David Switzer earned the first “Friend of the UK Equine Initiative” award at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture’s “Ag Roundup” alumni event on Saturday, September 10.

UK Interim Provost and Agriculture Dean Scott Smith recognized Switzer’s contributions to the College before an audience of 1300.

The inaugural award recognized Switzer’s contributions to the horse in Kentucky, and he was honored for his years of effort to support recognition of the horse as an agricultural animal by state and federal government.

“David Switzer has been a tireless voice for the importance of the horse to Kentucky’s economy, and he has assisted UK in setting priorities for research and education about the horse,” Smith said.  

Switzer, Executive Director of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and a 1967 graduate of the College of Agriculture, also was recognized for contributions to UK agriculture programs, including raising more than $1 million in research funds to support study of the causes and prevention of Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome.

He also serves as a member of the Gluck Equine Research Foundation, National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s Industry Council, American Horse Council Racing Advisory Committee and is a Past Director of the Thoroughbred Club of America and Kentucky Horse Council. 

The UK Equine Initiative was announced by UK President Lee T. Todd Jr. in May 2005 and represents a partnership between the College of Agriculture and the horse industry. The initiative is already well underway, with UK and its industry and educational partners building relationships, conducting listening sessions and formulating new strategies for university academics, research and service.