Best of luck to West Point Thoroughbreds’ racing manager Erin Birkenhauer and former runner Private Show in the 2016 Thoroughbred Makeover.

Birkenhauer and the 4-year-old Discreetly Mine gelding will compete in the show jumping and eventing disciplines at the Makeover after completing four USEA Recognized horse trials this season.

Best of luck to West Point Thoroughbreds’ racing manager Erin Birkenhauer and former runner Private Show in the 2016 Thoroughbred Makeover.

Birkenhauer and the 4-year-old Discreetly Mine gelding will compete in the show jumping and eventing disciplines at the Makeover after completing four USEA Recognized horse trials this season.

“I’m an adult amateur who works full time so I needed a horse who was easy to get along with,” said Birkenhauer. “I really lucked out with Private Show. He’s a total gentleman and extremely laid back. We’ve had our ups and downs this season (I fell off at a crossrail at a clinic in April), but I’ve had a lot of fun on him and think he has a bright future. I’ve competed several OTTBs, and he’s the most fun to take cross country. He’s got a super gallop and is very adjustable. The feeling I get when I go in the start box is a lot like the feeling I get before a West Point horse runs in a big race — sick to my stomach with nerves but pumped and thrilled at the same time.”

The Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium is being held on October 27-30 at the Kentucky Horse Park. Over 300 horses are entered in the event and will compete in 10 different disciplines: barrel racing, competitive trails, dressage, eventing, field hunters, freestyle, polo, show hunters, show jumpers, and working ranch. America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred will be crowned at Saturday’s finale.