1.) What is the difference between a llama and an alpaca?
- Both llamas and alpacas are in the camelid family. However, each species has their own unique traits. Llamas are typically much larger and can be defined by their banana shaped ears. Alpacas are smaller, have straighter ears, and also have fiber that feels more similar to sheep's wool. You will almost always see alpaca wool clothing items sold over llama fiber items. Both llamas and alpacas are used as show animals.
2.) What happens at a llama show?
- There are five classes that take place at llama shows. There are three performance classes: obstacle, pack, and public relations. In each of these classes the animal and handler walk through a series of obstacles such as jumps, petting, weaving, and backing. There is showmanship, where the showman is judged on how well they present their animal to the judge, as well as their camelid knowledge. There is halter, where the animal's conformation (the way they are put together and move) is judged. Finally, at select shows, youth can choose to participate in the costume contest where they dress up themselves and their animals and walk in the ring to a story or a song! These are the typical classes offered at shows, some shows may offer more classes.
3.) How does costume class work?
- For the costume class, you need to write and print off a "story" about your costume. It should be about a minute long, but could be longer. It will be read aloud over the loudspeaker system as you walk your lama during the competition. It can be humorous or serious, but should describe to the audience how your costume relates to your lama. Example: Onyx was watching a 50's show on her television and decided she wanted to be like the dancers. She worked for several weeks on an outfit. When the Clinton County fair arrived, Onyx decided it was the perfect place to wear her costume for the first time. Don't you think she looks good in her sock hop attire???
4.) What if I don't live on a farm or own a llama/alpaca but want to show?
- No worries! Clinton Co. Llamas allows youth in Clinton County, Indiana to "lease" an animal for the show season. Please use the "contact us" page if you'd like more information.
- Both llamas and alpacas are in the camelid family. However, each species has their own unique traits. Llamas are typically much larger and can be defined by their banana shaped ears. Alpacas are smaller, have straighter ears, and also have fiber that feels more similar to sheep's wool. You will almost always see alpaca wool clothing items sold over llama fiber items. Both llamas and alpacas are used as show animals.
2.) What happens at a llama show?
- There are five classes that take place at llama shows. There are three performance classes: obstacle, pack, and public relations. In each of these classes the animal and handler walk through a series of obstacles such as jumps, petting, weaving, and backing. There is showmanship, where the showman is judged on how well they present their animal to the judge, as well as their camelid knowledge. There is halter, where the animal's conformation (the way they are put together and move) is judged. Finally, at select shows, youth can choose to participate in the costume contest where they dress up themselves and their animals and walk in the ring to a story or a song! These are the typical classes offered at shows, some shows may offer more classes.
3.) How does costume class work?
- For the costume class, you need to write and print off a "story" about your costume. It should be about a minute long, but could be longer. It will be read aloud over the loudspeaker system as you walk your lama during the competition. It can be humorous or serious, but should describe to the audience how your costume relates to your lama. Example: Onyx was watching a 50's show on her television and decided she wanted to be like the dancers. She worked for several weeks on an outfit. When the Clinton County fair arrived, Onyx decided it was the perfect place to wear her costume for the first time. Don't you think she looks good in her sock hop attire???
4.) What if I don't live on a farm or own a llama/alpaca but want to show?
- No worries! Clinton Co. Llamas allows youth in Clinton County, Indiana to "lease" an animal for the show season. Please use the "contact us" page if you'd like more information.