Please view our calender to see what llama related events and activities are scheduled for 2010
News
2010 Camelidynamics Workshop
A couple of branch members recently attended a Camelidynamic workshop held by the well renowned Marty McGee Bennett. Her is what Jennie Curtis had to say about the weekend.
Wendy and I (plus Chris) went to the Camelidynamics clinic run by Marty
McGee Bennett at Daisy Bank Alpacas about a week ago. Marty owns llamas
and alpacas in the USA and has developed the Camelidynamics training
system. She told all the alpaca owners that they should get a llama to
make their alpacas happy and secure.
I have attached a couple of photos taken during the weekend. The
first photo shows Marty demonstrating how to use a neck wrap and T-touch
on an alpaca wether which has previously had no training (alpaca
breeder Merilyn Mathews is in the background). This is part of a gentle
process for introducing a llama or alpaca to wearing a halter for the
first time. The animals stay remarkably calm and there is no grabbing,
wrestling or brute force.
Neck Wrap Demonstration
The second photo demonstrates trimming
toenails while the llama or alpaca still has its foot on the ground.
This is a useful technique for animals who are unable to lift their feet
because of injury or the aches and pains of an aging body. Marty also
demonstrated how to train an animal to help by lifting its leg for toe
trimming.
Trimming Toenails on the ground
The two-day clinic was packed with heaps of useful
ideas and techniques for us all to start practising. I especially liked
learning the mid-line catch technique and my llamas are loving the
python lift - we all breathe out together. If any other LLA members get a
chance to attend one of Marty's clinics I recommend that they jump at
the chance.
The branch is delighted to have been invited to attend the 2010 Floriade Display held each year in Canberra. In 2010 there will be several days where the llamas will walk aroudn the show, plus branch memebrs will be holding felting and spinning demonstrations. Exact dates are still to be confirmed.
