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they are also
versatile, intelligent … and fun! Easily trained, they are capable
of doing many things well.
At Kingbilli, we use our male llamas predominantly as trekking companions for our guests … and both males and females are used as guardians for our goats. But, sometimes on a sunny afternoon, when we're not involved with activities of a more serious nature, we enjoy our llamas in yet another role altogether. Driving! Llamas make excellent driving animals … although we reserve this activity for our male llamas only. |
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They learn quickly and once having mastered this skill, thoroughly enjoy the process. Curious by nature, it seems the opportunity of exploring whatever may be just around the corner has great appeal. A mature, full sized llama can ... and will ... pull a cart carrying two adults with ease. Driving is fun … and relaxing. It's also a great PR activity, not simply for llamas, but for anything you wish to promote, either in, or on the cart. Everyone notices a llama ... and especially a llama pulling a cart … so |
place a placard on the cart and you can be assured of attracting attention for any upcoming event. School and hospital fetes, fund-raisers for your community, shopping centre promotions, even a visit from Santa Claus for the local kindergarten … the list is entirely up to you.
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Occasionally, at Kingbilli, our driving llamas also serve another purpose … carrying an 'elopee' bride to her wedding ceremony. And that is perhaps the prettiest 'llama-driving" event of all. Training a llama for driving is easier than you think … and although we are more than happy |
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to help if you wish … most 'would-be'
llama drivers To assist, however, there are a number of books and tapes available from some truly dedicated experts! "Llama Driving - A Basic Guide To Training & Driving Your Llama" by Ron Shinnick … and Jim Logan's training video, |
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"Harness The Fun - Training Your Llama To Drive" are two which are especially helpful and easy to follow.
However, not every llama is suitable for driving, so the real key to success is in selecting the right llama to train.
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Good conformation, strong well-muscled body, stout hearted, easily handled and most importantly … relaxed around people, these are the attributes you seek. Remember, a driving llama needs not only the ability to pull a cart and its occupants, but also the personality to handle his new-found |
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celebrity status … as celebrity he will be from the very first moment you take him out. So it's essential he remains unfazed by noise, traffic, crowds … and constant attention from total strangers. Carts are readily available too. These vary in price and design … and for more information, a good starting place, if you're Australian based, is with Sue Curliss or Geoff Martin of www.xanadu-llamas.com.au. If you're in the US, Ron Shinnick is your man: www.llamasbythelakes.com. |
Each of these folk runs training clinics at different times - and all are more than happy to provide assistance and advice, should you be in need of it.
Now it's over to you … have fun with your llama … and perhaps we'll see you out there on the road sometime soon.
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Kingbilli 2000 All Rights Reserved. Website designed by GeB
Productions.
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