Llama Pack Certification Trials

This information was taken from the excellent web site run by Laura Keller with lots of other packing information. For more information, and for the date of the next trials, visit her site.

What are the Performance Trials?

The Performance Trial is a hike for you and your pack llama over obstacles with a degree of difficulty that demonstrates the llama's true capability as a working animal. Unlike obstacle course classes offered at most llama shows, the Performance Trial takes place in an outdoor setting over moderate to rugged terrain, similar to that encountered by back-country llama packers. It is a non-competitive "test" where you and your llama are graded on your ability to perform against a standard; not each other. The ability to safely traverse real-life obstacles, carry an appropriate weight, and cover the distance and elevation changes required determine the points earned for Certification at the three levels: Basic, Advanced, and Masters.

Are the Performance Trials for me?

Do you enjoy hiking outdoors with your llama? Do you appreciate a well trained animal, and enjoy working with your llama to overcome new challenges? Have you participated in obstacle courses in the past, and longed for something more? Do you enjoy the camraderie of other llama owners? Then the Performance Trials are for you!

How difficult is the Basic Trial?

If you have prepared properly in advance, including hikes of equivalent distances with loaded packs, and training your llama to safely handle many different kinds of obstacles, you should be prepared to come and enjoy the Trial! The Trial itself will be three miles in length, with a minimum of five obstacles. These will include saddling your llama and loading your panniers, a foot inspection, one water obstacle, one jump, and one deadfall.

How much weight does my llama have to carry for the Basic Trial?

Your llama must be at least 24 months of age to participate at the Basic level. Llamas from 24 to 30 months of age must carry a pack that is filled out to assess their manuverability with a full pack; however, no weight is required to be added to the pack. Llamas over 30 months of age must be able to carry 10% of their body weight.

What are the requirements of the Advanced and Master's level?

Only the Basic level will be offered on September 20, 1997 at Salamonie Reservoir. However, to prepare for these levels in the future, you should be prepared to:

ADVANCED: Minimum age of 36 months, and must be able to carry 15% of body weight over a five mile course while negotiatng 10 obstacles in a specified time. The obstacles must include saddling and loading your llama, foot inspection, two water obstacles, one rock rubble, one deadfall, and one jump.

MASTERS: Minimum age of 48 months, and must be able to carry 25% of body weight, with a maximum of 90 pounds, over an eight mile course while negotiating 12 obstacles in a specified time. The obstacles must include saddling and loading your llama, foot inspection, three water obstacles, two jumps, one dead fall, one rock rubble, one "brush" obstacle.

How do I earn a Certificate?

The completion of the one Basic course will earn three points.

  • To achieve the Basic Certificate, six points are needed.
  • The completion of one Advanced course will earn four points, with thirteen points needed for an Advanced Certificate.
  • If the Basic Certificate has already been earned, only twelve additional points would be required for the Advanced Certificate.
  • Completion of the Master's course would earn five points, with sixteen points required to earn the Master's Certificate.
  • If the Advanced Certificate has already been earned, only fifteen Master's points would be required for a Master's Certificate.

How is the course judged?

Stewards will be positioned along the course to monitor the obstacles. Safety of the llamas and handlers is a concern at all times. The llamas must successfully and safely negotiate the obstacles. Unacceptable behavior such as lunging through the obstacle, jumping onto the handler, or kicking, would cause points to be deducted from the llama's safety point total. If the llama uses all its points, it would not qualify for the trial. Disqualification would also occur for abuse of a llama or interference with another handler.