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.
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.
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.
Tracey
PS have posted this to RC
as some people have expressed interest in AHS and this may answer
some questions