GROOMING TIPS
By Caroline Gardner-Welk
(Reprinted and revised with permission of Alaine Byers)

A well groomed llama in the show ring is always an eye catcher. You are not only trying to catch the attention of the judge, but the attention of prospective customers, new llama owners and colleagues.
A well groomed animal illuminates itself. Healthy, flowing fiber shows off the overall condition of your llama as well as its physical strengths. It is important to "groom according to fiber type."

Take some time out to do a conformational analysis on the llamas you are considering for the show ring. It is important to make yourself invisible and your llama stand out.

In regards to suri fiber, begin by picking any large debris from the fiber. A "wand" type tool can also be used. Use a blower to "skim" the surface, always pointing the same direction that the fiber grows. Blowing disturbs the fiber the least. On suri fiber, I do not recommend use of a grooming paddle or brush to break up the lock structure; however, I do encourage using a soft bristled brush or rubber brush to clean up your llama's top line if it is in full fleece no matter silky or suri. A judge is not examining top line fiber and to have it clean gives your llama a finished appearance.

After blowing all dust and visible debris, blow again while spraying in a grooming product like Glide 'n Glow or Miracle Groom. Blow some more to loosen even more debris and open the fiber.

Again, with regard to suri fiber, working a section at a time, begin pulling each individual lock away from the felted area.

Pull and pick as you go, section by section. Pull up a bucket to sit on, put on some music, and enjoy a relaxing time with your llama. After you have separated the locks and restored openness and movement to the suri fiber, bathe your llama.

With regard to all other types of fiber, make sure you have always brushed your llama thoroughly before washing. What I suggest for a deep grooming now and again is to complete it over a series of days. Take a section of your llama at a time and thoroughly groom it, then tackle another section on another day. This makes for a more pleasant grooming experience for your llama, as well, with limited stress on him/her.

Keep in mind, washing matted fiber does nothing more than felt it as time goes on. To get your llama's fiber to hang as closely to its body as it can be in order to illuminate your llama's phenotype for overall eye appeal, grooming is of utmost importance prior to bathing.

I would recommend using Lock & Luster or Silk 'n Suri Shampoo followed with Lock & Luster Conditioner. There are many nice shampoo products out there, just make sure the shampoo and conditioner you are using does not weight down the fiber or give it an oily appearance.

At this point, rinse and "squeegee" the excess water out of your llama's fiber with your hands. At that point, I recommend using the Lock & Luster Leave-In Treatment Spray in full strength, then align the fibers with your finger tips and/or a "rubber textured tool." Gently lift and separate the fiber, restoring the lock definition.

Put your llama in a clean area, preferably on your favorite stall cover and allow to drip dry. Avoid windy areas, if possible.

As your llama dries on that first day, prepare a "diluted" mixture of the Leave-In Treatment spray and continually spray your llama's fiber by lifting it using a grooming wand or your hands. The purpose of spraying is to continue to add moisture to the fiber in order to bring out definition with regard to lock structure and to keep your fiber hanging closely to the body.

After your llama is fully dried, you can use a very soft rubber brush to remove the "crunch" off the top of the fiber and begin using plain water in a spray bottle for the same purposes as above.

On show day and before your llama enters the ring, finish your llama's grooming experience by using the Lock & Luster Silk Screen Finishing Spray. Apply a fine mist on the surface of your dry, clean fiber. Gently work it in with your finger tips or smooth over shorn areas. Rejuvenates locks and adds shine. Dries with no residue.

Also, one more tip, don't ignore your llama's barrel, give your llama that edge it deserves with a velvety finish on shorn body fiber. I would recommend using Cowboy Magic's lotion by putting a dime size in your hand and rubbing it over your llama's shorn body and blend it into the hanging fleece at the shoulder and hip area.

As a final grooming touch for a show-ring shine and look of a winner, bring out that extra glow to highlight the facial expression of your by apply a grooming ointment for the face. There are many on the market today and can be found at any equine store.

You are now ready to get out there and shine!

Questions & Answers

Question: What is the first thing you do when you begin grooming your llama for the show ring?

Answer: Evaluate the fiber. There are different methods for different fiber types, and keep in mind that among those 'types' every single llama has unique fiber. There are no two quite alike.

Once you've made a decision on what the best possible outcome can be on this particular animal, you should start by using a blower. No matter what the fiber type, I always begin with a blower. And fairly aggressively. As long as you "blow with the fiber" direction you can get in close and accurately. I call this method "topline" blowing.

Also take into consideration the age of the llama and the condition of the fiber. Are you starting with mats? Are they mats on suri-type? Mats on a five year old, double-coated llama? No mats? Just a messy single coated llama? Some fiber takes to grooming (use of grooming paddle) and after being washed with the correct shampoo, will regain its wave, curl or lock structure. If the fiber is old and with dead ends, it has less of a chance to "come back."

In those cases (when shearing is not an option), I will not groom them out but pick instead.