Our philosophy focuses on allowing horses to grow and develop naturally, incorporating ample turnout time and socialization with customized feed regimens and individualized attention. This hands on approach establishes a solid foundation for success in the sales ring and on the racetrack.
Our Team
Partner I Farm Manager I Bloodstock Services
Erin O’Keefe
Erin O’Keefe came to Lexington, KY from Michigan in 2009, and never looked back. She graduated from the University of Kentucky’s Equine Science and Management Program, and immediately entered the Thoroughbred industry. She has worked for many world class boarding farms and sales companies, including Taylor Made, Darby Dan, and Millennium Farms, holding titles from barn foreman, to sales coordinator, to customer relations manager. In addition to climbing the ladder at central Kentucky boarding farms, Erin also worked as a veterinary technician at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, adding to her knowledge of equine injuries and rehabilitation. That knowledge, paired with her experience working closely with world class veterinarians and podiatrists on racetrack layups and other complicated surgical/ medical recoveries in her other positions has given Erin a passion for providing thorough care to horses, and aiding them in recovering as quickly and completely as possible. Additionally, she currently serves at the Bloodstock Advisor for Taste of Victory Stables. In everything Erin does, she seeks to grow and improve the Thoroughbred industry, with a love of Thoroughbreds front and center.
Partner I Farrier I Operations Manager
Daniel Schmidt
Daniel Schmidt is studying towards a PhD. in Ag Engineering and Biomechanics under the guidance of Dr. Mick Peterson from Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory. Prior to moving to Lexington, Kentucky Daniel obtained his Bachelors in Equine Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. In 2017 Daniel moved to Lexington to participate in the KEMI program with a placement at Mill Ridge Farm. There he had the opportunity to learn about breeding, boarding, and sales prep from one of the elite boutique farms in the Bluegrass. Upon completion of the KEMI program, Daniel followed his passion for nutrition to an internship with Kentucky Equine Research. During his time with KER, Daniel expanded his knowledge of feed management and grew an increased appreciation for the importance of proper nutrition at all life stages. This experience reinforced the meticulous attention to detail which is a cornerstone to the care provided at BTE Stables. Following his time with KER, Daniel was the assistant farm manager at Chamerolles Farm, a boutique breed to race operation in Central Kentucky. This role provided him with additional hands-on experience with every aspect of equine care, and he successfully created and implemented the farm’s yearling prep protocols. In 2019 Daniel completed a farrier training course at the Kentucky Horseshoeing School, and subsequently worked under renowned podiatrist Dr. Scott Fleming. This exposure to world class equine podiatry sparked Daniel’s interest in starting his PhD focusing on how various shoeing styles affect the phases of the stride in the equine athlete.