SHOWING
Llama shows are held throughout the US, especially in the summer. The offered classes are divided into performance classes and all other classes. Anybody can compete in these shows with their llama (s). The following are classes commonly offered at shows.
Halter Classes: Halter classes are divided by the gender, the age and the wool type of the llama. There are three wool classifications. They are light wool, medium wool and heavy wool. This is determined by the amount of head, neck and leg wool that the llama possesses. In halter classes the conformation of each llama is assessed. Some desirable traits are straight fore and hind legs, a level top line, and a high tail set and good overall balance.
Click here for halter setup informationShowmanship: In showmanship the way that a person handles their llama is judged, not conformation. Showmanship in llamas is very similar to that of horses. A standard showmanship pattern is walk out to six feet from the judge, back your llama four steps and closure back, square your llama for inspection, turn on the haunches, trot back to line, walk through line and do another turn on the haunches, walk back into line and set your llama.
The following classes are considered "performance classes"
Obstacle: In obstacle classes the llama and the handler negotiate various obstacles that might be encountered anywhere in everyday life. Some obstacles might be handling your llama, like picking up a foot or showing the teeth, jumps, ducking, bridges, ramps, walking on odd surfaces, odd sounding or looking objects, walking through water, etc. The performance and overall teamwork between the llama and handler is judged.
Public Relations: Public Relations, or PR, classes also contain obstacles, but these obstacles are oriented toward things that a llama might encounter in public places. Some obstacles might be people in wheelchairs or walkers, people dressed up in costumes, dogs, odd or loud noises, toys, putting something on your llama, etc. Again a teamwork and skill level that the llama and handler work at is judged.
Pack: Pack classes are always divided by the age of the llama. If the llama is 18-36 months they carry a pack suitable for backcountry use, filled with lightweight materials, but no weight. Llamas over 36 months must carry a pack with weight. The obstacles in the pack classes are supposed to stimulate obstacles that a llama might face while packing in back country. Some obstacles might be log jumps, ducking under low branches, loading into a trailer or pickup, and putting on or taking off the pack system. This class is judged on how the llama negotiates the series of obstacles while wearing a pack.
Cart Driving: Classes are divided into pleasure and obstacle driving. In these classes the llama pulls a cart through a series of obstacles demonstrating the llamas obedience and agility with a single-hitch cart.
Costume and other classes: Costume classes are often offered at llama shows. This is judged on difficulty to make, how the llama accepts the costume and skill training the llama for the costume. Sometimes other classes are offered at shows too. Some other classes might be pack string classes, high jump and limbo contests.
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