In the early 1970s Tex became acquainted with and eventually friends with Universal Airlines employee Dave Clark. Universal was the carrier that operated the aircraft transporting Sutton Horses. Shortly thereafter, Clark formed his own cargo aviation company near Detroit, Michigan. Over the ensuing few years, Dave’s company occasionally provided airline service to Tex Sutton. Tex has been credited with sparking Clark’s interest in racehorse ownership. Their business relationship blossomed, and in the 1980’s they partnered up on several racehorses, as well as the purchase of Iron Horse Farm, located in Perryville, Arkansas.
In the late 1990’s, Tex’s health became compromised and he was no longer able to oversee the day-to-day operations of his company. In light of Tex’s condition, his heirs elected to sell the Company to Dave Clark in 1998. Sadly, Tex passed away in 2000.
Fortunately, Mr. Sutton’s legacy is still apparent in the company he founded; our employees, young and old, remain committed to maintaining the same tradition of excellence that Tex Sutton Equine Air Transportation was built on.