SunFire Equestrian Training 

Purse Luva

"Tony"

Pollard's Vision / Royal Teresa

2007 17.1 Chestnut Gelding

Purse Luva was foaled on May 1, 2007 in Kentucky.  He had 31 starts and won over $85,000. His racing career ended when he refused to leave the starting gate for the 32nd time.  After the track Purse Luva was sponsored by Neigh Savors, a 501 (3) (c) California thoroughbred rescue, and was named Tony.  Tony arrived at SunFire three months after his final race.

Tony's second day with us - March 2, 2012

Tony's first ride - March 2, 2012

March 24, 2012:  This sweet boy has fallen on some bad luck.  Just a few days after arriving with us he sustained a minor soft tissue injury to his leg while in pasture.  At about the same time he also developed a hoof abscess, which along with his bad feet made him quite lame.  After two weeks of treatment, stall rest, and new shoes, Tony was finally sound. We were very excited to finally really work with Tony under saddle, as we only briefly walked him under saddle when we rode him on March 2.  Unfortunately, he is consistently lame while being ridden, although he remains sound without a rider.  Based on his history at the track and what we have observed regarding his lameness we suspect that Tony has a chronic injury that hasn't had time to heal.      

Tony making a new friend   

May 13, 2012:  Tony has been enjoying time off since our last update.  We have decided that we want to give him at least another 6 months off to heal. Our friend Gina has graciously offered to sponsor him at her home in West Sacramento during this time.  In 6 months we will evaluate Tony again and hope to start him in light work.