Pusher’s Iron Eagle And Mike Stephens Win At Walking Horse Shows By Sharon Terry Pusher’s Iron Eagle, aka “Coin,” made a big impact at the International Horse Show and the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association (TWHBEA) World Versatility Show at the Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, winning blues at both shows in his first appearance at each. He was the International Novice Trail Obstacle Champion and was the Sweepstakes Champion in Western Riding at the World Show. Coin continued his winning streak by capturing the Reserve Sweepstakes Champion Reining Award and the Reserve Champion Trail Obstacle Award at the World Versatility Show. All total, Coin won 14 ribbons, a medal and trophy at the two shows. The World Versatility Show is designed for owners of flat-shod Tennessee Walking Horses to compete in a variety of show and sport divisions beyond those typically offered at Walking Horse shows. Classes include basic reining, intro dressage, trail, jumping, driving, equitation and speed events. The World Versatility Show led into the Walking Horse Owners Association International Grand Championship Show, also at the Miller Coliseum. The International featured classes similar to the Versatility show, as well as traditional Walking Horse Park and Pleasure classes. Owned, trained and shown by Mike Stephens of Nesbit, Mississippi, Coin is the first colt the Stephens family has raised and started. Mike grew up riding Tennessee Walking Horses in North Carolina and has spent a lot of time with his plantation horses. Coin is a very versatile four-year-old grey gelding. Coin’s sire is Pusher’s Bag May by Pusher, out of a Gold Coin mare. His dam is Black Gal’s Sally Sue by Generator’s Iron Eagle, out of a Little Merry Boy mare. Mike is working “Coin” towards the Supreme Versatility Champion Award. Mike’s goal is to breed Tennessee Walking Horse pleasure horses with smooth, natural gaits, great temperaments and endurance. His horses are trained for trail riding and showing in flat shod and versatility classes. He uses natural horsemanship methods to train his horses to negotiate obstacles found on the trail, including being able to back, side pass, and pivot on their fore and hind quarters. For more information, visit Triple S Farms website at: www.ssswalkinghorses.com.