Facebook Connect

Erin Birkenhauer /Chief Operating Officer

Erin Birkenhauer
Chief Operating Officer

Before coming on board full-time in July 2010, I worked part-time under the late great Congie DeVito. He’s the person who really got my career started and taught me the ropes. 

I oversee much of the day-to-day company operation and am also part of the West Point horse-buying team. I grew up following my dad Terry around the sales and backside. One of my most important responsibilities is spearheading the Congie Black and Gold Fund, West Point’s racehorse retirement program.

My husband Daniel and I married in 2024 after meeting at the University of Kentucky as undergrads. Daniel graduated from UK’s Dental School in May 2014 and now owns a dental practice. We live on a farm just outside of Bowling Green, KY.

We have three children: Blake Patrick, McKenna Lane, and Jace Michael. 

Education:

  • I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a B.S. in animal science.

Interesting Facts:

  • I spent some time in Ireland during college studying horses and Irish racing.
  • After college, I took a two-week European vacation with a friend and attended the Royal Ascot meeting — what an experience. Saw Goldikova’s win and was only a few feet from the Queen.
  • I’ve owned eight off-the-track horses and participated in 3-day-eventing since middle school, competing through the CCI* level. I currently have two former West Point horses — Seminary Ridge (who hit the board once for maiden 25k) and grade one winner Twilight Eclipse. 
  • I was the 2nd highest-placed amateur in eventing at the 2016 Thoroughbred Makeover aboard a former West Point horse named Private Show.
  • My brother Ryan was a professional soccer player.
  • We have three dogs — two Borzois (Russian wolfhounds) and a beagle/sheltie mix who was homeless and showed up at my husband’s dental office.
  • In the summer of 2024, I earned my USDF Bronze Medal and actively compete my dressage horse Gravitas at third level.

My parents started this partnership group over 30 years ago, and I couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments. We went from only having a few claimers to building one of the top stables in the country.

Hobbies/Interests:
Horse racing, riding horses, hiking, running, cooking, handicapping, traveling, clay shooting.

Retired grade one winner Twilight Eclipse and I at the 2017 Real Rider Cup:

My son Blake with our two retired West Point horses who live at home:

My dressage horse Gravitas: