There is just something about 'llama talk'. That phenomenon that occurs when you happen to talk to someone on the phone and realize that talking llamas is something they relate to (other than non-llama people who look sort of cross-eyed when you get that 'llama' glow of excitement as you relate something fun your llamas did the day before)! This particular episode of 'talking llamas' occurred when I called Marilynn Larson from New Horizons Llamas in Mount Vernon, Washington.

The conversation lasted somewhere over three hours, and we were able to practically finish each other's sentences... it's a wonderful thing, talking about llamas!

Marilynn, a former real estate agent, and her husband, Jim, a retired Army officer, were smitten by llamas the first time they 'experienced' them at a fair in Washington, some 11-12 years ago. After that primary encounter, they found the one book about llamas in their local library and set out to find some llama farms in their area to visit.

Becky LaVergne was the first llama owner that Jim and Marilynn contacted. She offered a basic llama-owner training class, covering haltering and basic care. This was invaluable to Jim and Marilynn and just made them hungry for more information.

Someone gave them an ILA directory upon finding out that the Larsons would be going to the Bend, Oregon, area to ski. There are many llama farms in this area, so Jim and Marilynn contacted some folks to visit during their ski trip. Lou and Theone Ellis (who have since retired from llamas) & Georgia Moss proved to be very helpful and the Larson's would visit them each April when they went skiing. Eventually, they left their skis at home, but continued the annual trip to the Bend area.

Another influence that Marilynn still has a very close relationship with is Betsy Ruble. They met at the 2nd annual Firecracker Sale, about 11 years ago. Marilynn stated that Betsy 'has incredible instincts with animals, in general' ... truly a gift.

In the 11 years that Jim and Marilynn have had llamas intertwined in their lives, they've immersed themselves into educating people about the animals they love, and being involved in the state llama organization of Washington, LOWS. Jim has served as president and membership director. Marilynn also served as chairwoman for the NW Llama Classic for 6 years. They are involved in llama rescue, which Marilynn wishes wasn't such a big problem in their area.

The New Horizons ranch has been home to the annual Llamas and Ttulips event that coincided with the Skagit Valley Ttulip Festival in their area-a lush valley rich in agriculture. After 9 years, with countless volunteers donating their time for three weekends a year, and over 100,000 visitors, they are taking a break from opening their farm to the public this year. Marilynn was quick to mention that the general public's attitudes toward llamas truly changed during those 9 years. She also said that opening their farm to the public was 'all about sharing their love for llamas and educating the general public.'

Marilynn admits that initially their primary purpose for having llamas was going to be to breed and sell, making money. But they bought at the peak of high llama prices, and prices started to decline after that. They found that there was not really a basis or good sense for the market trends. There seemed to be a new fad every other year and they knew they wouldn't keep up with the going trend of the moment. Not to be discouraged, they bred for what they wanted to sell and their breeding strategy has proven fruitful, having done very well in the show ring with their llamas.

With over 40 llamas of their own, Jim and Marilyn also have a quarantine facility for imported llamas and alpacas and animals going to Canada. They have several boarders, too.

I asked Marilynn what advice she would give to new and prospective llama owners. She shared these points:

• Educate yourself before you make the purchase!
• Attend training clinics/classes
• Visit as many llama farms as you can
• Expect guarantees and unending support from the breeder/seller
• Understand the health, nutritional, and management requirements of the animals
• Also understand that llamas can live over 20 years. Having them as a part of your life is a commitment!
• Do not buy babies. Start with older llamas.
• Consider two of the same sex, not breeding pairs

New Horizons Llamas
Mt. Vernon, WA
530-538-7053
Email: Jim & Marilynn
Visit their website: http://www.newhorizonsllamas.com/index2.html

Interview by Jill Edinger for LlamaCrossing.Com