Pack Llama Trial Association

I'm excited about being elected to the Board of the PLTA. As I stated in my campaign, I am hoping that the PLTA can take on the additional educational role of providing written materials on a variety of llama packing related subjects, possibly providing speakers and teaching workshops at camelid conferences, as well as assist more in the setting up of pack training clinics. Seeing so many people get their packing instruction from the sidelines of the show ring has clearly pointed out that there is a need to have a solid source of un-biased packing information available to the llama community.

I would also like to see the level of expectations raised for the human participants with Leave No Trace procedures and instructional camping assistance. I feel that if we can expand the focus of the PLTA, more people will be interested in joining and ultimately they and their llamas will benefit.







My focus has always been the working llama. Our herd has grown from the two packers my husband and I purchased in 1993 to around 25 llamas. We volunteer for trail maintenance work, teach packing seminars, and are active in llama rescue. I have found PLTA certification a great way to add value to unregistered "throw away" llamas as well as a way to give them a new lease on life. Being a certifier offers me the opportunity to see first hand many great packers and has helped me develop an eye for what makes a good pack llama.

PLTA provides an opportunity to showcase our llamas' packing abilities in a non-competitive, fun way, and as such, it is the ideal venue for promoting pack llamas. I would like to see us expand our offerings with educational seminars, overnight pack trials, and trials for pack strings.

I feel the PLTA should be the main source of information for the packing community- a place to find packing information and articles, Leave No Trace guidelines, land use references, and a place to log volunteer hours, etc. The time has come for us to have a strong, active organization which responds to our members' needs.

Dedicated to Preserving & Promoting the Pack Llama

PLTA BOARD MEMBERS

As long-time hikers and backpackers, my husband Bill and I purchased our
first two young female llamas in 1995 and in 1996, we moved from Salt Lake
City to 40 acres in a mountain canyon in eastern Utah. Two years later, we
established Rosebud Llamas Utah (http://www.rosebudllamasutah.com), an
outfitter-guide business operating in three diverse areas of the state. Our
core string is currently six, with two more in training. We are a true Mom
and Pop shop, organizing and leading all of our trips.

Over the years, we've enjoyed and learned much from our associations with
other llama enthusiasts. In addition to our membership in the PLTA since
1998 and participation in nine pack trials and organization of two, we
belong to the Rocky Mountain Llama Association and the Utah Llama
Association, for which I just finished my third (and last) term as
Treasurer. I teach a packing clinic for the University of Utah every year
and private clinics on various topics. We have provided trainings to Forest
Service personnel on llama handling and use.

I'm grateful to those who founded the PLTA and everyone who has supported
the organization over the years and am honored to now be on the Board. From
the first time I heard of the primary function of the PLTA, I have thought
it central to the viability of llama packing and--because domesticated
animals without well developed uses and appropriate training tend to be at
risk--to the well-being of this segment of the llama population. The
real-life standards set by the PLTA, put into practical application through
sanctioned pack trials, provide a model for training, conditioning, and
seasoning pack llamas who will do their job and ensure that handlers
understand their responsiblities to the animal. The importance of this to
the individual llama packer and their pack llama is pretty obvious.

But it goes beyond that. At least in states like Utah where pack llamas are
still relatively rare, the well-trained llama and his or her handler--well
versed in llama care, good backcountry ethics, and trail etiquette such as
that taught and stressed by the PLTA--can reduce the chances of difficult or
dangerous situations. Like some other states, we have already seen what can
happen in terms of bans on llama use if those who misunderstand llamas
determine to restrict their use. The PLTA can raise awareness of its members
and the rest of the llama community about how to best ensure peaceful
coexistence among all public land users, and its existence as an association
can potentially play a role when a larger educational presence is
appropriate. I'm proud and excited to be part of that.

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