CHAMPIONS TO COMPETE SATURDAY IN HORSE SHOW AT FLICKERWOOD

Two of the nation's top Tennessee Walking Horse teams will compete Saturday in the Missouri Versatility Fun Show at Flickerwood Arena in Jackson.

The two are Tammey Coffman and her horse Paint's Idaho Laddie, along with Martha Ann Huck and her horse Boy He's Outrageous.

Coffman, who lives in Oak Ridge, and Paint's Idaho Laddie are the 1995 Barrel Racing champions of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association Versatility Program.

They are Missouri's first adult versatility champions.

Huck, 14, and Boy He's Outrageous are the Youth Superior champions.

The Jackson resident competes against riders 17 and under. Last year she became the first rider from Missouri to achieve Youth Superior status.

More than 100 horses, including some from North Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee and Illinois, will compete Saturday.

The show begins at 10 a.m. Admission is $2 for adults, free for children.

Coffman and Paint's Idaho Laddie started showing in the Versatility Program only last year. The program showcases the Tennessee Walking Horse's many abilities by providing competition in a number of different events.

Coffman likes barrel racing in particular. "I like the speed and it's a lot of fun," she says. "You don't necessarily have a judge judging your performance. It's you, your horse and the clock."

Tennessee Walking Horses are noted for their versatility and their smooth ride, which is a running walk. Paint's Idaho Laddie was the reserve champion (second place) stallion rated by the Spotted Saddle Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association last year.

"The thing that's unusual about this show is it features the breed of Tennessee Walking Horse but they're doing versatile events," says, Becky Huck, Martha Ann's mother. "At a normal horse show you'd just see them go around the ring and show."

The horses will compete in 18 different events Saturday.

Paint's Idaho Laddie accumulated 20 points to win last year's Barrel Racing championship. Tying for second place with 11 points was Coffman's mare, Perfect Threats Baby.

When Coffman competes Saturday, she hopes to accumulate points toward a repeat of their championship. "We're going to start working on it and see how things go," she said.

To reach the arena, exit from I-55 at Fruitland, turn toward jackson on Highway 61 and turn north onto Larch Lane. The arena is two miles ahead.