How it works (according to OP) is you have 3
weeks then 3 weeks, then six weeks after the end of you last 3 weeks the
vaccine kicks in and your horse is at top immunity ie. 12 weeks after
the first shot. So doing it at end October is still ok, it is more
dangerous to do it too early. Ideal time according to OP is 1st
september to 1st november.
I agree, my vet has always
said as early in Sep as possible, as our rains are coming earlier and
our winters are milder each year.
Yes, you must remember that a horse of the veld
in good condition weight wise and that has previously been conditioned
to a fairly good level of fitness, can complete a 30km ride if ridden
sensibly. This has been proven, and with no harm to the horse. You will
have six weeks, more than enough time.
Ah, but remember that my
horses aren't "off the veld". They have spent the winter
languishing amidst an overabundance of oat hay, alfalfa and teff, being
ridden for an hour a day max, usually in the school or leisurely strolls
around the block. Basically becoming fat and unfit.
Well if your horses are ridden an hour a day,
or for that matter any period of time but on a daily basis they will be
in better condition than a horse of the veld even if they will have to
roll the whole course :-)
Also according to OP, you can work your horse
the 1st and 3rd week of each shot if they show no sideeffects. The only
horses that need complete rest are those reacting to the
shot.
I've also asked OP how you
can tell if a horse is "reacting to the shot". "Elevated temps"
seems to be the answer, but I think that's a crock, because elevated
temps are usually a sign that they're getting the virus, not reacting to
the shot. The horses I've seen who have had reactions to the shot
have given indications of damage to the heart and liver. No way of
telling that. I err on the side of caution.
Well my one horse that
"reacts" usually goes of her food for a day or so, mopes around for the
same period and gets a wopping bumb where the shot was given. I
also rather don't take chances, I find it a good time to take a break
from riding and not have to feel guilty about it (which i generally do
if i miss a day during the ride season). Have you heard the latest? some
people give it as early as July to be out for the end of year show
season (Pts, summer etc) or even "better" :-( give both shots
together!!!!! then "we only have to rest them for 3
weeks"!!!!!
Toc should be fine, but PG
will be the horse from hell! For some reason, he stores energy
when he's on a lay-off and is downright stupid when brought back into
work. He bolted with me on Saturday, because a plover divebombed
us. I ask you!!!
Don't worry, I've been divebombed by a
dungbeetle (I mean really don't tell me it couldn't see our butt the
size of a house) and i was nearly dumped, I managed to save myself but
then nearly fell off because of the fits of laughter.
I could make some crass
comment about it knowing shit when it sees it, but I won't. That
is seriously funny.
Now THAT (above) is seriously
funny......cannot explain to a co-worker why I am laughing so hard I am
crying :-)
Tracey
Celeste
PS have posted this to RC as
some people have expressed interest in AHS and this may answer some
questions