It is important that you present your alpacas correctly in the show ring.

For those who compete regularly this is obvious, but for those who wish to participate in their first show, here are a few guidelines.

Halter classes

It is important that your alpaca is used to wearing a halter and will walk freely on it. The halter used must be well fitted and high enough up the alpacas nose so that it does not restrict its breathing

It is wise to start practicing well before the show as this will reduce the stress incurred by the alpaca. Walking willingly on the halter and lead rope allows the judge to assess the animal better. At the same time that you are training your alpaca to the halter, practice touching it, opening the fleece, lifting its tail and looking at its teeth, all things that the judge will expect to do in the show ring.

Preparing for the show:

The fleece of an alpaca does not need extra attention beyond perhaps removing the surface contamination (twigs, leaves, straw, etc...)

The animal is shown in what is called ‘paddock condition’, as it comes out of the field. Never make the mistake of brushing or washing your animal as this will damage the fleece and have the opposite effect.

During the show:

Remove droppings regularly from the box to ensure that the fleece remains clean. Also remember that you are responsible for taking your animal to the show ring in time.

What do you do in the show ring?

Prepare your animal about 10 minutes in advance of your class and present yourself to the ring steward who will tell you the order of animals entering the ring, which is usually done on numbers.

Once in the ring you follow the same rules. Lead your alpaca from its left side, walk across the ring so that the judge can evaluate the action and conformation of your alpaca. Following this line up across the centre of the ring with the other contestants.

The judge will now examine each alpaca separately. It is important that you look and listen to the judge and are prepared to answer a few simple questions such as ‘how old (in months) is your animal and when it was last sheared. The judge will ask to look at its teeth so it is important that you know how to pull its lips back.

Award Ceremony:

In each class there will be prizes from 1st up to 5th place depending on the number of competitors in the class.

In each class the 1st and 2nd placed alpacas go forwards to the colour championship.

The winners of the individual colour championships then go forwards to compete for the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Championship.

Fleece classes

You can also participate in the show with just the fleece from you animal. Again, classes are divided into different groups and eventually a grand champion fleece is selected.

If you have any questions or are not sure of something then please ask us.

We look forwards to welcoming you to our show.