The 2008 Officers & Board Members
 

From Left to Right	From Left to Right
President: Jackie Novitski	Lisa Funk
Vice President: Kathy McNeill	Rebecca Smits
Secretary: Jasmine Havlik	Ali Dretzka
Treasurer: Judy Verkuilen	Cindy Schultz
Sergeant of Arms: Patty Wisneski	Rachelle Bissing

Featured Member of the Month

JACKIE NOVITSKI

I am Jackie Novitski, current President of the Outback Riders Horse Club. I started my riding career jumping on heifers on the dairy farm where I grew up near Pound Wisconsin. My dad would not get us a horse because the horse was only a “hay-burner”.

In 1982, I married Jim. He was very aware that when we built a house out in the country, I would like a horse. He was in agreement. By 1996 I was ready to own a horse. I would board until we had a pasture built to keep it at home.

October of 1996, being so naive about horses and everything about them, I bought my first trailer. As the saying goes, “the cart before the horse”. I took the trailer with me to see my first horse candidate (remember I told you how naive I was). The owner opened the stall door and the horse looked up with a mouthful of hay. I said out loud, “Oh my gosh, I gotta have him!!!”  He was black and beautiful. His name was ‘Elvis’.

After getting him to the place I would board temporarily, I began learning all about horse care and riding from a wonderful friend. As time went on, I decided that I needed another horse so I could have anyone ride with me. I bought a mare, which didn’t last long. By this time I knew more about horses and 1,000 lbs of PMS was more than I wanted to deal with.

So two geldings later, I have my original horse Elvis, now named ‘Spirit’ and ‘King’. Spirit is a 16 year old Paint from South Dakota. He is my horse anyone can ride. King is a 13 year old Morab (also black) and was raised on a farm in Oconto. King has turned into my 25 mile competitive horse (much like endurance riding) and we are doing well in the sport. It is amazing how well you can bond in 25 miles.  

I have progressed tremendously in my riding ability through various trainers, both professional and good friends. Riding is my form of relaxation, whether it is a 25 mile competition or a trail ride on any of the wonderful trails open to horses. Horses have also brought me into a group of wonderful friends who share my enthusiasm and make it enjoyable.

Happy Trails to Everyone!!!

photos available shortly