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Why Llama Jackpots
This article was contributed by Sandy Page, Sputtermill Ranch. Note that the pictures in this are not linked to higher resolution pages.
What are the goals of a Jackpot? The goals of a jackpot seem to be: 1)
spending more time with
your animals when practicing for the event; 2) taking
lengthy walks in the woods while training both you and your llama; 3) promoting
llamas in a very positive manner to the public; 4) creating another opportunity
for llama owners to get together and have a good time with each other; 5)
enhancing the value of the llamas your farm produces; 6) possibly earning income
for your farm if you and your animals do well; and, 7) having fun!
What is the judging criteria for a Jackpot? Judging falls into the following
five major categories: minor fault, major fault, safety violation, obstacle
refusal, and delay on the course. Each category is worth a different amount of
points. In this competition you do not want to accrue points. The team with the
least amount of points at the end of the course is the winner. Minor faults are
animal
inattentiveness and momentary lapse in lead slackness. Examples of major
faults are using a tight lead, foot stamping by the llama, and physical force on
the llama by the handler. Walking the entire course with a tight lead will
result in a gathering of a large number of points. Safety violations are acts
that occur that could put either the llama or the handler in danger. Kicking,
spitting, passing the handler, bumping, rearing, and eating the foliage all put
the safety of the team at risk. The largest amount of points are earned when a
llama refuses to do an obstacle. The ring steward is the person responsible for
counting the amount of time a llama delayed on the course, with each second
adding one point to the total score.
Who can participate in a Jackpot? Although geldings and intact males are most
oft
en used, there is no reason females cannot also participate. There is no
criteria except level of training for both the animal and the handler. There are
two classes of jackpots, open and masters. The open class is for entry level
teams. Once an animal has placed in a performance class they can move up to the
masters class. The difference between the two classes is just the number and the
level of difficulty of the obstacles. Since there is an entry fee, and most
jackpots are held in a public venue, Jackpot Competitions should not be used to
initially train your animal. Use natural obstacles that you find around your
farm. Your own trailer, stairs, puddles in the driveway, change of any type of
surface, going over firewood logs, and walking up and down wooded hills can all
be used for training. Many have found that just bushwhacking in the woods, going
over, under and around trees prepares both llama and handler for new situations
on a course. Any person that has access to a llama and wants to participate in a
truly unique situation should consider watching, training for, and then entering
a jackpot event.
Why participate in a Jackpot? After having judged numerous jackpots since
their inception on the east coast, and after having hosted a jackpot at my farm,
it is my belief that jackpots add a great deal to the enjoyment and relationship
one can have with their animals. Over the years it has been a rewarding
experience to see the growth and advancement in level of training of the teams
that compete. It has been beautiful to watch the animals and their owners make
their way through the challenging jackpot courses. This confirms my belief of
what can be accomplished with these marvelous animals with patience, time, work,
and consistency. Take the time this year to attend and possibly participate in
an upcoming jackpot event. You will have the experience of your life.
If you have any questions about Llama Jackpots you can e-mail
Sandy at
sputtermill@crystal-mtn.com.
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