WHEREAS, William David Lamb of Gordonsville, one of the most well-known horsemen in Virginia, who helped promote and preserve equestrian sports in the Commonwealth and advocated for the interests of the equine industry as a whole, died on May 20, 2023; and

WHEREAS, David Lamb grew up in Craig County and began to cultivate his horsemanship skills at a young age; he often rode a pony to school and once organized a trail ride for his senior high school class; and

WHEREAS, David Lamb began his career in the equine industry working for a quarter horse farm in Northern Virginia, where he developed an interest in equestrian competitions, particularly the sport of cutting, which has its roots in the cattle ranching industry; and

WHEREAS, in the 1970s, David Lamb managed cattle on a farm in Albemarle County, for which he was named the 1973 Farmer of the Year for Albemarle County; during that time, he also trained and showed cutting horses and received numerous accolades for his success in equestrian sports; and

WHEREAS, David Lamb acquired Oakland Heights Farm in 1979, and he and his wife, Sally, began their horse operation by green breaking young and troubled horses; as his reputation for excellence grew, he began exporting horses to England and South America, then became the premier trainer for trail riding horses on the east coast of the United States; and

WHEREAS, at Oakland Heights Farm, David Lamb continued to run a cattle operation while teaching both Western-style and English-style horseback riding, organizing professional bull riding shows, and offering riding lessons and trail rides year round; and

WHEREAS, known for his affinity for the cowboy lifestyle of the American West, David Lamb could be seen mounted atop an American quarter horse in his trademark hat, boots, and blue jeans almost every day; he organized an annual Cowboy Camp to teach young people about horse knowledge and history and was a leader in the local 4-H program for more than 25 years; and

WHEREAS, David Lamb gave back to the community by hosting charity events at Oakland Heights Farm, supporting worthy causes and organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, and research into juvenile diabetes; and

WHEREAS, over the years, David Lamb hosted movie stars, an astronaut, and other celebrities at Oakland Heights Farm, and he organized special trail rides for state and national elected officials to help them better understand the equine industry; and

WHEREAS, David Lamb offered his wise insights to several policy efforts related to the equine industry, including the creation of the Commonwealth's equine liability law, the establishment of the Virginia Horse Center, the founding of the Virginia Horse Industry Board, and the enactment of other important changes related to agriculture and agritourism laws; and

WHEREAS, highly admired in the equine industry, David Lamb was a lifetime member of the American Quarter Horse Association, Virginia Quarter Horse Association (VQHA), National Cutting Horse Association, East Coast Cutting Horse Association, and the New Castle Historical Society; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, David Lamb was inducted into the VQHA Board of Directors Hall of Fame for his decades of contributions to promoting the sale, breeding, exhibition, and ownership of the American quarter horse; and

WHEREAS, David Lamb was a proud patriot who served the nation as a member of the United States Army Reserve, and he provided horses for, or participated in, many commemorative events at the state and national levels; and

WHEREAS, David Lamb inspired others through his integrity, humility, and pride in his work; he touched countless lives by helping visitors to Oakland Heights Farm gain an appreciation for the joys of horseback riding; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Sally, David Lamb will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his son, Matthew, and his family; and by numerous other family members, friends, and fellow leaders in the equine industry; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of William David Lamb, an incomparable horseman and a true Virginia gentleman; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of William David Lamb as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.