LLII Judging Conformation

How would you place these llamas? Examine the pictures then click on "results" to compare your placement with the judge's placements.
View Past Conformation Clinics: Issue No. 46 - Issue No. 47 - Issue No. 48

Conformation Clinic - Issue #49, Spring 1999

2 month-old male 3 month-old male 2 month-old male

Results - Judge: Carol Hicks

Conformation Clinic Results - Issue #49, Spring 1999

First
Let's take a look at this handsome solid-colored male and see why he's standing in first place in this class of juvenile males. When studying this photo, what I see most is a youngster with a lot of substance. He appears to have good bone, his ribs seem to be well sprung and he's standing correctly on all four legs. In the show ring I would want to get my hands on him to make sure he's as sturdy as he looks. His level topline and his overall smoothness enhance his appearance. Lacking at this stage of his growth is balance. He's likely to grow into those long legs as he matures. Only time will tell. Second
This attractive paint youngster is a pleasing package and is a close second to our first-place juvenile. The high tailset on this animal is perfectly punctuated by the white on the tail. This youngster appears to have proper alignment to the legs when viewed from the side. However, if you take a look at the placement of the back legs, the left rear leg seems to be resting directly in front of the right rear leg. In the show ring I would want to watch this animal walk from behind to be sure there is ample space between those rear legs. A better set and shape of the ears and, once again, better overall balance would improve this youngster's placement in the show ring. Third
Although this young paint make exhibits correct leg conformation when viewed from the side and has better balance than our other two animals, he just doesn't exhibit the same overall smoothness. This male's hindquarters appear to be weak with a low tailset and what appears to be a short hip or croup. His front legs appear to be set too far back which may be caused by improper angulation in the shoulder. Because fiber covers the shoulder, we can't actually see its shape and must rely on the llama's movement to tell us what's happening. For example, a short, choppy stride in the front would indicate a shoulder that is too straight.

Disclaimer
Animals in this column are judged strictly on conformation as it appears in the photo. The way the animals moves and information gathered from a hands-on inspection would influence their placements in the show ring.

Return Home Net Directory Advertising About Us Lower Sherwood Farm Archives Paige

Conformation Clinic - Issue #49, Spring 1999

2 month-old male	3 month-old male	2 month-old male

Conformation Clinic Results - Issue #49, Spring 1999

First Let's take a look at this handsome solid-colored male and see why he's standing in first place in this class of juvenile males. When studying this photo, what I see most is a youngster with a lot of substance. He appears to have good bone, his ribs seem to be well sprung and he's standing correctly on all four legs. In the show ring I would want to get my hands on him to make sure he's as sturdy as he looks. His level topline and his overall smoothness enhance his appearance. Lacking at this stage of his growth is balance. He's likely to grow into those long legs as he matures. Only time will tell.	Second This attractive paint youngster is a pleasing package and is a close second to our first-place juvenile. The high tailset on this animal is perfectly punctuated by the white on the tail. This youngster appears to have proper alignment to the legs when viewed from the side. However, if you take a look at the placement of the back legs, the left rear leg seems to be resting directly in front of the right rear leg. In the show ring I would want to watch this animal walk from behind to be sure there is ample space between those rear legs. A better set and shape of the ears and, once again, better overall balance would improve this youngster's placement in the show ring.	Third Although this young paint make exhibits correct leg conformation when viewed from the side and has better balance than our other two animals, he just doesn't exhibit the same overall smoothness. This male's hindquarters appear to be weak with a low tailset and what appears to be a short hip or croup. His front legs appear to be set too far back which may be caused by improper angulation in the shoulder. Because fiber covers the shoulder, we can't actually see its shape and must rely on the llama's movement to tell us what's happening. For example, a short, choppy stride in the front would indicate a shoulder that is too straight.