H.E. Sutton Forwarding Company was established in 1957 by the late Halford Ewel Sutton. Born in Lamesa, Texas in 1921, Sutton was fondly referred to by his nickname "Tex". Fast forward to the twenty-first century, and you will still find our loyal customers often using the trade name "Tex Sutton" to identify our company.
Tex became enamored with horses and horse racing at a young age. His inherent horsemanship put him on the fast track for a career in racing. Just 11 years old when he left home, Tex journeyed west to California. After working odd-jobs to get by, Tex found himself on the backstretch. His racetrack career included stints as a hot-walker, groom, exercise rider and valet.
Tex first ventured into the horse transportation industry in 1954, arranging the shipping of horses by railcar. The business continued to thrive over the next 15 years, until shipping by railcar became too cost prohibitive, ultimately providing the impetus to venture into air travel. Although not the first to transport horses by plane, Tex Sutton quickly established his company as the foremost authority on equine air travel and has been credited with revolutionizing horse transportation practices. Tex insisted on employing capable horsemen to load, unload and attend to the needs of horses during flights – a practice that our company continues to utilize today.
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 new company occasionally provided airline service to Tex Sutton. In fact, Tex has been credited with sparking Clark's interest in racehorse ownership, not by encouraging his participation, but by cautioning Dave about getting involved. Tex's advice to Dave went unheeded. Their strong 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 H. E. Sutton Forwarding Company to Dave Clark in 1998. Sadly, Tex passed away in 2000. Fortunately, Mr. Sutton's legacy is apparent in the company he founded; our employees, young and old, remain committed to maintaining the same tradition of excellence that H. E. Sutton was built on.
Today the reins of H. E. "Tex" Sutton are in the capable hands of Rob Clark, Dave's son and current President. A lifetime friend of the late Tex Sutton, Rob is proud to maintain and eager to continue to build upon the well-deserved reputation that his mentor Tex Sutton worked so hard to earn. Underscoring safety, professionalism, customer service and excellence in our field – the team at H. E. Sutton look forward to providing first class equine air travel well into the future.