LLII Article - Showing Off

Showing Off

A Quick Guide to Showmanship

by Paige McGrath
Summer 1998 - Issue 46
Copyright © 1998

Showmanship is the style or manner in which you show your llama. In a showmanship class, it's the handler that is being judged. But good showmanship is important for all handlers in all classes... because a good showman can make a poor llama look good, and a bad showman can make a great llama look poor. The object is to present your animal to its best advantage.

The Basics

There are some basics that every handler entering the ring should know.

First impressions are important. Both the llama and the handler should be well groomed. The handler should wear a white or light top, black or dark bottoms and dark, hard-soled shoes. The llama should be, at the very least, thoroughly surface-groomed - with as much attention paid to removing all debris from the topline as possible. Obvious litter and mats should be removed. It is not so important that every speck of dirt be removed as long as the llama looks and feels clean.
You should always move out at a brisk pace. The llama should be alert and move freely. The handler should hold the lead at least 18" from the halter and be able to have slack in line. However, if your llama does not want to move as quickly as you would like, do not drag or pull him. Simply slow your own pace.
Always be aware of where you are in relationship to the judge, the ring steward and the other exhibitors. Keep alert and out of the way.
Be sure to have your llama visit the dung pile before entering the ring. If your llama has to relieve himself in the ring, don't drag him. Let him take care of it.
Your llama should stand squarely anytime you are stopped. You want his front legs to be straight under him and the rear legs should be either straight under him or one foot back slightly with the same space between his two back legs as between his front legs.

Getting Technical

There is a whole host of little details that are taught to 4-Hers - switching lead hands, backing styles, quadrants and more. But most adult showman have not had the advantage of participating in 4-H or FFA programs. Here are a few tips that are generally expected of handlers.

Never stand in between the judge and your llama. The judge should always have an unobstructed view of your animal.
When turning, always turn into your llama - essentially "pushing" your llama away from you.
When backing, back 4 steps (unless directed otherwise) and do not stand directly in front of the llama.
Always stand with your toes facing your llama. (45 ° angle is usually appropriate)
When the judge does anything "hands-on", be sure to straighten out the fiber afterwards. Often, when a judge examines the topline, the hair gets messed up, changing the appearance.
When passing a stopped or slow llama, pass on the inside of the ring.
When asked to walk towards the judge, walk the llama directly at her.
Always have your eye on the judge.

Helpful Hints

When standing side by side or head to tail with other animals, always square you llama as quickly as possible. Teaching them to "stand" during halter training is a good idea. If your llama is standing square and quietly, don't keep fussing, let him stand. If he stomps at flies or shifts, make a quick check of how he's standing and make corrections as needed.

Try to avoid constant jiggling and tugging on the lead. It's distracting and can make your llama irritable.

Always know the age of the llama you are showing. Many judges will ask the llama's age to get an idea of its development compared to the rest of the class.

In a showmanship class, it's a good idea to be well-versed in ALSA rules and general llama history, care and anatomy. Being asked a llama-related question is normally part of the class.

If you find yourself with a young or unruly animal that will not hold still, the best thing to do is circle him. Pull your animal out of the line, circle, and reenter the line. Repeat as necessary. Be sure to avoid disrupting the animals around you. You may never get him to stand quietly while you're in the ring, but you are more likely to have his attention, and therefore have control.

Beyond the Ring

It takes more than being able to properly present your llama to make a good showman. It takes courtesy, good sportsmanship and tolerance, as well. A good showman will accept winning and losing with equal grace. He recognizes the fact that judges are all human, and each different. A good showman is aware of his surroundings and is mindful of other exhibitors. And, finally, the best showman will enjoy what he is doing... and the llamas pick up on that. While shows are one of the most versatile ways to spend time with your llama, If it isn't fun for you, you shouldn't be showing.