Hi

I wouldn't normally ask this but thought it's worth a try ...I have just come back from Cambodia (eventually was stranded as couldn't go through Bangkok so had to go via Kuala Lumpur) training two Cambodian vets in how to introduce community engagement work into their project. We then worked with representatives from communities all over southern Cambodia and they'll continue to do work in their communities to work together to make changes to the way they keep their horses that will result in happier horses.

The vets speak English and read it very well and were very very keen to learn more about equine behaviour but books etc are difficult to get hold of out there and they (and the charity I work for) don't have the budget for this. If anyone has any unwanted books about equine behaviour or equine vet stuff then they'd greatly appreciate them to learn more (although they are vets the courses aren't like our vets get in the UK).

I am going out again in January for the second phase of the project (and lecturing at the university there) so will take any books I can muster with me then.

Cambodia was amazing, we stayed far off the beaten tourist track and I'm amazed I didn't get food poisoning but was fantastic to be staying in the Cambodian countryside. The horses in Cambodia have a rough deal, carrying very heavy loads with carts that are poorly designed. For example, the carts have no brakes so crash into the back of the horse when they go down hills (or over bumps). Behaviourally you can see the stress before they are asked to go downhill as they know what will happen. Many horses end up with fractured backs/hips as a result of this. This is just one of the issues they face and I am introducing a new way of working with the communities (rather than telling them what to do) to address this and other issues. I'll put some photos in an online photo thing soon and will post the link here.

If you have any books you might want to donate my address is:
Suzanne Rogers, 14 Alexandra Road, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 2PE.

Such books would be greatly appreciated.

Suz

The link to my photos is at (don't need a facebook account to see them):
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=51685&l=8c0c5&id=525908169

Suz,

I've just pulled out a big pile of books that might be of interest. Problem is they're quite heavy! Which begs the question will they be too heavy to send to Cambodia??

I've got a couple of anatomy books, one on reproduction & stud medicine (I have NO idea why I have this book I think I've looked at it once! LOL!) Some really excellent reference guides for equine clinics & diagnosing lameness, etc. (Great if you're a vet but useless if you're like me and not!) Some books on hoof care barefoot & shod. Would a special edition journal on laminitis be any use? Some animal physiology text books, a massage book and of course several books on behaviour!!

It seems a waste to keep these gathering dust on my shelves when they could be of benefit somewhere else.

Will happily post all books or whatever you think would be useful

Hi Lucy
That would be absolutely fantastic and greatly appreciated. The ponies in the more rural areas can get laminitis in the rainy season so would be relevant too. I can pay extra weight if I have to when I go to Cambodia, the books would be really appreciated and I was so frustrated that we can't buy any for them so decided to try to collect some. My charity would be able to pay for postage of them from you to me or I could maybe pick them up sometime before I go back. Are you anywhere vaguely near West Malling? My brother has moved there.

Hope to catch up properly soon

Suz

Hi Suz,

Will pop them in the post tomorrow, don't worry about the postage costs. Sure I can manage that! LOL!

Lucy
Thanks SOOOOO much for all the books - greatly appreciated and there will be some very happy vets in January.

Suz

Hi Suz

I've had a sort out and I've found 2 x first aid books and 2 x behaviour books for your vets. Will post to you in the next few days.

Well done in what you are doing in Cambodia

Helen

Hi Suz - did the books arrive with you ok?

Helen

Hi Helen
SOOOO sorry not to acknowledge sooner - I got them just after Christmas as my neighbour had kindly taken them in and then been away but then I was rubbish at getting back to you. They are brilliant and they will have a very good home.

Lucy - just got the box from you too, thanks again, soooooo much. Will take photos when I'm there so you can see where they'll live.

you are both stars

Suzzz

I'm in Cambodia...thanks so much again, Lucy and Helen, for the books - they were very very very gratefully appreciated and I'll post some photos when I get back if I work out how to.

Is that work out how to post photos or work out how to get back.....??!

(Sorry, not a constructive post with which to herald my return to computers but I couldn't resist!)