2003 GALA CONFERENCE
GENERAL:
PLTA Trial all day- Basic
1 pm-check in for
vendors and animals
4-7 Registration and Farm Display Set Up
Hotel Registration
5-9 Supper on your own
7-10 Icebreaker social with Cash Bar and appetizers
7:00-8 Breakfast on your own
7-8 Registration
8:30- 9:00 Welcome, Introductions and Skits
9:00-10 Keynote address- Marty McGee Bennett
Subject : “Lamas Love Life, Learning, Lolling and Laughing- Metaphorically Speaking…”
[There are four
different tracks ongoing at the same time]
PACKING TRACK
THURSDAY October 23:
Basic
PLTA Pack Trial
12:00 Meet for Participant & Steward Briefings (Eat own bagged lunch at this time.)
12:30 Start Manageability Evaluation
1:00 Start Trail Course
4:30 Expected finish
FRIDAY October 24:
As an integral part of the Packing Track, three pre-selected
llamas with differing temperaments and training will be put through the process
of learning to pack. Charlie Hackbarth will begin their lessons (and yours)
Friday morning and will continue through
Saturday for five consecutive sessions, each one building on the one before.
Dress accordingly, as these sessions will be held outdoors.
10:15 - 12 "Startin' Out Right – Matching the Best Lama to the Job"
What kind of hiker are YOU? And what would you expect from YOUR lama? Learn how
to select the type of packer best suited for the intended type of packing.
Charlie will start with his evaluation of three novice llamas. Charlie
Hackbarth
1:15 - 3 "Essential Pre-Pack
Training - Don't Leave Home Without It"
Probably THE most important step in the packing process includes catching &
haltering, leading, & the patting method of desensitization. Understanding
different pack systems & their intended uses. Additional basic equipment
including halters, leads, & picket lines. Charlie
3:15 - 5 "And the Pack Goes
On"
Fitting packsaddles. Saddle introduction using the three novice llamas. How to
avoid wrestling the rigging. Pannier attachment, picketing, & more. Charlie
Hackbarth
SATURDAY
October 25:
8:45 - 10 "The Overnighter….And the Rest of the Story"
Medical/emergency supplies & cautions. Food & water on & off the
trail for both you and your llamas with minimal impact to the area.
Charlie Hackbarth, Viv Fulton, & Lindsay Chandler
10:15 - 12 "Stuff It -Exactly How
Do You Get All This Stuff On the Pack Llama?"
Pannier packing including separation for weights & accessibility.
Placement of external items including use of compression straps and top loads.
And keeping it there. Additional topics include trail etiquette (Leave No Trace
program), state land regulations, trail signs, & maps.
Charlie Hackbarth, Viv Fulton, Lindsay
Chandler, & local DEC Officer.
1:15 – 3 "The
Ins and Outs of Leasing Llamas for Trekking
in the Western Mountains". GALA members can enjoy
comfort in spectacular mountain scenery while leased
llamas lighten the load. Susan and Ned Houston will
guide you through the process, expectations, and
pleasures of packing and trekking with someone else's
llamas. The Houstons
3:15 - 5 “On to Summer Fun-the Novices
Graduate”
An opportunity for questions &
discussion about any of the previous packing processes covered as well as those
we may have missed or only touched on lightly. All Interested in Llama Packing
FIBER TRACK
FRIDAY October 24:
10:00 to 5: “This is Nuno Felting!” Sharon Costello
Learn to felt a light weight, drapable scarf by combining fine merino wool onto
a sheer fabric base. As you felt, the wool fibers migrate into the woven cloth,
making a permanent bond. Add silk, novelty yarns, sheer fabric scraps and more
to create unique surface design elements. In this one day workshop, each
student will create an original scarf to take home.
Materials fee-$20.00 Limit 14
participants
Student materials list:
Several old towels
scissors
a plastic dish pan or bucket
a large sponge
bits of interesting yarns and sheer fabrics
Wool cards (optional)
Friday 1:15 – 3 # 1 (of 3) "You Can
Learn to Spin - Guaranteed!" Isabel
Krebs and Marty Pulver
[ It is suggested that serious students
attend all three sessions of spinning lessons in order to learn all the skills
needed.]
Learn the ancient art of spinning yarn with a drop spindle, but with a high-tech
twist, using a GALA CD drop spindle. Spindles and fiber provided.
Friday 3:15 – 5 Group Needle Felting
Session: Decorate our Llama Backpack for the GALA Auction! with Isabel and
Marty
We wet felted llama fiber for our pack at Llama Shows earlier this year. Come help us add the decorative touches that will make this one-of-a kind pack catch the eyes of all the high bidders at GALA's Saturday night auction! Isabel Krebs and Marty Pulver
Fiber Folk: Look for “The LamaSalon” presentation on Friday Afternoon, 3:15 to 5, under Herd Management
that will show you the techniques for harvesting this wonderful fiber from your
animals.
SATURDAY October 25:
8:45- 12 ”The Making of a ‘Vegetarian’-Introduction
to Needle Felting” Learn the art of
needle felting-a simple technique for bonding wool fibers together without soap
or water! In this workshop we will create a ‘vegetable with personality’, and
will cover most of the techniques you will need to sculpt figures of your own
at home.
Materials fee- $10.00 includes a full kit with instructions, fiber, and
felting needles. Limit 14 participants.
Sharon Costello
Students materials list:
A piece of flat foam rubber or a large sponge at least 8"x5” by 2"
thick
A pair of scissors
1:15 – 3 #2
(of 3) "Introducing the Spinning Wheel"
The skills learned spinning
on a drop spindle translate smoothly to spinning on a spinning wheel.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own wheel. Some wheels available for
practice. Fiber provided.
Isabel and Marty
2 – 5 Folded Cardboard Weaving Technique- LAFF
Learn this innovative, easy
and delightful craft in an afternoon, and take home your project. The fiber
artists of LAFF will show you how.
SUNDAY October 26:
Sunday 8:45 - 10:00 #3 (of 3) "Let's Twist and
Shout!"
Produce a skein of handspun
yarn you'll be proud of. You will learn about plying, setting the twist, and
using tools such as a lazy kate, niddy noddy, swift, and ball winder.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own wheel. Some wheels available for
practice. Fiber provided.
Isabel and Marty
Ongoing:
“Shear to Shawl”, with
demonstrations of raw fiber, carding, spinning/plying nearby to give folk the
feeling of the whole process. Using a triangle loom.
TRAINING TRACK
Conference goers will
note many of the same important topics for successful lama/handler interactions
are covered by both trainers invited to the conference. This is intentional, in that there is
certainly more than one right way to achieve trust, respect and balance between
lamas and people. We are fortunate to
have two highly respected trainers, providing more people the opportunity to
learn excellent training techniques, in a more intimate setting. Best results are usually achieved by
sticking with one trainer throughout the weekend - the choice is yours. Our wish is for each person to take home
helpful insights and hands on practice that will enhance their own animals’
well-being.
FRIDAY October 24:
10:15 – 12 “First Impressions” Basic techniques in working with your lamas:
understanding how they think, react and learn.
Achieving trust and balance in your work. Marty McGee Bennett
10:15- 12 “Starting Off Right” Discover who lamas are and why they respond to us as
they do. Learn effective communication
skills necessary to achieve trust and a willing attitude. Lessons that last a lifetime. Becky Smith
1:15 – 3 “Putting Your Best Foot Forward” Leading session, with emphasis on problem solving,
obstacles, trail work and halter show issues. Marty McGee Bennett
1:15 – 3 “ On Showing” ALSA Executive Secretary will discuss aspects of showing for beginner
to advanced. Mechanics of a lama show,
how awards are calculated and plenty of time for questions. Cheryl Ryberg
3:15 – 5 “Succeed at Haltering & Leading” Learn tips and techniques for successful haltering and lead training. Loose leads equal happy handlers. Based on the Mallon Method with a Becky Smith twist. Becky Smith
3:15 – 5 “We Can Solve That Problem….” Q&A session with Marty on particular problems,
using 2-3 animals selected for demonstration.
Marty McGee Bennett
SATURDAY October 25:
8:45 – 10 “The Vet-Owner Team Achieves Great Results ” Marty demonstrates non-stressful ways to accomplish routine and emergency vet care on your lamas. Marty McGee Bennett
8:45 – 12 “Fine
Tuning the Handler”
Opportunity for this
year’s beginners or last year’s graduates to hone their skills on live lamas in
their choice of previously taught activities, including obstacles and
loading. Guaranteed to be entertaining
for newcomers. Becky
Smith
10:15- 12 “On Showing” Cheryl Ryberg- repeated from Friday.
1:15 – 3 “Sterling Moss At The Reins” John Conboy does driving, from selection of driving animals to harness, cart and techniques to be on your way down the road. Llamas love to drive! John Conboy
1:15
– 3 “Jackpot! The Making of a Jackpot Event”
3:15 – 5 “Fine Tuning Tips To Try”- Marty presents some advanced techniques in TTEAM, stress-free grooming ideas, cria work, and answers questions. Marty McGee Bennett
3:15 – 5 “Training Q & A and more” Training questions answered,
demonstrations with lamas if necessary.
As time permits: toenail trimming, reducing stress when the vet comes,
teachable moments for the newborn cria. Becky Smith
HERD MANAGEMENT TRACK
FRIDAY October 24
10:15 – 12
“Acupuncture for Camelids”- Learn the theory
of acupuncture therapy as an adjunct treatment for camelids. Dr. Morris has
completed a course at Tufts and will apply her knowledge toward lamas. Expand
your medical repertoire. Dr. Linda
Morris
10:15 – 12 “Lamas 101”- New to lamas? This is a jump-start in practical information for the beginner… and always some helpful info for the experienced lama owner as well. Special of the Day: fang removal, virtual or real. Dale Goodyear and Dr. Robb Lynch
1:15 – 3 “Vets and Owners- Helpful Interactions”- How can we make the most out of the important time our veterinarian spends at the farm, either for an emergency or a routine call. What does he or she need to know from you and what to have available to best treat your animals? Dr. Nickie Baird
3:15 – 5 “The LamaSalon”- The Team is back! Witness grace and speed in the art of camelid haircutting. Electric and hand shearing will be presented, with the grooming skills to complete the perfect picture. Kay Schotta, Bonnie Henrich and Mark Zerbe
3:15 – 5 “Normal
Birthing- Llamaze for New Owners”- ‘Indiana Bones’ will ‘give birth’ in a
presentation designed for the novice breeder. Learn what to expect, what is
normal, and when you might have to call for help. Hilary Ware
SATURDAY October 25:
8:45 – 10 “Gut Reaction- Understanding Abdominal Anatomy”- Dr. Baird is a skilled veterinary surgeon intimately familiar with the gut surgically and radiographically. What is normal and what does it look like? Learn signs and symptoms. Dr. Nickie Baird
8:45 – 10 “ The Sharper Image- Good Management of Your Shearing Devices” A professional shearer and Heiniger’s National Technical Advisor shares his tips on field use, care and repair of electric clippers and hand shears to help in our quest for the perfect camelid haircut. David Dziengelewski
10:15 – 12 “Worms, and Other Critters”-Dr. Pugh, a parasite expert of world renown, gives an entertaining and educational overview of parasites and how to hold them at bay. Dr. David Pugh
10:15 - 12 “Castration Made Simple”- Various surgical techniques to lose the jewels. Dr. Nickie Baird
1:15 – 2:30 “Lamassage”- Massage takes us to that euphoric place which, once there, we never want to leave. Receiving massage usually results in increased range of motion, a sense of deep relaxation and less pain. Widely recognized as an effective alternative therapy, Massage not only works for humans but also is currently growing in popularity for animals with great success. Join Nancy for an hour of discussion and demonstration Massage on a llama. Bring Massage home to your llamas. They'll be glad you did. Nancy Simerl
1 - 2 “What Does That Test Mean??” Find out how to interpret various blood test results, and what they mean to your animal’s overall health. Dr. David Pugh
2 – 3 “Organizing Your Lama Business”
Explore three different types of lama business: small business, hobby farm, and tax exempt not for profit. Phil Burling, a llama-owning lawyer, has advised clients on farm related issues during his many years of education, healthcare and administrative law practice. He will identify the different structures for each type of organization, then take a look at tax, insurance and employee issues. Philip Burling
3:15 - 5 “You Are What You Eat…”- A professor of Agricultural Science who specializes in forage management will cover pasture species for camelids, Forage Quality 101 (what do some of the numbers mean?), endophyte and camelids, and forage establishment. Dr. David Barker
3:15 – 5 “ Be Careful What You Ask For! How To Improve Your Marketing Message” Marketing is an ongoing dynamic process filled with direct, as well as subtle messaging. We'll examine the many forms of messages you send to your clients and how to unify them for maximum effect. Linda Berry Walker
2 – 5 VETS ONLY Roundtable Discussion- Drs. Pugh, Baird, Morris and Lynch exchange ideas with attending veterinarians. Encourage your vet to come! See the special rate on the registration sheet.
SUNDAY: 10 –12 Veterinarian Panel discussion of pre-submitted questions. All conference attendees invited.