Juan Aguilar and Sarah Sutherland have launched Heartwood Farm, a Thoroughbred boarding and sales consignment operation near Paris, Ky. Heartwood Farm will operate at the Bourbon County property long known as Indian Creek, which is owned by Shack Parrish and his family.
Heartwood Farm succeeds the longstanding Indian Creek operation, where Aguilar and Sutherland were central members of the management team for many years.
Aguilar and Sutherland both grew up immersed in the Kentucky Thoroughbred industry. Aguilar developed his feel for horses while working with leading operations, including Niall Brennan, St George Sales, Stonestreet, Godolphin, Kim Nardelli, and Ben McElroy. He joined
Indian Creek as the yearling manager in 2019 and was promoted to farm manager in 2021.
"Sarah and I are very grateful to the Parrish family for the opportunity they gave us at Indian Creek," Aguilar said. "We were fortunate to play a part in the development of top runners through a program centered on the horses themselves. That foundation is something we're
committed to carrying forward at Heartwood."
Sutherland, who grew up attending the races and sales with her father, respected bloodstock agent Mike Ryan, joined Indian Creek in 2009 after a stint in equine lending with J.P. Morgan. She has held her role until the transition to Heartwood Farm.
"We're excited and thankful for the chance to move forward with our clients, friends and incredible farm staff," Sutherland said. "Our goal with Heartwood is straightforward: to prepare every horse so they develop and succeed as the best version of themselves."
