The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) honored Jerry B. Black, DVM, with its Distinguished Life Member Award for more than 35 years of loyal service to the association.
Black was presented with the award at the Dec. 7 President's Luncheon held during the 2010 convention in Baltimore, Md. The annual Distinguished Lifetime Member Award honors long-time members who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the association and its mission throughout their careers.
A native of Brownfield, Texas, Black currently holds the position of director of the Equine Sciences Program at Colorado State University. He and his wife Melinda are the owners of Valley Oak Ranch, an equine reproduction facility in Oakdale, Calif., and he is the former owner and founder of Pioneer Equine Hospital, an equine referral center also located in Oakdale.
Widely recognized as an expert in the treatment of the western performance horse, Black served as the on-call veterinarian during equestrian events at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He has presented research on lameness, pre-purchase exams, equine welfare and practice management at AAEP educational meetings, including the Annual Convention. With nearly 40 years of experience performing clinical research, Black has established strong relationships with equine research funding organizations and sources.
During his term as the 2002 AAEP president, Black advanced the AAEP's strategic plan. He re-established the AAEP's Equine Welfare Committee and led the association to the development of several position statements on equine welfare. He pushed for uniform medication at the racetrack and sparked discussions about the use of medication in non-racing performance horses. He also highlighted the need to attract more students to the equine veterinary profession.
Black has served on numerous AAEP task forces, forums and committees, including the Student Relations, Public Policy, Foundation Advisory and Equine Welfare committees. As a current member of the Public Policy Committee, Dr. Black has represented the AAEP and perspectives of equine veterinarians through his existing relationships with influential congressmen and senators.
Black has represented the AAEP as a liaison to the American Quarter Horse Association and the American Horse Council, where he is a Trustee and also serves as chair of the Welfare Committee. A lifelong cutting horse enthusiast, Black is also a member of the board of directors for the National Cutting Horse Association and was named to the Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association Hall of Fame in 2006.
Disclaimer: Seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before proceeding with any diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.