Early morning showers did not deter a group of determined horseback riders from enjoying a day of celebration with friends and family Sept. 21 in the Machickanee Forest.
Old and new members of Outback Riders Inc. gathered to celebrate their 20-year anniversary and to remember the late Randy Lucas, a founding member of the club. Outback Riders is a nonprofit organization that developed and maintains horseback riding trails for the public in the Machickanee Forest.
“If it wasn’t for the Outback Riders, there would not be equestrian trails in the Machickanee Forest,” said Robert Skalitzky, head of the Oconto County Forestry, Parks and Recreation Department.
It all began 20 years ago when former Oconto County Forester Charles Fleischman approached two riders in the forest and questioned them about riding on county land. As a result, a small group of people who frequently rode in the forest approached the Oconto County Board of Supervisors about forming a horse club to maintain the trails.
“Numerous meetings were held to map the existing trails and create new trails which we presented to the County Board,” recalled Sherry Lucas, Randy’s widow.
The County Board and the club worked together to develop the specifications for the trails, such as width (10 feet) and height (12 feet). It was decided that markers were needed as guides for the trails. Hitching posts were set in various locations on the trails, as well as wooden benches for rest breaks. Today the club can claim 25 miles of public trail development.
A plaque hangs in the Outback Riders kiosk at their new parking area, along with a picture of Randy Lucas riding his horse, Black Coffee. A portion of the plaque states, “Randy Lucas was instrumental in the foundation of the club. He was integral in providing a trail system designed for safe use for all horseback riders.”
In the early years, the club held car washes and bake sales to raise funds. More recently it held annual speed shows in which riders have friendly competition in events such as barrel racing, pole bending and the flag race.
“Everything goes back to the trails,” club member Gail Stranz said.
Four years ago, a parking area was developed at the intersection of Timberline and Brehmer roads. Alex Kurowski, of Kurowski Construction of Green Bay, is a friend of Outback Riders president Jackie Novitski and Stranz. He donated his time and equipment to clear the area for the project. The county completed the road construction to the parking area.
Funding for the project was supplied by a $3,000 grant from the Wisconsin State Horse Council and matching funds from the county.
The club cleans the trails every spring and fall, picking up garbage and cutting back brush. Members bring their own chain saws and garbage bags to clear the trails. The Oconto County 4-H Horse Project participants are invited to help, with the Outback Riders offering a $200 donation to the 4-H group to show their appreciation.
While a receptacle has been installed at the parking area for donations, there is no charge to park and ride the trails maintained by the club.
The club has about 10 single and nine family memberships. Costs for membership are $10 for single and $20 for family. A membership covers the cost of the club’s annual thank you family-style chicken dinner held the third Saturday in January at the Flyway in Abrams. Club meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the odd-numbered months at the Flyway.
Categories
