First, let me say, not every llama is suitable for 4-H. Some of them find being away from home, and their herd mates, to go to the fair too stressful. Some don't enjoy doing the type of work that is required of a 4-H animal, such as doing obstacles, wearing a pack, or being out in the public eye. Some just plain don't like working with kids!

BUT, for every llama out there that is not cut out to be a 4-H project, there is another one who was born for it. I hear all the time about 4-H families who are offered free llamas for their child's new 4-H project. "Free" usually translates to "untrained". In most cases, though certainly not all, this is a recipe for disaster for both the child and the llama. Pairing a "green" llama with a child, especially one who is new to llamas and/or 4-H is setting them both up for failure. In my opinion, it is also a mistake to pair a young, untrained llama with a young and/or inexperienced child.

Think of it this way, if your child wanted to join an equine 4-H club, would you purchase (or take for free) a young, untrained colt for them to work with? Probably not, but 4-H families do this all the time with llamas. Often, the public's first exposure to llamas is at a county or state fair. I have heard comments such as "Why would anyone want one of those stubborn animals?" or "Llamas sure are stupid!" from the public at our local fair. This was after watching a child take their llama onto the obstacle course only to have the llama plant it's feet and refuse to move. The child ends up crying and the public leaves with a very negative impression of llamas! We, the llama community, should be putting our best animals out there for the public to see and interact with, not the animals that haven't been trained and we can find no other use for.

For a first time 4-H'er, regardless of age, I would recommend that parents purchase the most well-trained llama possible. At a minimum, the llama should be halter and lead trained, able to be caught easily, desensitized to touch all over its body and head, trained to load into a trailer and/or van, all four legs should be able to be picked up without a struggle, and the llama should accept grooming and vet care without problems. If possible, especially for a child brand new to 4-H and llamas, I would also recommend buying a llama who is trained to do various obstacles (jumps, bridges, stairs, backing, duck unders, etc.) or has at least been introduced to them. In addition, I would suggest that an older (at least 3-4 years old) gelding is the best partner for a young child. Also, remember that it takes time to build trust and a good relationship with each other. Once a child is older and has some experience working with and training llamas, they may be ready to start from the beginning with a young, untrained animal. In my opinion, though, that should never be the starting point.

Bill and Wendy Cummins ~
E-Mail:mailto:llavenderllamafarm@wavecable.com
Llavender Llama Farm, Burlington, WA
Copyright © 2003 Wendy Cummins