HORSE SHOW SATURDAY AT JACKSON WILL BENEFIT DIABETES YOUTH FUND

The smooth, easy gait of a Tennessee Walking Horse makes them a popular breed for riders and an attraction that will benefit programs at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

The hospital is sponsoring a regional horse show Saturday at Flickerwood Arena in Jackson, Mo. Tickets are $2 per person and proceeds benefit the Diabetes Youth Fund at the hospital.

Activities begins at 1 p.m. in the futurity classes that feature Tennessee Walking Horse colts ages 3 or younger. Racking horses will be featured in the evening show that starts at 6 p.m.

Children under age 8 can take part in a stick horse class but have to provide their own "horse."

Just as show horses require special care, children also must learn to care for themselves when they are diagnosed with diabetes.

"Camp Day Break helps children with diabetes learn the importance of control such as giving themselves a shot and checking their sugar levels," said Carla Glaus, a diabetes educator at the hospital.

The proceeds from the horse show benefit Camp Day Break at the hospital, which is a day camp program for children ages 6-12 with diabetes. It is held each summer at the Main Street Family Fitness Center in Jackson. Twenty-seven children attended the camp this summer.

More than 1,000 people are expected to attend Saturday's show. A silent auction is planned as well. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the day.

For information, contact the hospital at 651-5533.