Llama packing workshop

It was a big day at Tatum Hills yesterday with four llamas and about 15 humans visiting to attend a day of llama packing as taught by Mark Brindley, president of the Llama Association.

The day started early for some at Tatum Hills to make sure there were safe pens ready for the vistors (the llama ones!) and our resident llamas were all fed and out of the way for the day.

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Workshop participants started with tea and rasberry muffins before Mark launched us into the 'how to' of llama training and llama accessories directed specifically at taking our llamas on walks or camping trips and making sure they did most of the carrying. We had a look at about 8 different types of saddles and panier setups with some explanations and tips about all of them.

After the theory, it was time to try the real thing and saddle up one of the visiting llamas. The first 'volunteer' was a wonderful 10 year old llama called Archer. He is quite a small chap and travelled from Newcastle in his family's large car, sharing the back seat with young Emma. Archer was the star of the day, taking to all packing-related activities like a pro. While chatting with his owners, we discovered he is one of our old girl Beeghum's crias and half brother to our Bakr and Valentine.   

Archer gets a briefing...

and goes for a demo walk with young Emma, under Mark's watchful eye.

Lunch followed, before the afternoon simulation of a llama trial.

Our youngest attendee, four months old Forrest, gets lunch from his owner Neils

Teathering is important so the llamas can be secured overnight while camping. First timer Bonza has a go and after an initial stumble (litterally!) workes it all out and finishes very well.

Mark tells us that in a llama packing trial level one, the llamas have to demonstrate they have some of the basic skills required for packing. Walking on a lead, taking a saddle, clearing obstacles and spending 5 minutes on a teather are all part of it. So our visiting boys had a go.

Obstacle number 1: walking through tall grass

Obstacle number 2: walking under low branches.

Walking through the wombat hole, without jumping, proved a bit scary for some, but everyone had a go nonetheless

Obstacle number 3: walking through rocks

The day was a success, all humans and llamas had a great time and they are already plotting the next packing event!