|
ABOUT ME As an avid equestrian since the age of nine, I discovered the importance of proper health care for animals, especially at the competitive level. I have owned and cared for many animals but I have been fascinated with horses before I could even walk. This passion to care for animals directed me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. My ambition to follow my dream brought me to Oregon State University (OSU) where I obtained my degree in Zoology with a minor in chemistry. During my studies I worked at the OSU Horse Center, an equine research facility, giving me the opportunity to work within many aspects of the equine industry. The Horse Center investigates many areas related to equine health, such as feeds and nutrition, shoeing, rehabilitative treatments, and breeding. Working at the Horse Center was a great opportunity to be exposed to a multi-faceted equine program. I found it very rewarding to work at the Horse Center, care for the animals, and share knowledge with the students, professors and the community. Through my education I realized that I enjoyed working in an academic environment, and I wanted to gain more experience in a research setting. After graduating from college I obtained a position as a Research Assistant at the Neurological Sciences Institute (NSI) in Portland, OR. Our lab investigated the affects of vestibular and somatosensory loss on posture and balance control. In 2004, I moved to Pittsburgh to work as a Research Assistant in the Department of Neurobiology, which studies the way neural activity drives behavior. These experiences gave me a better appreciation and understanding of the importance of the nervous system in relation to animal behavior and movement. Outside of work, I have continued to train and compete, while continuing my education as an equestrian. I have worked and trained with many prominent trainers within the industry, such as Peter DeCosemo (1999-2001), Mike Osinski (1999-2000), Cary Evans (large "R" Judge, 1989), Alexandra Mayer-Tarr (USDF Silver Medalist, 2004), and Ryan Yap (judges program and FEI level rider/trainer, 2005-2008). I also attended the USDF L-judges program and hope to work towards earning my 'r' liscense. I intend to continue my education and certification, while moving up the levels in dressage. EDUCATION M.S. Biotechnology, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, 2013 B.S. [Major: Zoology, Minor: Chemistry], Oregon State University (OSU), Corvallis, 2001. Additional Post-Baccalaureate course work in Mathematics, Animal Sciences, Equine Science, German, and International Studies |
ARTICLES WINNING A LESSON & MOVING CLOSER TO MY GOAL by Ingrid Albrecht, WPDA Newsbits volume 2, issue 3. VIDEOS Hearing Impaired One of my students is hearing impaired. We are working on developing hand signs for riders and teachers to use when learning how to ride. There are many terms that are commonly used when teaching that we do not have a sign for. Together Diane and I are learning how to ride and how to sign. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Diane and help her learn dressage, while I learn how to sign. Below are some clips of our lesson. We hope to come up with some useful tips for other riders that are also hearing impaired. Part 1: Diane’s Lesson - Riders Natural Aid: The seat and legs. Learning two-point, trot transitions and going over poles to help build a better-balanced rider. Video taken by Mary Fedorchak. Oct. 2, 2010. Part 2: Diane’s Lesson - Riders Natural Aid: The hands. Showing the rider how to use the hands to steer your horse. Introduction how to use an open rein versus a pulling rein and keeping your hands together and even. Video taken by Mary Fedorchak. Oct. 2, 2010. Gaited Horses- How can dressage help my horse? Lateral movements and cavalletti work can help build a more supple and stronger horse. The exercises help the horse become more balanced for the various gaits that they can perform. In this video the Icelandic horse is known best for the impressive tölt which the horse trots with one foot on the ground at all times. Click here to view some of the exercises that we worked on.
EXHIBITIONS
June 26, 2009 - Performed a Third Level Musical Kur at the “Red Scarf” fundraiser held at Clear View Stables, McDonald, PA. Music used was "Shall We Dance?" by the Gotan Project. 2010 - Performed a Third Level Musical Kur at the Sewickley Hights History Center, Sewickley, PA. Music used was “Shall We Dance?” by the Gotan Project 2010 - Performed a Third Level Musical Free-style at the Castle Farm Dressage Schooling show fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research, McDonald, PA. Music used was by Henry Mancini, “The Pink Panther.” 2016 - USDF L-judges program 2017 - Started Three Rivers Equestrian Association (TREA), www.threeriversequestrianassoc.org 2018 - Started TREA Virtual Dressage Shows, www.myvirtualequestrian.net 2018 - current - Clinics held at Keystone Equestrian Center, Stone Wall Stables, and other private barns in the PA area. Video below: Horse in training located in Sewickley, PA. (2011)
|