Taylor Sutton and Alabama at the Maclay Regionals. Photo by Shawn McMillen

Antioch, IL – October 5, 2013 – Millcreek Farm and trainer Serah Vogus are headed to the Alltech National Horse Show, October 29^th – November 3^rd, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. Vogus will be riding Taylor Sutton’s horse Alabama in the Second Year Green Hunters and Sutton has qualified for the Maclay Medal Finals, which take place on Sunday, November 3^rd. 

“I’m really proud of Taylor,” said Vogus. “She’s qualified and competed successfully on a green horse. Taylor has been riding with me for 3 years now and when she moved in, she was doing 2'6". In 2012, Taylor and Alabama qualified for the National Junior Hunter Finals and competed in the Hunterdon Cup. She’s come a long way.”

Sutton of Gurnee, IL, celebrated her 18^th birthday the night she qualified at the Maclay regionals in Lexington. Perhaps just a coincidence, but her first riding lesson at age seven, was also a birthday present from her grandma. Eleven years later, Sutton is headed for the finals. 

“The most important thing for me to take away from the final is a round I'm proud,” said Sutton.

“Alabama is a great horse,” explained Sutton about her eight-year-old Dutch warmblood. “He tries his hardest all the time which is my favorite quality about him. As soon as you pick up your reins he's ready to work. He's a real people pleaser and I love working with horses like that. He’s very green compared to a lot of the other horses in the field which may put me at a disadvantage, but I wouldn't trade him for any other ride!”

Sutton is riding as much as possible to prepare for the finals. Vogus gives her additional horses to ride and takes Sutton’s stirrups away frequently.  Sutton works part time at a gym and also attends Warren Township High School as a senior.

“I love supporting my school at its sporting events so I try to go to as many as riding allows me to!” added Sutton. “I’m usually decked out with a jersey and face paint!”

Sutton has been with Vogus at Millcreek Farm for three years and has a great junior resume which includes winning the Illinois Hunter Jumper Association Children’s Medal Finals in 2011 and qualifying for both the Pessoa Hunt Seat Medal and Maclay Finals several times.

Millcreek Farm is located on 88 beautiful, rolling acres in Antioch with numerous turnout paddocks, indoor and outdoor arenas, a hot walker (exercise walker), large stalls and a specialized feed program. Vogus rides both hunters and jumpers and competes in Grand Prix’s and the USHJA International Hunter Derbies. She also participates in the George H. Morris clinics and recently rode in Morris’ Natural Obstacle Clinic at Canterbury Farm and she rode in the Chicago Hunter Derby last month. Vogus competes regularly both locally and nationally on the A Circuit and has a great selection of quality sale horses as well.

For more information on Millcreek Farm, please visit www.millcreekfarm.net.