Dan Rosenberg was named 2009 Friend of the Equine Initiative Nov. 3 at the conclusion of the inaugural University of Kentucky Equine Initiative Distinguished Industry Lecture Series on UK's campus.

Rosenberg was recognized for his involvement at the strategic level of the Equine Initiative and for applying his creativity, experience and success in public relations in advising administrative leaders since the Equine Initiative's creation in 2005.

"From the very beginning of the Equine Initiative at UK, Dan has been one of our most trusted, widely respected advisors. He has offered a strong hand in shaping what the Equine Initiative has become today," said Scott Smith, dean of the College of Agriculture.

"I can think of no one more deserving of this award. Dan is always striving to find new ways to help the Equine Initiative. I wish we had more supporters like him; he is a great advocate for the Equine Initiative," said Ed Squires, executive director of the Gluck Equine Research Foundation and director of advancement and industry relations.

Rosenberg is the owner of Rosenberg Thoroughbred Consulting in Midway. He served as president and chief operating officer of Three Chimneys Farm from 2001-2007 and was general manager from 1978-2001. He is past president of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers Club and former director of the Thoroughbred Club of America. He is also past vice president of the Kentucky Equine Institute where he also served on the board of directors. Rosenberg was named Farm Manager of the Year in 1992 and an Ambassador for Racing in 1994 by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers Club.

He has also been involved with numerous advisory boards and nonprofit organizations and currently serves as a Gluck Equine Research Foundation board member. Rosenberg also recently served as director of industry relations for the foundation and has been influential in acquiring funds for new facilities at the UK Maine Chance Equine Campus.

The Friend of the Equine Initiative was created in 2005 to recognize a member of the public who has provided advocacy, funding or other extraordinary support for the UK College of Agriculture's Equine Initiative or a college or university employee who has generated an exceptional relationship with stakeholders that has been manifested in a new program, new advocacy success or new resources for the initiative.

Past Friend of the Equine Initiative recognitions included northern Kentucky County Extension Agents Don Sorrell of Campbell County, Dan Allen of Kenton County and Boone County's Jerry Brown in 2008. David Switzer of Kentucky Thoroughbred Association/Kentucky Owners and Breeders Association earned the inaugural recognition in 2005. The award was not given in 2006 and 2007.

For more information about the Equine Initiative, visit www.ca.uky.edu/equine.