downs Syndrome.  Every Monday afternoon he brightens the day of staff and volunteers alike at the Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Woodenville, Washington.  Everybody knows Eric for his contagious enthusiasm and his determination to rise above the challenges he finds with his horse partner and around the barn.

When Eric began hippotherapy at the age of six he needed a lot of help to even get up on the back of a horse.  Today, at age 12, Eric rides independently at a walk, with a volunteer serving only as a spotter in the middle of the arena. He is beginning to learn a posting trot and he keeps getting better in his ability to pay attention, to remember information and to follow multi-step directions.  Eric’s confidence and strength continue to improve as he rides.

In the barn and in his life, Eric pays attention to his human friends and horse pals.  He takes pictures and introduces everyone.

Skyler Leonard, a volunteer at the Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center has written, “When I think about the great qualities of an equestrian, three things come to mind: a strong love of horses, a hard work ethic, and an attitude which brings out the best in people and horses alike.  When I think of those three attributes, Eric Angelo is the first person that comes to mind.”

For Eric’s passion, hard work and great attitude, and because Eric is such an inspiration to everybody around him, NARHA is proud to present Eric Angelo of Kirkland, Washington with the 2007 NARHA Child Equestrian Recognition Award.
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2007 NARHA Independent Adult Equestrian Recognition Award—
Determined, grateful, selfless—these are the words people at the Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center use to describe Nellie Owen.  Nellie always dreamed of owning and training horses, but after a jeep accident in 1977, her doctor told her she’d never again ride or even walk.

Determined Nellie applied for admission to the college of veterinary medicine at the University of Missouri and in 1990 was the first person in a wheelchair to ever be admitted to that school and the second person in a wheelchair in the US to attend veterinary school. Dr. Owen graduated in 2000.

In 2002 Dr. Nellie Owen arrived at the Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center to volunteer as a consulting veterinarian.  One day in 2003 Nellie said to Karen Grindler, NARHA Instructor and founder of the center, “Just watching kids ride and smelling horses makes me feel alive.” Without missing a beat, Karen “popped the fifty thousand dollar question—why don’t YOU ride?” 

Between 2003 and 2006 Nellie progressed from riding with a leader and two side-walkers to performing in local horse shows, performing community demonstration rides with the Cedar Creek Drill team to qualifying and competing in the UPHA Exceptional challenge cup with her partner, a very special Quarter Horse named Mac. During events and competitions, Nellie was observed to take special interest in every rider, groom and horse.

2006 proved to be the kind of roller coaster year that might defeat most people.  Nellie was diagnosed with and treated for cancer. She qualified, just weeks later, for the UPHA National Championship for Physical Disabilities Royale. Nellie and Mac won that Royale and hoped to compete on the U.S. Paralympic Team.  One evening, a month later, her beloved Mac died in the pasture.  Nellie came out to say goodbye, and Mac was buried in the field where he lay.

“Rather than give into grief, as would have been easy to do” says NARHA instructor Erika Berg, “Nellie continuities to ride.”  She has a new equine partner, Angel Boy, and she plans to compete again in 2008.

“Her enthusiasm for riding is infectious,” says Karen Grindler, “she has a way of exuding the beauty in the connection between horse and rider.  Dr. Owen exemplified courage and commitment to equine therapy.”   

We are proud to present Dr. Nellie Owen of Centralia, Missouri the 2007 NARHA Independent Adult Equestrian Recognition Award.
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2007 NARHA Youth Equestrian Recognition Award--
Courtney Osiow may be a typical, bubbly, teenage girl, but she is all business when it comes to meeting her goals. 

In recommending Courtney for the Youth Equestrian Recognition Award, NARHA Advanced Instructor Beth McClimans wrote, “Since 1999, I have watched and participated in Courtney’s progress: from riding with a leader and sidewalker,  to independent walk/ trot/ canter work, showing, beginning horse management and training, and volunteer work.  Amazingly, Courtney has never shown an ounce of remorse for her disability and took an active role in creating adaptations so she could succeed as a rider and now a program volunteer.”

Courtney is learning many skills at Saddle Pals Therapeutic Center, in Sacramento, California--from riding and reading her horse partners-- to leading groups of volunteers in many tasks and mentoring others who are beginning therapeutic riding or equine assisted activities.  She is also a tireless advocate for therapeutic horsemanship and for people with disabilities. 

Courtney has volunteered her time to ride in demonstrations, instructional videos and promotional videos.  She has created poster boards and a DVD to help elementary school children learn about people with disabilities and to tell them how her partnerships with horses and NARHA volunteers and staff at Saddle Pals Therapeutic Center have enriched her life.

Courtney has said that she’d like to own her own horse someday, and that she’d like to become a NARHA Certified Instructor.  We look forward to seeing her achieve these goals.  We know she’ll make her place in the world as special as she is.

For her grit, her achievement, and her great giggle, for the generous gifts of her time and talents to others, And for her advocacy of all that NARHA is about, we are proud to present Courtney Osiow of Granite Bay, California the 2007 NARHA Youth Equestrian Recognition Award.
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2007 NARHA Equine of the Year Recognition Award—
Princeton is described as “proud,” “patient,” “healthy as a horse,” and “solid as a rock.” At 32 he is still making spectators take notice at competitions for both disabled and able-bodied riders. Princeton is a handsome gray Arabian/Thoroughbred cross who just wasn’t ready to retire with his owner. He came to live at Fieldstone Farm sixteen years ago after field hunting, eventing and competing in the hunter ring.

In ground lessons Princeton stands quietly while children label different parts of his body with little signs that say “withers” and “croup” and “poll.”  In the ring he’s a chameleon, adapting to each rider’s needs.  He will walk, trot, and canter; carefully complete a cross-rail course, follow along a drill pattern or provide the necessary sensory feedback to keep a rider’s attention.  He’s even patient with new volunteers as they learn the “ropes.”  He helps them by putting his head into his own halter and stands patiently as they learn to pick out his hooves or tack him up.

Princeton’s steady but active gait; lofty trot and obvious breeding make him a wonderful ambassador when he visits guests and donors. His ability to adapt to each rider’s needs makes him a Fieldstone Farm favorite. The staff, students and volunteers all adore Princeton.

2007 NARHA Volunteer of the Year Recognition Award—
Tonight I’d like to introduce you to a very special volunteer who clocked more than 500 hours of unselfish service last year, and the year before and the year before that.  In fact, Dennis Dutton has been living that kind of commitment to the SMILES Center in Darien, Wisconsin for 22 years!

Dennis Dutton was introduced to SMILES by his wife who was volunteering for classes. Dennis assisted with classes, but he could see that SMILES had moved to this new property with high aspirations for money saving work and low know-how.  So Dennis dug right in.  He can mend a fence, make hay while the sun shines, fix equipment, plow the snow, and clean the manure pit.  He can charm his family and the community into helping with the chores and move quickly when he sees an opportunity to pursue a donation from the giving community.

The horses love Dennis, particularly that mare named Reggie who knickers and tosses her mane when Dennis is around. And the horses have reason to trust him.  One Labor Day weekend Jean Firn got a call from Dennis’ wife telling her to call the vet because one of the horses had somehow gotten caught in the fence. 

Jean writes:

Dennis knew to keep a hose on the leg and knew that the severed tendon might be the end of one of the best horses at SMILES.  His soothing pats and quiet conversation with Buster kept him calm until the vet arrived. After the vet sutured and did what he could For Buster, Dennis proceeded to make a special stall for his recuperation. Dennis kept constant vigilance over Buster and we all know that it was Dennis who helped Buster defeat the odds and make a successful recovery. Because of Dennis we were able to keep one of our best horses in the program.

We nominated Dennis not just because of what he does for our program but for the type of person he is.  He is the most generous, respected and dedicated person we know.  His outstanding volunteerism is spread throughout the community.  He never asks for anything except for others to follow his heal and help people persevere.   

2007 NARHA Sis Gould Driving Recognition Award—
If you can’t find Bank Auditor Tom Cramer, you might want to see if he’s fixing the tractor at Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA).

“Tom has been essential in the development of HETRA’s program: his vision hard work and long hours have made the driving program a reality,” wrote Jodi Teal in her nomination.  Tom has been A NARHA Certified Registered Riding Instructor since March 04 and a Certified Driving Instructor since December, 2004. 

Tom Cramer is HETRA’s first and only driving instructor. He currently instructs at two HETRA facilities in the Omaha area.  His equine partners are: three driving horses and one driving pony. Not only does he verify that the driving equines are reliable and obedient in all conditions and circumstances, but in his attention to safety, he ensures that the harnesses used are strong, fit correctly, and are regularly maintained and inspected.  He also levels and grades the HETRA driving facility, providing a smooth surface that is free of holes and obstacles. 

Tom’s driving students range from one who is capable of using the second set of reins correctly to a nonverbal student whose hands tend to flap.  Because of his knowledge, care, skilled and flexible teaching, and generosity in assisting others, Tom is loved and admired by students, parents, HETRA instructors and volunteers.  He is currently in the process of writing a manual to train volunteers and to help mentor two future Driving Instructors in Training.

Tom pitches right in with fence mending, tractor maintenance and the other necessary tasks of working equine facilities.  Still, his greatest gifts might be his ongoing interest in improving then sharing his skills and his generous work with the community.  Tom has participated in lessons by driving instructor Irene Graves and clinician Robin Groves, who are both nationally recognized.  He competes in Combined Driving Events, in which he has placed in the top three.  He also participates in pleasure drives with the Eastern Nebraska Driving Society.  He participates or coordinates numerous HETRA activities in their communities. He can be found on the annual three-hour trail ride, in the ring at the Little Britches Horse Show or chairing the annual Open House at the Valley Facility.

Doug Wolfson, father of a mostly nonverbal youngster writes, “It is wonderful to see Avi enjoy his activities; and he has a wonderful time with Tom. He looks forward all week to his Wednesday night’s driving with Tom.”    

We are proud to present Tom Cramer of Elkhorn, Nebraska with the 2007 NARHA Sis Gould Driving Recognition Award.
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2007 NARHA Instructor of the Year Recognition Award—
“Karen Abbott is highly deserving of recognition as NARHA Instructor of the year,” writes her colleague, Master Instructor and AHA President Karen McPhail.

Karen Abbot is the head instructor of SIRE, Houston’s Therapeutic Equestrian Center where she has accomplished so much in her 19-year career.  The riders she has coached and instructed have had many successes.  In fact, Karen Abbott is the “go to” person for all the riding competitions in Texas.  Many people consider her to be the top expert in developing programs for special needs riders in the Houston area.

Karen has a unique ability to work with a group, while individualizing the achievements of each rider. One of Karen’s high school Life Skills groups is a good example of how she teaches simple riding skills and so much more.  Within one riding class there is a person with mild mental impairment, a young man with severe cerebral palsy, a girl with a severe cognitive impairment and another person on the autism spectrum. 

Karen has helped this group to gain skills that help them with their school-based tasks, form a cohesive team that supports each other.  Now they are a group of friends who interact socially, recognize the value of each individual and participate more effectively in school. 

“In addition to her teaching gifts,” wrote a parent of one of Karen’s students, “ I have observed Karen’s planning and leadership skills in many of the Special Olympic events from which my son has received such joy.  Her organization of SIRE’s participation is very evident and the results are impressive, jet she does not draw any attention to herself about the part she has had in making such an enriching experience happen for the riders.”   

NARHA received a long and heartwarming letter from Judith Ann Hunter about Karen’s 18-years of work with her autistic son. She wrote:

It is often difficult to discern what a significant part a certain person or event may have had in Nathaniel’s long, conflicted journey towards healing.  In Karen’s case there is now doubt. He let her into that place within himself where few others have ever been, and the result has been astounding.  My son would have missed one of the most transforming gifts of nurturing love that he has ever experienced if he had not had the privilege of being her student.

2007 NARHA President’s Award—
“My personal goal is to be the best person I can be.” 
This statement speaks to the driving force behind the many accomplishments of the 2007 NARHA President’s Award winner, Mary Jo Beckman.

Mary Jo’s contributions to NARHA and the field of equine assisted activities and therapies began when she volunteered at the National Center for Therapeutic Riding in 1994.  She had recently retired from United States Navy, where she had served for 20 years and reached the rank of Commander.

Mary Jo rose through the NARHA ranks quickly, earning her designation as a NARHA advanced level instructor in 1997.  In 1999 she became a NARHA Lead Faculty/ Evaluator and added the designation as a Designated NARHA Therapeutic Driving Instructor. In 2006 Mary Jo Beckman became a NARHA Certified Master Instructor.

During 2006-07 Mary Jo Beckman took her commitment to the next level when she partnered in the creation of NARHA’s Horses for Heroes program which serves America’s wounded service personnel and veterans.

In Mary Jo’s own words, “this is a population only a few NARHA centers have tried to serve in the past, but it is clear how beneficial equine assisted actifvities can be for our wounded service personnel and veterans.”

Mary Jo has worked tirelessly to get Horses for Heroes on solid footing.  She has bet with many program heads at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington D.C. and made the news in her efforts to create the structure and find the funding to make the program a lasting success.

Our caring colleague, Mary Jo Beckman, is a talented horsewoman, teacher, coach and leader in all that NARHA represents.  We are very proud to confer upon her the 2007 NARHA President’s Award.
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NARHA’s 2007 James Brady Professional Achievement Award—
When most people are nominated for NARHA awards, we receive two or three letters of recommendation.  How is it possible to briefly share Nancy McGibbon’s contributions, gleaned for the 24(!) letters of recommendation that we received?

Some of the words we received:

From Lorrie Renker, NARHA Master Therapeutic Riding Instructor: "
I can  think of no one who has given as much of her intellect and tenacity to help prove the efficacy of the therapeutic and therapy benefits of the horse for humans.  She continues to strive to produce sound research in order to prove what we all know: that therapeutic horsemanship works.”

From Linda Mitchell:
“Nancy McGibbonis a classy, professional, compassionate, inner driven, highly intelligent, focused and inspirational woman, who has every reason to be opinionated and full of herself, but somehow manages to be wise, diplomatic, humble and a just plain nice person.”

From William Benda, MD:
"Nancy not only exemplifies clinical excellence, but is also an outstanding researcher with exemplary critical thinking and writing abilities.

Nancy is one of the founding mothers of the American Hippotherapy Association and hippotherapy as we know it in this country.  She was in the original group of therapists who went to Germany in 1987 to train in hippotherapy and who went on to write the initial curriculum for training therapists in this country.  She served as the American Hippotherapy’s first president.

Nancy’s involvement with NARHA started in our organization’s early years and has continued to the present.  She has served in many capacities, including as a member of the Instructor Certification Committee, the Kellogg Grant Workshop faculty and as Chair of the Research Subcommittee.

As well as being a licensed Physical Therapist, Nancy is a NARHA certified instructor and has contributed countless hours working with instructors and therapists at many different NARHA centers.  She has completed FOUR major research projects, all measuring the effect of equine movement upon patients.  Who else in our industry has accomplished that.  All this work has helped lay a solid foundation that supports the effectiveness of therapeutic horsemanship and hippotherapy.  She has earned the status of a world renowned resource.

Lili Kellogg wrote, “Along with her passion and spirit, Nancy has a wonderful sense of homor4, a twinkle in her eye and the patience of Job.  Se is an amazing woman and pioneer and her decades of devotion to HARHA have made our industry better for all of us.”

NARHA is pleased to bestow upon Nancy McGibbon the 2007 James Brady Award.
 

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