Announcing 2023 Priorities and Objectives

What does 2023 have in store for Mareworthy? 
That's an exciting question and also a tough one that requires calling out something that fell off the list of priorities.

So much of what I thought would be the focus for this year is actually the main item that I decided to completely remove from the list. It's no secret that I've been dreaming of taking Dyana to the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover ever since the day I decided to breed Freja, but after lots of deliberation I decided to withdraw my application to compete in the Makeover this year yesterday. That means Dyana will never compete at the Makeover since she won't be eligible after this year, but it doesn't mean I don't still plan to get her out to shows this year.

There is definitely a fair bit of regret that comes with this decision because so much of Dyana's journey was focused on the Makeover since Freja never got to go. That intense focus means I'm already putting extra unnecessary pressure on Dyana and myself to perform on a deadline, and I have to recognize that I wanted this Makeover more for me than for my horse. Dyana will not miss anything by not participating in the Makeover, but what we will gain together as a team is the ability to ensure her training develops at her pace without a deadline and stress of aiming for a high profile event. Don't get me wrong, I'm still setting goals for our show season this year (see below), but without the stress of being under the microscope in October I believe we'll actually have more fun taking one day at a time.

So now that I've let that cat out of the bag. What WILL we be doing over here at Team Mareworthy this year? There are so many options for which way to go. 

The 2023 Priorities and Objectives

Without the Makeover as my primary objective for the year, it means I have time to focus in other areas and the ability to bump up the timeline for some objectives Sean and I have for Mareworthy Charities as well as the potential for me to get more of the ladies to shows this year while also hosting more events at the farm. In no particular order:

• Official launch of Mareworthy Charities
  • This will arguably be the biggest undertaking of the year and thankfully I'm already developing an amazing network of supporters and advisors who will help make it all move a little smoother. We are so excited to be focusing much of our time in 2023 on building programs, securing funding, and raising awareness to help support our mission to protect all Thoroughbred mares and fillies.
• Completion of the custom trail obstacle course at the farm
  • Sean and I are both so excited to build a custom 20(ish) obstacle course at the farm. Not only will it be a great training tool for all the Mareworthy ladies, but we are hopeful it will also be a source of revenue generation to support Mareworthy Charities with clinics, private rides, and other events. Stay tuned for more details.
• Breeding for Dyana and Luci - repairs to foaling barn
  • I've already announced that Dyana and Luci are scheduled to have dates with Paynter and Outwork (read more about it in the "Breeding Our Next Racehorse Stallion Choices" blog post) which is a financial and time investment with veterinary visits, shuttle service, etc, but it also means we have to put in the work to get the foaling stalls and new paddocks ready in the lower barn before next winter.
• Show season and recreational riding
  • Even though I've taken the Makeover off the table, I'm still very excited to start getting Dyana and any of the other ladies ready to get out to local shows here in central Kentucky. Additionally, this will be the first spring and full summer we'll be living in Kentucky, so I'm really looking forward to getting out to explore some of the amazing trail riding opportunities with friends. Some of my targets for show series this year will be Dressage and Western Dressage shows hosted by Kentucky Dressage Association and trail competitions that can qualify us to compete at the Jockey Club TIP Championships.
• Mareworthy Open House during KY3DE
  • I know many of our friends will be in town for the Kentucky 3 Day Event the last weekend in April, so Sean and I are committed to hosting an open house at the farm at some point during the weekend. Stay tuned for more details; members of the Facebook subscription group (see below) will actually help select the date and plan the details so that we're sure it's an event that adds value for those who attend.
• Enhanced Mareworthy website with searchable database features
  • ​The current website is a basic placeholder with some limited information, but this year we aim to expand its functionality to best reflect the programs and services we will be offering through Mareworthy Charities. That is going to be a big project, so I don't expect it to be completed until the second half of the year, but look for a website change this year.
• Educational/clinic series at farm
  • We have such a great barn and property, and we want to open it up to our supporters as much as possible. Look for a forthcoming calendar of events focused on providing insights from industry professionals and even in-person events at the farm with opportunities to bring your horse for a weekend all with the focus of education and fundraising for Mareworthy Charities.
• Kyle the OTTB Guy Facebook subscription with training videos and special perks with all proceeds benefitting Mareworthy Charities
  • I referenced it above, and here are more details. Facebook offered me the functionality to launch a paid subscription option on the Kyle the OTTB Guy Facebook page, and I'm excited to start using it as a tool to generate revenue for Mareworthy Charities. The cost will be $4.99 per month and that will get subscribers access to exclusive content, special live broadcast, a private Facebook group, and other perks and benefits. Stay tuned to the OTTB Guy Facebook page at facebook.com/ottbguy for more details about the launch.
• And the big one that we're moving up on the list now that I'll have the time this year.....the first ever Mareworthy Stakes!!!
  • ​I have been planning an event like this for well over a year, but it kept getting delayed on the priority list....not anymore. This year Mareworthy will be hosting the first ever Mareworthy Stakes. This event will be a series of 3 virtual "races" restricted to Thoroughbred mares. A cash grand prize and other exciting prizes from sponsors will be awarded based on the collective performance across all 3 races. Outcomes of each race will be determined by the general public, and the goals will be to have fun, connect with other Thoroughbred mare owners, and raise awareness to the general public about why everyone should love Thoroughbred mares. More details will be released in February on the Mareworthy and OTTB Guy pages on Facebook, so stay tuned.