The Sis Gould Driving Recognition Award is presented annually to the NARHA member who has exemplified outstanding dedication to the development and promotion of driving for individuals with disabilities.

This person may be a NARHA Instructor who has demonstrated exceptional skills in teaching; a participant who utilizes skills learned in a NARHA driving program to excel in competition; or a program developer who has worked to develop and promote driving activities for individuals with disabilities. The award recipient will be presented with an award at the NARHA Annual Meeting and Conference Recognition and Awards Banquet.

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About Tom Cramer
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.”