Break out of Framesby Pat Bell * 3-30-00 Click linked photos, use your "Back" browser button to return to this page. This article will focus on 7 main areas to consider in developing a successful show strategy. Each topic covers basic tools and ideas that are working for us as we show our llamas in at least half a dozen or more shows across Western Canada. There are as many reasons for showing your llamas as there are shows in which to enter. Here are some of the reasons llama breeders show:
Whatever your reasons for stepping into the show ring, I believe it's important to identify for yourself why you want to show. Setting goals can help you achieve what you want. It also keeps you on track and focused. We made a decision early in our llama career to use showing to promote and market our llamas. We wanted to showcase our breeding program and to create opportunities for camaraderie and networking with fellow llama breeders. We're very clear on our goals. They help us choose which shows we attend and they focus our efforts. We choose our show string to verify the strong qualities in our breeding program. We go to shows expecting to meet people, to have fun and to participate in all the activities. We believe that shows generate enthusiasm among llama breeders and in breeding programs. We've proven that shows increase opportunities for marketing and sales of our llamas and their fine products. Once you've decided that you're going to show, it's time to begin planning. We begin our show plans at the beginning of each year. We look at the show calendar and select the shows that we want to attend. We consider which shows are likely to showcase our farm and animals in the best possible light. And we choose shows that are fun. We select our show schedule so that its manageable. We look at the amount and cost of travel involved. We consider rest periods between shows for both llamas and humans. We select shows which are likely to generate lots of breeder and public interest. At certain times of the year, we may show strictly to expose our animals to breeders prior to a major sale. At other times of the year, we may show to give young animals an opportunity for their first experience away from home and in the show ring. At all shows, we consider the judge who has been hired. Is this a judge whom we want to show under? Once we set our show schedule, the work begins! Training for our show llamas begins as soon as they're born. We assess our llamas critically. We observe and monitor their stress levels, and their temperament. We assess their conformation, their movement, their balance. We look for that extra spark or pizzazz that means they're likely to do well in the show ring. And we select a string of llamas for each show year so that we're not showing the same llama over and over again. Whether or not they have everything to guarantee success in the show ring, training of our llamas is similar. We bring our newborns into the "warm room" daily to be weighed. Learning to leave their Moms for a few minutes each day teaches them confidence and independence. It's also the first step to building rapport and trust with humans. As we work with them and around them, we "handle" each one. We "accidentally" touch them and stand beside them. We run our hands up and down legs, neck, back and head. Each movement is deliberate and purposeful. There's no hugging or kissing here - this is training. By 2 weeks of age, they're starting to feel the soft baby halter around their face and neck and soon they're checking out each other's halters. We've tried to breed our females so that each new cria has a buddy. It makes learning so much easier and more fun. I think that one of the most important things to keep in mind when training llamas is PATIENCE. Learning takes place quickly, but set backs can and do occur. It's important to start slowly and build on small successes. What we're really trying to achieve with our training is a building of TRUST between llama and human (handler). Once llamas learn that YOU can be trusted, they'll do anything for you. There's nothing more satisfying and life enriching than recognizing this bond between llamas and humans. For me, it's what makes owning and working with llamas so rewarding and soul satisfying. I think the other thing that needs to be said here is that as we train, it's not only the llama's confidence and trust which is developing, it's also mine! With each achievement and small learning step that takes place, I feel much better about stepping out into the show ring with an animal, no matter whether it's a juvenile or an adult. And as I work with each llama, I'm constantly learning about my own as well as their limits, our potential, our strengths and our weaknesses. A key motto on our farm is "Practice Practice Practice". I don't think you can ever have too much practice. Knowing what to expect from myself and my llama makes showing much more enjoyable. We show our juveniles each year at the last show of the season in November. By then most of them have had 6 to 9 months of "training". I always feel like a proud Mom when I watch our young llamas show themselves for the very first time. What a rewarding thing to see how a frightened nervous youngster progresses and transforms into a confident, knowledgeable llama in the show ring. And all because they know what to expect because they've practiced everything in the comfort and safety of their home environment with their buddies. Now comes the time to prepare for the upcoming show. About 6 to 8 weeks before the show we start to vary our training. We've chosen the animals we're taking to that particular show, and now we want to build even deeper trust and rapport with each specific animal. We want to fine tune "setting them up" and asking them to stand for long periods of time. We ensure that they can trailer safely and easily. There's nothing more embarrassing than fighting with your llama getting into or out of a trailer at the show! We may even take them for short trips off the farm at this time. We try to expose the llamas to a wide variety of experiences. We play the radio in the barn. We leave them alone in a stall for short periods of time. We tie them to the fence and take them to the poop pile every hour, and then every 2 hours. We have them spend time in the trailer. We start to groom them every day for short periods of time. There is nothing more important than to be patient with your llama and with yourself. Each lesson takes time and some days neither I nor the llamas want to do any more learning. Allow the llamas to learn from you as well as from each other, especially if you have yearling or adult animals who already have show experience. Above all allow them to be llamas. We always turn our show string back into the herd when the "school day" is done. I believe that its relaxing and healthy for them. In the same way, I too kick back and relax at the end of the day. EVERYONE needs adequate rest, relaxation, healthy play, and good nutrition in order to be their best at show time. As the show books come in, read them. Read the rules. Select the correct class in which you want to enter your llama. Be sure you've entered the right age category, the right wool type and the right class. In Canada , we still have combined shows where halter classes and performance classes take place within the same show. Complete your entry form and send it *with your cheque* to the Show Secretary in plenty of time. Do not leave this important task to the very last minute. It's very easy to make mistakes and now that you and your animal are all ready is not the time to miss out on something because you were in a hurry. I make copies of the show application, each llama's registration form, health certificates and anything else I think I may need or may come in handy on show day. Next, plan your farm display. I believe that if you're showing llamas it's important to have a farm display. Be visible and allow people to get to know you and your farm. This is your chance to focus on who you are and what you're doing on your farm. At the very least plan to have lots of business cards, a banner with your farm name, colours and logo, photos of your llamas, some educational handouts and a couple of chairs. As you show more, you'll likely want to invest in a table, show panels, curtains, display board and perhaps even a TV and VCR. Whatever you do remember this is a prime opportunity for you to market yourself, your farm and your llamas. We have sold more llamas as a result of showing than by any other form of advertising. This is also the time to go to other shows. Observe how others participate. How they market themselves. Learn from them. Ask questions. Make notes and observe. Early on, we joined the Alpaca and Llama Show Association (ALSA). In Canada, plans for the Canadian Llama and Alpaca Show System (CLASS) are currently underway. The ALSA handbook covers all the rules of the show. Even if the show you've entered is not an ALSA sanctioned show, knowing what to expect makes showing easier and much more enjoyable. Expectations are different for different classes. In halter classes, llamas are judged for conformation, balance, and overall appearance. In showmanship classes, the handler is judged on how the llama is presented. In performance classes (obstacle, PR, pack, and driving) the llamas' and handlers' ability to work as a team is judged. Get to know the judge's preferences. You do this by attending shows and watching the judge. Each judge has biases and preferences. You may decide not to exhibit under a judge who does not like the type of animal you're intending to show. Or choose a different llama to take to the show where that judge has been hired. Learn what you can expect from the Judge. I expect to be treated with a positive attitude and a courteous, friendly manner. Above all, I expect respect and consistency in the way the Judge approaches his/her duties. There are few perfect llamas, so a Judge compares each llama to the other llamas in the ring. Their job is to judge the llamas solely on the basis of what they see in the ring on that day. Other preparations during this time include fitting and purchasing a show halter, grooming your llama and planning what you'll wear in the show ring. I firmly believe that being organized and prepared well in advance makes the show experience much more enjoyable for everyone. We have a set of medium sized rubber tubs with well fitting lids that we use for all our show gear. I like to know that I've not forgotten anything when we leave the farm. I also want to be able to handle all the show gear myself without help (in case that's necessary for some reason). My rule is - if you can't carry it, you can't take it! So as the time progresses to show day, I clean and collect everything that
I'll need for the show. This includes: As show day gets closer, grooming begins in earnest. I believe show animals should be impeccably groomed. To me grooming is a reflection of your farm management. On our farm, we "groom" year round. We groom the environment, keeping our pastures free of debris and straw. We use a blower and a leaf rake on our llamas to rid their coats of vegetable matter. We use a slicker brush to keep mats out. We spritz a hair conditioner on their coats from time to time. Then when show time comes, all that's really needed is a good bath. We use warm water and a garden hose, high quality shampoo, conditioner and lots of rinsing. We allow them to air dry on a clean piece of carpet or on the grass in a clean pen. On the subject of halters, we fit our llamas with show halters in the final 2-3 weeks before a show. This allows for unexpected growth spurts and ensures that you have a well fitting halter on show day. I choose halters according to the llama's colouring and head and nose structure. Some llamas look great in black leather halters. Some don't. We have a variety of leather and nylon braided halters that we use. Depending on the animal's colouring, I may use a coloured halter. And while you're at it, don't forget the matching lead. Like a new pair of shoes, allow your llama to wear their show halter a few times before show day. They need to get used to the feel and you need to get used to how the llama responds to the halter and lead. Practice, practice, practice. Using a halter and lead with which you are unfamiliar can make a difference in the show ring. Just before you pack the halter and lead, either wash or use a good leather cleaner to make sure they're sparkling and ready for the show. Now don't forget about your own grooming and dress. Just because you've been so busy grooming and training your llama is no excuse for going to the show looking like you just stepped out of the barn. I find I usually need at least a hair cut because I've been too busy to get it done earlier. Check the show rules and if there's a dress code be sure that you adhere to it. This is not the time to be a rebel! If you don't like dress codes, send a written letter of complaint after the show and/or plan not to attend that particular show again. I plan my show wardrobe carefully. I want to look professional in the ring, but I also want to feel comfortable. Remember for the safety of both you and your llama, you should wear closed-toe shoes and you shouldn't be wearing anything that dangles - this includes scarves, bracelets, long neck chains, even flowing sleeves and hems. All of these things can be a safety hazard, and they may also take the judge's eye away from your llama. I plan my dress to make the most of my llama's colouring. White does not always look good against a white animal, so I may decide to wear black instead. I'm a colourful person, so I dislike dress codes and would rather look neat and professional and wear something that I look good in. We used to live on an island on the Canadian West Coast. I learned a lot from that experience about packing and travelling. In order to catch the only ferry leaving the island, we had to be up at 4 AM so that we could load the llamas and hurry up to wait in the ferry line! Today, life is a little easier, but we still pack up the trailer and gear the night before. We get up early, so we can get a good start and to allow us time in case we have any problems on the road. Since most shows we attend are many miles away, we always travel the day before the show. I like to arrive in good time and with plenty of opportunity to relax and unwind before the day of the show. Our groomed llamas have had a good night's sleep before we travel, so they too are fresh and alert when we arrive. It makes the trip so much easier for everyone. All your hard work is starting to pay off as your llamas are easily loaded into the trailer and are not at all stressed about leaving home. We use shredded paper on top of rubber mats in our trailer. On white animals we put socks or vet wrap on legs to keep their knees clean during the trip. We find that paper works better than any other bedding. It's very absorbent and it simple falls out with light flicks of your hand when you unload. No matter how far we travel, we stop every 2 hours to check the llamas and walk around the trailer. We also stop at a rest stop just before we arrive at the show grounds. This stop is intended to clean everyone up before our grand entrance at the show facility. I want my llamas to walk off the trailer proud and clean. Remember you're showing to your potential market. Everyone is also watching to see what the competition is. So make sure both you and your llamas arrive clean, smiling and confident. Your image is a reflection of your farm and management. Arriving at the show grumpy and dirty with llamas who are ill trained and badly in need of grooming, wearing scruffy work halters is not the image that you want to promote your farm or your llamas. Because we always plan our trip so that we arrive early in the day, the day before the show, I have lots of time to get our display up and make our llamas comfortable and at home in their new surroundings. As soon as they're out of the trailer we head to the "poop pile". The llamas get fresh hay and water. Our water comes with us, because we learned at our first show that llamas very often will not drink for a couple of days when they have a change of water. I don't want wilted llamas nor do I want to be worrying about their health while we're away. We allow our animals to settle into their new surroundings, looking terrific. They like to watch what's going on and they sure appreciate a good feed after a long trip. Once we've set up, we visit all the other exhibitors. We want to rekindle old friendships, but we also want to see who we'll be competing against. I like to know what to expect in the show ring at all times. At some time before the day is over, take your llamas for a walk around the show ring. There will always be new challenges that you haven't prepared for. Like having to walk on carpet, or walking over tape on the carpet, or shadows from a sunlit window, or shrubs and flowers around the ring. Whatever it is, make sure you expose your llama to it BEFORE you take them into the show ring on show day. If you take time to make them familiar with those things, they have more time to concentrate on what's happening in the show ring. And then it's early to bed. We take our llamas back into the trailer to sleep. We find that they're familiar with it and they sleep much better in familiar surroundings. We also don't have to worry about accidents happening in the show facility. The Big Day has finally arrived. All our preparations have paid off. Now it's time to strut your stuff! We're up early, partly because there's so much to be done. But also because no matter how often I show, I always have butterflies the day of the show. For that reason, I pay lots of attention to myself and my animals on show day. I know my attitude will travel down the lead to my llama. So my mantra is CALM, RELAXED and CONFIDENT. I repeat it over and over again throughout the day. I use deep breaths to relax myself whenever I feel like the butterflies are flying out of formation. I find that if I've prepared before the show, I can relax, have fun and gracefully accept whatever the outcome. The most important thing for me is to keep on learning everything I can from each show experience. Keep a positive attitude and you're guaranteed success. This doesn't always mean a ribbon in the ring, but success can be counted in a number of ways. I remember my goals and just getting this far can be a major accomplishment on some days. Here are some of my most important "DO's" on show day:
I love showing. It's exciting, exhilarating and fun! The more I show the
more I like it and the more I'm learning. I learn something at every show I attend. Here are some of the most important lessons I've learned from being in the show ring
Now that the class is over, you need to assess what will happen next. If you placed first or second in your category, you need to be ready to show in the Championship class. Be ready and on time. Have someone ready to hold your ribbon, to touch up your llama's coat. And step aside in the holding area just to give yourself and your animal time to regroup and get ready for the next competition. If you aren't in the Championship class, take your llama out for a walk or to the poop pile to unwind. Treat them to new hay and fresh water. Allow them to relax. If you're showing the same animal later in the day, take them to your trailer for a rest. And by all means, treat yourself. Go somewhere to relax, have some cold fresh water and sit down. I like to go somewhere to be by myself for 30 minutes or so. I like to assess what happened in the ring, freshen up and then get back into the swing of things. If you've had a helper, discuss how things went with them too. Often you don't see everything when you're the handler. Rely on a trusted friend or your spouse to tell you how you can improve upon things next time. Now is the time to watch other classes and other exhibitors. Observe, ask questions and learn all you can. This is your chance to congratulate others, observe the judge and other exhibitors, as well as to network and have fun. Don't miss out on the opportunities. As soon as possible after the show, have something nutritious to eat. It's likely been a hectic day and if you're like me, my butterflies have not been conducive to eating well. I also find that shows are not the greatest venues for nutritious food, so get out and have something to eat. What ever you do, DO NOT pack up and leave the show right after you've finished your class. This shows poor manners, a lack of respect for other farms and exhibitors, the show management and the judge. In my opinion, it's downright poor sportsmanship. If you're angry about something that happened at the show, then lodge a formal, written complaint with the show committee. You're exhibiting a poor attitude if all you do is gripe and complain. Your poor attitude translates into negative marketing for your farm, yourself and your llamas. People will definitely remember you, but not favorably. Owning and raising llamas can be a rewarding and joyful lifestyle. Showing improves the marketability of llamas and it may even influence the quality and style of llamas that we breed. More and more people are coming to recognize the importance of showing in their marketing program, it's a powerful tool. Two of the most important elements that guarantee your success in the show ring are training and attitude. Nothing feels better than showing well and winning with your llamas, so work hard and let it show! Pat Bell and her husband, Boyd, own and operate Integrity Llama Farm in the beautiful Okanagan Valley just outside Armstrong, British Columbia, Canada. The Integrity llama herd consists of 4 herdsires, 2 junior herdsires, and 15 breeding females. The Bells have raised llamas since 1995. Showing has been an integral part of their llama operation since they began. Raising show and breeding stock llamas, the Bells believe that showing is a powerful marketing tool that benefits both small and large breeders. Pat is a registered nurse and counsellor by profession. She uses llama fibre to design one of a kind handknit sweaters. She is also a quilter creating wearable art. All Animals owns all rights to this article and the photos. You may link to the article (not the photos), but you may *not* copy it, nor reprint it anywhere else. You may print the URL which is www.all-animals.com/showing.html Advertising | Site Design | Site Hosting | About Us | Home | Email |
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