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| 2007 NARHA Sis Gould Driving Recognition
Award recipient Tom Cramer,
of Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA),
Valley, NE About Tom
Cramer |
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.
For more information use the convenient links
on the left.
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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.”
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Honoring NARHA Sis Gould
National Driving
Recognition Award Winners
2007 - Tom Cramer
2006 - Alison Jones
2005 - Tina Bennett
2004 - Kathy Johnson
2003 - Jerry Gardner
2002 - Mary Woolverton
2001 - Gloria Austin
2000 - Molly Sweeney
1999 - Debbie Gadus
1998 - MariaBlackstone
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