I presented the essence of this article in a talk near the end of the 2002 GALA conference. I've been asked to share it with those of you not being able to attend. These are my opinions accumulated from direct participation in the outdoor packing arena and from show management roles within the arena. This article should make you aware that just because you and your llama successfully place in a pack class within the arena does NOT mean you know automatically how to pack with your llama outside the arena. In addition, if the only place you ever intend to use a pack on your llama is within the show ring, you still need to learn something about correct packing techniques if you care anything about the comfort and safety of your animal. That being said, however, this is not intended to be a How-To article on packing. I do hope, however, that it encourages you to seek out instruction and at the very least, assess your own actions whether you pack In or Out of the arena. There are four main reasons why a need for this workshop/article was triggered and why this information is important to those of you thinking of packing with llamas and those of you who have either been participating in llama show pack classes and/or packing with llamas in the great outdoors.

• There are differences between what is acceptable (or even encouraged) in the show classes and what is considered to be normal, adequate, reasonable, safe, and acceptable in the woods.
  
  
• 2. People new to llamas sit in the bleachers and then use what they see going on in the show ring as their information base for how to act with their new animals or plans for animals. Since the ALSA handbook does not contain directions on "How to Pack" and there are just enough examples of "miss-information" parading around in the arenas, people are getting incorrect instruction when relying on the show pack classes.
  
  
• 3. In ALSA Judging Show Clinics, I've seen first-hand that prospective judges are not taught how to pack - only how to judge how the animal proceeds through the course. This means that unless they personally pack with llamas, they do not necessarily recognize potentially dangerous practices. By dangerous, I mean not only immediate safety problems that could result in injury during the class, but also situations that would be detrimental to the animal in the long term. Judges will not correct improper packing techniques.
  
  
• 4. Finally, the last reason stems from the need to explain to beginner packing people how important it is to understand correct packing procedures no matter where they are practiced. One person that immediately comes to mind believes that their inadequate knowledge about packing basics obtained solely by their participation at shows, directly caused the major mishap that forced them to put their animal down when it was severely injured. She feels so strongly about this she now thinks that all llama shows that offer pack classes should be required to have a qualified "Packing Person" oversee the exhibitors saddling their animals prior to the start of the class. In their specific situation, the pack saddle was not properly tightened on the animal and when it was startled, the saddle slid down over the rump causing its hind legs to be tangled in the straps and the animal broke its pelvis.

This article will address five areas that impact the level of success whether you are packing in or out of the arena. While we discuss them, be constantly thinking about how the situation would change or might need modification if you were switching from a show ring pack class to packing with your llama on a day hike at your local state park. In some cases, you may not need to change anything; in others, a radical change will be necessary to prevent you from actually hurting your animal.

Intent

Exactly why are you participating in the pack class in the show ring in the first place OR equally, why are you packing outside the arena in the great outdoors?

The number of participants in ALSA llama shows is increasing every year. If you are one of those that enjoy showing in general, participating in pack classes can be fun too. Maybe you enjoy the recognition that these shows bring whether it's going for ALSA points or to beat a particular person/animal team. Participation in pack classes gives you the opportunity to experience rewards both emotional and financial from premiums, awards, and trophies. For some exhibitors, it's the challenge and/or curiosity to see if their animal is capable in this event as they've never even practiced much at home! As I ask individuals about their intent, I sometimes hear answers that I'd categorize as "training expectations". The majority believe that this is a stepping stone to "serious" packing. They plan to either borrow someone's pack system at a show or start out small buying just a training pack so they have minimal money tied up in equipment as they really "just want to see if he'll do it". Others are adding what they call experiences to their animal's repertoire. Since their animal is an old hand in halter classes, and usually is in the ribbons in advanced obstacle, they assume they are simply adding just more of the same and don't consider a pack class as a potential anxiety-filled experience for the animal. Others are just not aware of the potential stress to a llama new to the show ring or inexperienced with "the public" and enter all classes they can because they can. There are always those that are just looking for additional "things to do".

Now before, you think I'm completely against llama show pack classes, let me assure you that I'm not going to tell you that these reasons should all be considered bad or that they are not perfectly valid, good reasons. I just want you to think about them and consider what your answers would be if the question were asked of you specifically. Now, considering why you are participating in show pack classes, would you expect those that pack through the woods to have completely different intentions?

Most llama people that pack their animals outside the show arena enjoy hiking with their animals; for many it is their reason for having them. Certainly, PLTA accreditation or being known to have hiked the Pacific Crest Trail or some other milestone are recognizable attributes among other llama packers. The challenge/curiosity question also triggers some folks to get their animals out of the pasture. Training experiences abound in the woods and for (I think) a majority of llama packers, the quiet, relaxed environment in the backwoods away from home can result in a llama building a great deal of trust in the handler. It also helps shyer llamas function more independently outside a herd. For many, it is a major break from the routine for both the person and animal. Successful llama packing outside the arena can yield physical rewards as llama/handler teams are used in commercial operations, trail maintenance, or just as personal hiking achievements. And boredom is definitely not an issue when llama packing on trails.

ANIMAL SELECTION

Why did you pick this particular animal? What did you look for? Is one type or specific individual or certain attributes better for packing In or Out of the arena?

This is one area where I have a tendency to show my biases toward packing outside the arena. I will tell you up front that a good half of the animals picked to go into show pack classes would fail miserably if they were used as a pack animal in a real world situation. And I find it very disappointing to not be assured I'll see only quality pack llamas participating in classes that should be showcases of their main function. What are alpacas? They are Fiber Producers. What are llamas? They are Pack Animals. (I know this is simplification but it is also a basic given for the animal.) Llama show halter classes are touted to be measures of quality for breeding stock and the performance classes are supposedly showcasing llamas as functional animals. In llama shows, conformational quality of an animal is usually considered a major criteria when an owner selects a llama to enter in halter classes. However, exhibitors seem to automatically regulate their poorly conformed animals to performance classes. For those exhibitors that add-on performance classes for their routine halter entrants, conformation and even body and wool type of the animal never seems to be considered. In performance classes (including packing), apparently all llamas are considered equal with the assumption that as long as you can get him to walk through the course (and carry a pack in the packing class), that is all that matters. We all know that it does not take perfect conformation to make a good performance animal just like some of the Grand Champion halter animals have produced genetic defects. In all fairness, many different body builds can be used for packing depending on the type of packing you are talking about. The assumption that if the animal is not good enough to win in the halter classes, he should be gelded and can automatically become a packing candidate, would not be wise.

When packing in an arena setting, the rules of the show organization must be followed. In the show situation, an exhibitor is provided with a showbook that may contain these rules or only a reference to the ALSA handbook. As I said earlier, it is up to the participant to learn on their own how to pack with their llama. The rules or guidelines of the showbooks/ALSA handbook really only mention two restrictions that particularly pertain to the selection of entered llamas in pack classes. One is the age restriction requiring the llama to be a minimum of eighteen months old or twelve months if used only in the youth packing classes. The other is the general statement that entrance in the show (and therefore the pack classes as well) would be denied to animals showing lameness. Some judges may cite this rule if they see dropped pasterns. No other conformational considerations are referred to which reinforces the assumption that you can use any animal for this purpose. When I've asked judges if they feel there should be any sort of conformation criteria to be entered in a pack class or even if a particular type of conformation or body style would be preferred, they have all stated that due to the short time period of the class, they did not feel comfortable requiring such considerations. They usually agreed that many of the body types and conformation faults they routinely see in performance classes and especially in pack classes would probably not be good to use in "real life". A non-ALSA "Model Packer" halter class does allude to conformational criteria but the writeup usually does not define "overall suitability for packing". I've been told that some judges determine this by reaching over each llamas' back and "hugging" them to see if they'll stand there presumably for saddling. Hardly a conformation assessment nor a true evaluation of a typical quality pack llama from the "real world". Many llamas trained well for public relations situations would probably accept this "cougar attack", but most working pack llamas would not recognize it as having any resemblance to normal saddling procedures.

If you are intending to enter a llama in a packing class, do you consider conformation, body type, or wool coverage? There are some halter judging traits that judges could pay particular attention to like long backs, awkward, waddling, or rough gaits, major limb deformities, etc., but since this is considered a Performance class, it is the result of the actions through the course that is judged regardless of the ease, or manner in which they were conducted. What I want to stress is that most exhibitors do not consider the form (conformation) and how that might be related to it's function when they pick their packing class candidate. In the arena, packing classes tend to emphasis short term needs - not the long-term well-being of the animal in that role. Animals used as working pack animals do vary in conformation. For every packer that describes his ideally conformed pack llama, he'll also admit to having at least one animal in his string that breaks this mold but makes up for it in heart and attitude. And it's this "heart" or willingness to carry the pack, to follow his handler through any terrain, weather conditions, or under any load that endears this animal to him. There is not one ideal conformation standard that all pack llamas must have but there are traits that can definitely negatively impact his performance on the trail. Certainly, quality leg conformation and balance or body length/leg/neck proportion are much more important that head shape/coarseness or wool fineness.

Size of the pack llama is never considered in the pack classes and I doubt that even overweight or underweight animals affect the judge's decision. However, if you are evaluating an animal for packing a load outside the arena, age and size are one of your first considerations. Think about what you are asking the animal to do - perform while carrying a load. In the show arena, the load weight is usually standardized to not much more than forty pounds, is carried for only a few minutes and across a flat floor. The handler should recognize that a small, underweight, or overweight animal is automatically at a disadvantage as the pack will probably not fit well and if the load is not properly positioned in the panniers, the pack system may move and cause problems even during this short experience. Add in a young aged animal with minimal exposure to the public aspect of a llama show with attendant dogs, balloons, and toddlers, the stress and anxiety of dealing with other different, older, and more dominant llamas, and the heat and humidity of a summer show. These are all factors that will impact on the animal in a pack class. In the outside-the-arena world, the terrain, expected load type and weight, and mileage will also magnify problems using small, young, and over/underweight animals.

While talking about overweight, I almost used the term over-conditioned as that is often how judges refer to fat animals. In the packing world however, the word condition has a different and very important meaning. It refers to the concept of building stamina, physical fitness, and a "work ethic". The level of condition of a pack llama is key to that animal properly and safely functioning outside the arena regardless of the intended level of effort but it is completely ignored in a show situation because the physical effort necessary for such a short-term course is seen as being minor. It is well known that all of our interactions with our llamas do leave some impression about us on that animal. If the packing class experience detracts in any way from the animal's perception of feeling safe and comfortable, the exhibitor is setting themselves up for future problems in establishing the level of trust necessary for developing a quality packing llama for use outside the arena. Why would any animal readily have "heart" out on the trail if it was forced to be made uncomfortable or stressed in such a minimalistic packing situation?

Wool coverage is also not considered in pack classes whereas this subject can be a major problem when packing outside the arena. I will probably raise the indignation of many people but I think llama shows do a serious disservice to the observer gathering llama knowledge by allowing leg fleece lengths longer than 1 inch in pack classes. By sheer example, people learn by watching and seeing a heavy wool llama participate in a packing class with only the barrel shorn implies that this is an acceptable procedure. Heavy wool llamas do pack and do well at it but reputable handlers will make sure the wool is shorn from the entire coat for the safety and comfort of the animal. Even heavy wool llamas not shorn prior to recreational packing done on park roads and trails can easily become heat stressed. This is in addition to the saddling problems that arise from excessive wool coats. Girths are difficult to fasten and tighten. The variable compression of the wool makes for uneven tightness of the saddle system causing slippage and uneven load pressure. The combination of sweating and matting of the wool starts the felting process of the fiber becoming more irritating to "hot spots" and resultant saddle sores. The additional wool coverage also more easily hides physical irritants such as small sticks, seedheads, and stickers. General pulling of the wool through the natural motion of the saddle system as the animal walks, will add to the stress level of the animal.

Earlier I briefly mentioned age restrictions for pack classes. For any packing purposes, too much weight put on a llama at an early age can create a shortening of functionality of that animal. Llamas are not considered to be done growing until they are at least four years of age and for many, five years. While an animal can be taught to lead, negotiate obstacles, and learn basic skills like trailering and staking out at a young age, only time can grow the body's structural framework. Generally the ALSA show pack class age restrictions of twelve months for the youth classes and eighteen months for the others, are fairly reasonable considering the weight that is also required and/or allowed. ALSA classes use 3 weight levels. 1) "No weight" means no additional weight should be added to the animal other than the weight inherent with the pack system in use. 2) 25 lbs may be allowed on older animals used in Youth pack classes. This is in keeping with the idea that the older animal is capable (and is more often used to) carrying some load in the panniers, while keeping the number of pounds low to enable a child to manipulate the panniers as needed. In adult handled pack classes, animals starting at 37 months are expected to carry a minimum weight of 40 lbs. which includes the pack system as well as additional static weight. The major problem with this set system is that no provision is made for animal size differences, say between a small Bolivian or one of the large classics from earlier bloodlines. Full size pack system panniers hang considerably lower on small and/or young animals and can actually interfere with the animal's movement through the pack obstacle course if they are not properly adjusted.

TRAINING

How much is necessary? How good does he have to be? If he does well on the obstacle course, why wouldn't he do well in the pack class? Isn't packing instinctive?

We all know that performance classes are supposed to be the "test". The judges remind us in the exhibitors' meeting that the classes are not training exercises - you should have done that at home. But we have seen those exhibitors fighting with their animals while wrestling the saddles on, some even for the first time! How many others are hoping the class in the ring will finish quickly so their partner can come help them? And another tell-tale clue - how short was the llama tied while they saddled him? I think the majority of exhibitors participate in the performance classes in a definite order: obstacle first, then public relations, packing in spot three, and finally driving. The degree of training given to the animal at each of these activities does not often indicate a sequential amount of time spent as the tasks increase in complexity. The animals do not readily lead, are often dragged even between obstacles, and certainly show no trust in their handler or evidence that much patience or confidence building was utilized during previous so-called training sessions. Obstacle courses are composed of physical barriers or items requiring changes in the animal's movement and public relations classes usually have similar physical barriers but with the addition of additional distractions (like balloons and clowns) potentially interfering with the animal's movement. I expect, though, a pack class to be completely different then both the obstacle and public relations class. It should reflect natural, wilderness-like environmental situations absent of stylized horse jumps, wading pools, and orange traffic cones pretending to be logs, streams, and trees. Often minor differences between obstacle and public relations classes simply include putting something across the animal's back or around the neck. Most llamas, if they are handled at all, will accept this without much fuss so the concept of the animal "wearing" a pack in a packing class isn't thought of as a skill needing instruction. The rules requiring just two cinches and removable panniers, and the general equipment suppliers making it easy by specifying which training or one-size-fits-all "pack" meets regulations, gives the impression that packing with llamas is as easy as changing a leadrope. This scenario is typical for the llama owner who moves from showing in halter and other performance classes to packing.

I think people who start off packing with llamas Outside the arena prior to participating in the show scene usually put much more effort into training their llama and also in equipment selection. I think these handlers work at developing the llama's trust in a slow but methodical rate and build the animal's confidence thereby helping it develop a positive attitude. This attitude is apparent when meeting new obstacles. The llamas may be uncertain, but they more readily attempt to proceed through the obstacles when they have this solid background to refer to. Many llama owners who work with their animals in this manner recognize the differences in attention span, fear or anxiety level, and physical exertion between young and mature llamas and adapt their training techniques accordingly. Hazing, extensive brushing or petting, carrying towels that drape around the legs, are all common methods of getting the animal ready for carrying a pack. This owner would probably add the accessory parts of the pack system like the chest strap and breeching gradually as the llama became comfortable. As the handler builds the animal's experiences with the gradual introduction of the equipment, he automatically will extend his own knowledge and comfort level in handling this equipment. Most owners training in this manner do seek out instruction for proper saddling procedures. Having the equipment fit the animal correctly goes a long way toward having that animal readily accept wearing it.

It boils down to preparation and training. You should expect to put some effort and time into developing the level of trust necessary to produce a well-trained animal capable of functioning well as a pack animal. Without proper (gradual) exposure to the packing specific demands you want this animal to learn, you can quickly destroy that level of trust. Putting a 40 lb. pack on the animal's back for the first time and attempting to negotiate a pack class or a major hike is a recipe heading for disaster. Packing Outside and In the arena are essentially obstacle courses first. The animal needs to continually build trust in the handler while learning to negotiate physical barriers. Being physically capable of clearing the obstacles is not the only thing the animal has to learn; he has to also negotiate them calmly whether or not he's ever seen similar obstacles before. This is simple to do if the handler trains the animal slowly breaking down the more complicated maneuvers into more manageable pieces. Teaching the llama to accept a pack system as just another "obstacle", works better when there is a solid foundation of trust between the animal and its handler. You also have to recognize what the obstacle is and teach it accordingly. Something as simple as a typical Water Obstacle is a prime example. In a pack class that uses a 2x6 rectangle lined with a plastic blue tarp and filled with water is not the usual stream crossing an animal would see while packing at a pack trial even if it is partly flanked by evergreen boughs. In the pack class situation, the obstacle is just as much stepping onto and walking over the blue tarp as it is asking the animal to walk in water. At an actual stream crossing, the speed and sound of the moving water is more of an issue than the footing but a boggy, muddy, or firm entrance to the stream can also present an additional "obstacle". Even the slope of the terrain into the stream may require a change in training for a particular llama by modifying the approach to the water. Dragging a llama across the stream or water obstacle or allowing it to leap across show a lack of training. Even in a pack class, the emphasis can not be just on the completion of the obstacle without regard to how that is accomplished. The pack classes are short-term tests; the training for them can have long-term ramifications.

Pack classes usually have one particular obstacle that reveals volumes about the training level of both the llama and the handler. It is known as The Cans and comes in a variety of forms but usually is some variation of two burlap bags partially filled with empty metal cans connected to each other that are to be draped across the llama's pack and carried by the animal for a specific distance and often while proceeding through other obstacles. It is an obstacle that can easily be duplicated at home and practiced. However, many exhibitors continue to have problems because they do not understand general packing basics. First, most animals don't like things knocking about the knees or legs even if they have been "sensitized". They may learn to tolerate it but they don't like it Functioning in this situation expends additional energy by the animal and is a constant nagging reminder with every step. Second, just because a load is physically capable of extending over the back and down the sides of the pack system, doesn't mean that's where it should be positioned on the animal. Most of the bags are tied together resulting in a long distance between the actual pile of cans. A basic packing concept is that carried items (the heavier, the more important this is), should be placed as close to the body as possible, and located over the upper rib area behind the shoulders - generally that area where the panniers hang from most pack systems when carried by adult full-sized llamas. In the case of a bag of cans, never position them in front of the pack system (where they bang against the legs and hang off the neck), nor let the pile of cans hang below the midpoint of the animal. While you are not allowed to put the cans inside the panniers, you are allowed to secure them to the pack system. And lastly, you are expected to secure them to the pack system so as the animal travels around the other obstacles, they don't shift in position. Although an extremely trained animal will be able to complete the course with the bags of cans hanging around their neck and hitting their knees, your lack of attention to properly position the cans shows minimally a lack of concern for the comfort of the animal and complete ignorance of basic packing principles, besides providing an opportunity to loose points.

EQUIPMENT

Does your equipment fit the intended animal? And how do I change it?

The ALSA handbook states that the pack system used in packing classes should have two cinches and "be sound and practical for use in the back country." It further states that packs should have "fill material to simulate a full pack loaded for an actual packing trip". I see the majority of people either using pack systems with panniers not much bigger than necessary for a lunch and jacket or systems that have full sized panniers capable of handling overnight campouts. While any pack system seems to be acceptable in the show arena, consideration should be given to match the pack system with the animal.

A lot of packing systems are not necessarily known for being easily understood and often quality instruction sheets are missing. In spite of that, there are sources of packing information that do give directions, explain how pack saddles should fit, and what the purposes are of the accompanying straps and buckles. By understanding how a saddle should fit and why, you should be able to assess if a particular saddle should be used on a particular llama regardless of the type of packing planned. The body style, overall size, and degree of body condition of the llama will determine how well the saddle and rigging will fit. Chunky, wide chested animals may need less padding than thin narrowly built llamas. If the animal is fat, the saddle will tend to move even if the cinches are properly tightened unless the chest strap and breeching are used. Soft frame style saddles are less rigid and therefore tend to fit a wider range of body types but are not always suitable for the expected pack load. This would not be a consideration in the show arena pack classes but would be when packing Outside the arena. Proper size and thickness of saddle blankets used with hard frame saddles should be a consideration both In and Out of the arena.

Age of the animal must also be considered. While he might eventually grow to fit it, the llama should not be carrying oversized equipment. This mistake is often seen in the show arena when full size panniers are used on young animals especially in the youth pack classes. The panniers are standard size but are intended to fit a full pack load carried by an adult animal. A lot of exhibitors make no attempt to properly position neither the weight within the pannier nor the actual pannier itself on the saddle. Compression and support straps are not used as they should be. This is not unique to the show arena as I have also seen people attempt to participate in basic level pack trials with panniers improperly fastened.

Consider also the change in equipment styles and construction. Homemade systems often are incorrectly made of unyielding materials or of parts that are too long or sharp to be comfortable to the llama. An animal being asked to follow a handler through a pole bending type obstacle will not appreciate being jabbed in the shoulder each time it needs to turn it's body. Equipment needs to be properly made in order to fit comfortably. Some older versions of the hard frame saddles pinched withers unless the animal was quite narrow. Older soft frame units may have had their cushioning flattened over years of use and now no longer can provide for adequate spinal clearance. Blankets under hard frame saddles should not be bunched up into wrinkles that can form pressure points. Use of a frame saddle without proper cushioning should never be done. To do so can result in pinched muscles and cutting off circulation producing at the minimum, loose hair and damaged follicles and potentially causing partial paralysis. You have to ask, "Is this comfort for the animal?" Whether the pack equipment is used In or Out of the arena, it needs to fit properly if you expect the animal to not be distracted by pain and discomfort.

There are also consequences to improper attachment of the pack system. A major problem seen in the show arena and especially in youth pack classes is that the cinches are not fastened tightly enough. Even if the pack class is conducted over a very short period, the safety issue is just as real as if the animal were being packed over a twelve mile hike. I know of an individual's animal who had to be euthanized shortly after being saddled. The cinches were not tightly fastened and no chest strap was being used - the exact same procedure they had followed the weekend before at a llama show. Only this time, the animal was startled and jumped up and sideways. The saddle slid off the back of the animal down and around the hind legs. As the llama began to panic, he slid on their concrete barn floor and fell splitting his pelvis. This sort of frightening situation could just as easily have happened at the show the previous weekend. No one ever pointed out to them what they were doing wrong even though they won a ribbon in their pack class.

Besides utilizing proper fitting equipment, llama packers need to understand how to use it regardless of the kind of packing they expect to do. One consideration that affects both packers In and Out of the arena is the distribution of the weight in the panniers. I've already mentioned the poor form of allowing large panniers to hang lower than they are intended. Putting a concentrated weight at the bottom of these panniers exacerbates the problem. The majority of the loaded weight should be carried evenly across the upper rib area of the animal and as close to the animal as possible. Heavy weights hanging below the animal's horizontal midline or far away from the body cause the animal to work harder and tire more quickly. An easy way to check this out yourself is to carry around a 5 pound bag of sugar in each hand and walk with your arms hanging down and out to the side. Then see how much more easy they are to carry when you hold your arms up higher and closer to your body and rest the sugar on your hips as you walk. Again if the animal is comfortable, they are much more accepting of the whole packing experience and are better able to concentrate on the obstacles.

In the Show arena, the panniers should be filled out even if no set amount of weight is needed; lightweight clothing or crumbled newspapers will work fine. I've seen some experienced exhibitors sew additional loops into the tops of their panniers just underneath the top flap where they fasten barbells as the mandatory weight. A pillow then is used to fill out the pannier. Other exhibitors use small covered containers of sand or bags of kitty litter. Outside of the Arena, the packer has to consider any bulk and awkwardness of the items. Long rolled up chairs vs fluffy sleeping bags present different weight concentrations and would not be carried in the same position. Water filled containers will in essence move weight with every step and can contribute to tiring of the animal. You can minimize this by using the smallest container that can be completely filled. If you have to use large panniers and carry water filled plastic soda bottles, put a pillow at the bottom of the pannier, and place the water bottles on top of the pillow using towels or similar padding around the bottles to keep them in position. And utilize accessory straps if available to help support the pannier's heavier weight closer to the upper ribcage area. Straps shouldn't dangle from a pack system and some judges take off points if they are observed hanging below the knee. Either tuck the straps into the panniers or girth pockets if provided or use straps in shorter lengths. Outside the arena, the general rule is much simpler; hanging straps aren't much of a problem other than those that are hanging loose or long enough to get readily wrapped around objects or if they have a loop which seem to seek out things on which to get caught. It is far more important to lash on equipment securely and to minimize movement of the entire pack system and load.

In and Out of the show arena, your equipment is more than just the pack saddle and panniers. It includes all rigging like chest and breeching, additional straps, bungee cords, or ties for attachment of items outside the panniers, and even the halter and lead rope. The halter should be properly fitted keeping the nose band close to the eyes and the neck strap high on the back of the head while allowing the chin and throat latch to be loose enough for grazing and cud chewing. This past year I saw a number of exhibitors using either extremely tight halters on or those so loose that a simple tug in the "wrong" direction could have pulled the halter right off the animal's nose. Stay away from the flimsy, flashy leather show halters for packing classes. To quote the ALSA handbook, "Halters, lead ropes and pack should be sound and practical for use in the back country". Some judges also asked exhibitors to tie up their animals using a quick release knot. When the judge tested the knots, the majority of them either prematurely released or were so tight, they would not release quickly. Half of those problems came from using either a very thick lead rope or very thin leads. Overkill in this area doesn't work at shows nor in the woods.

OBSTACL

The obstacles found In an arena pack class are supposed to present or simulate the conditions and obstacles encountered on the trail Outside the arena. While these may look vastly different, your approach to them should be the same. Move calmly and quietly through the center of each obstacle in a relaxed manner but at a pace that is consistent with hiking.

The mandatory obstacles in pack classes include a bridge or ramp, a step-over or jump maneuver while carrying weight, manageability, taking off the pack, and flexibility and maneuvering. Certainly these are concepts also encountered Outside the arena. In the show situation though, the judges are evaluating the animals and the handlers as they move into and through each obstacle. As one judge generally put it, he had in his mind an ideal picture of a llama and its handler acting as a team moving calmly and confidently thought the obstacles and around the course at a steady pace. Any disruption of that picture was subject to point deduction depending on whether they were handler errors or minor or major faults. This approach seems pretty common among judges but their interpretation of some of those causes for point deduction can vary considerably. Throughout the class, certain errors may be cited at each of the obstacles like tight and short leads. You should ask the judge at the exhibitor meetings his preference. Outside of the arena, some of these items would never be considered issues of concern as there can be situations where these "errors" are most appropriate.

Bridges or ramps used in packing classes are usually the identical ones used in the other obstacle classes. Other than teaching your llama to follow on a loose lead and readily follow the handler across all types of surfaces, there are really no differences in how this obstacle would be handled if encountered Outside the arena. The handler should lead the llama to the obstacle so he will enter it in the middle making sure that the body width of the llama plus panniers will fit. (This is certainly required on bridges or ramps with side railings.) If the footing appears slippery, both members of the team should proceed at a slower speed across the obstacle. Jumps in the obstacle classes are expected to be jumped by the animal whereas, the llama is expected to step over them in pack classes. On the trail, I have seen situations where it was actually easier and safer for the animal to jump the obstacle and clear it more easily than if they had tried to step over it. Having an animal that cannot or refuses to jump on the trail can actually be a liability. To jump or not to jump should be less of a concern than that the animal crosses the situation in a calm manner. Water obstacles should be walked through and not jumped. Again, some stream crossings will force an animal to have to jump out and onto a bank.

Backing up on the trail Outside the arena is often more a problem of equipment attachment than one in which the animal won't maneuver. If your equipment like shovels or any long items capable of being snagged, must ride outside the panniers, attach them in a wedge formation with the narrower end toward the front of the animal and see that you minimize the exposure of parts that might be caught. Manageability is often evaluated In the arena by putting something into the panniers or completing a specific activity like putting on a raincoat as the llama calmly stands close by. This skill is one of the most useful behaviors your animal can learn, especially when packing Outside the arena. The only way to develop this ability is to practice with all sorts of situations. This is one skill that will easily grow if there is a level of trust and familiarity between the handler and llama.

Taking off the pack is an obstacle that should be absolutely void of any errors as it is one of the foundation skills necessary for both a pack llama and its handler. However, even the technique of doing this has been interpreted differently among judges. In a pack class, a major fault would be assessed if the front cinch were loosened before the back cinch. Most everyone accepts this as it is agreed that this is a safety issue. I do question however, other judging decisions connected to this procedure. I have observed exhibitors who routinely place well in the packing classes, disconnecting the cinches one at a time and gradually lowering the free end so slowly toward the ground that they appear to be moving in slow motion. When I inquired why they were doing this, the answer was that the llama judges that were "horse people" expected to see the cinches released this way as they "should not drop and potentially startle the animal". Now I'm all for not scaring my llama but....Just as with my horse who I taught to not panic when the stirrup "accidentally" dropped against her side, I certainly expect my pack llamas to accept a cinch dropping when released and not to spook if it accidentally touched their leg. If the llama were trained, it wouldn't startle just because the cinch touched it. I don't think we are teaching our animals to become "deadened" to stimuli when we ask them to accept a variety of conditions. I think we need to teach our llamas to learn to be calm rather than trying to prevent every potential startling stimulus. I hardly think the slow motion technique is representative of an "ideal" unsaddling.

The last mandatory obstacle is flexibility and maneuvering. This is usually represented by poles, traffic cones, or "trees" set in a particular configuration. Usually the llama is led around them in a serpentine manner and in a specified order and direction that more often really tests the handler's ability to memorize a pattern. Lots of exhibitors loose points at this obstacle for a tight lead as they quickly pull the animal into the next curve before it's panniers are clear of the last pole. As in all obstacles, make sure you center yourself and the animal as you approach the obstacle. The llama needs to learn to follow the handler readily and recognize its width to successfully complete this obstacle. The best way to do this whether in the show ring or through a thick forest is to practice. There is no substitute.

This past year, I intentionally watched for faults and problems in the show ring and considered whether they would be acceptable outside the arena. Overweight animals and weak pasterns were the most prevalent problems seen that fit the category of Animal Selection. One of the animals with weak pasterns carried the 40 pound weight requirement in an Open pack class. When it stood, the llama's pasterns assumed a relatively upright position. However, every time it stepped, it's pasterns dropped almost to ground level. Clearly this animal would not be a candidate for use on even a light hike outside the arena setting and I would suggest that even the short exposure to the 40 pound weight in the show arena was also not appropriate. In none of the cases did the judges actually take off points (I asked) for these situations although they agreed that they wouldn't use those animals themselves. A definite difference between acceptable packing In and Out of the arena.

The majority of the faults and problems were in the category of Equipment especially regarding proper fit. They included improper positioning and tightness of both the front and back cinches and not using a connecting tie between the cinches or not attaching it correctly. Chest straps were too high or too low as were a few breechings. Some saddles have built in saddlepads and do not use separate saddle blankets but some exhibitors added them anyway. These would not necessarily have been a problem but they were not sized appropriately and the wrinkles were very noticeable. I was also horrified to see someone actually using a hard frame saddle with no blanket or cushion of any sort. The judge (in this case), did take off points at each obstacle but had been hesitant to do so until I pointed out that the ALSA handbook stated the pack system was supposed to be suitable for back country use and that this style saddle did required a cushion. More depressing was learning later that the person had been awarded first place in other shows and the judges had never said a thing about it. The exhibitor actually normally did use a blanket but had "forgotten" it on those occasions. Out of the arena, this would NOT be acceptable. One exhibitor used large full-sized panniers and you could see the bulge of the mandatory weight at the bottom. No additional stuffing had been used so the panniers hung close to the llama's body with the bottoms actually a little lower than the animal's knees. The last but in some cases the most glaring errors made were using such ill fitting halters. As the ringsteward, the judge actually asked me to "fix" the halter on one animal before he would let them proceed on the course. Outside the arena, I would estimate that a number of those animals would have either been loose or had some serious sores after two days on the trail. Lots of exhibitors had problems tying quick release knots - most did not hold although there were a couple that did not want to let go. One exhibitor didn't give the judge the opportunity to test his knot and lost a few points for that, I believe. Dropping the cinches when unsaddling resulted in some exhibitors losing points but as I said earlier, I think this should have been preferable over the slow motion release method.

The worst obstacle in terms of highlighting problems in both the Equipment and Training categories was The Cans. Bags were hanging in front of the legs usually in front of the saddle with no attempt to position them either securely to the panniers or elevate them onto the saddle area. The cans were not tied on and one exhibitor did begin to stuff them into the panniers until the judge stopped him. Additional Training errors included not watching the animal's width while doing the obstacles and loosing points every time they touched the maneuverability obstacle poles. This is actually the reverse of a typical obstacle seen Outside the arena - tall brush where the animal can't avoid making contact as it moves through. There were also problems with the tall cones. Animals with the low hanging panniers consistently caught the tops of the cones and pulled them out of position. Granted, low bushes might have been represented by these cones, but Outside the arena, real bushes don't readily roll out of position. I also question the validity of the change of pace for a pack class. While I agree that the animal should move out at the pace of its handler (whatever that is), I'm not sure that the abrupt start and stop expected in this obstacle is representative of a typical trail situation. Lastly, the remaining problem on my list tallied from this season's shows were seeing handlers get angry with their animals when the llamas were clearly frightened of the situation.

Packing with llamas actually requires preparation whether you plan to pack In or Out of the arena. Folks that ignore this principle will not succeed. Llamas can handle both types of packing experiences - some will do better in some situations than others. The handler's attention to the comfort of the llama both physically and mentally will go a long way toward making llama packing a positive experience. There are differences in these two types of packing. Just because you pack In the arena, doesn't mean you know how to pack Outside the arena. But understanding basic packing principles established Outside the arena, will help you succeed In the arena. Remember too, the consequences of skipping the preparation. If the llama/handler team does poorly in the arena, they loose a ribbon - if they do poorly Outside the arena - the consequences can be much more dangerous.

Contact information:

Viv Fulton
Rhodie Hill Farm
mailto:bvfulton@norwich.net
625 County Rd. 24
Sherburne, NY 13460
607-674-9488

Viv Fulton and her husband Bob, own Rhodie Hill Farm in Sherburne, NY. Both active in the llama community, they have been raising llamas since 1985 and host PLTA pack trials and other pack llama get-togethers. Viv is a PLTA trial certifier, and teaches workshops on llama fiber and llama packing. Viv is also currently co-chair of the GALA Packing Committee.