SHOWMANSHIP NOTES FOR SOFT HEARTS ALPACA FARM HANDLERS

There are 5 types of classes alpacas enter in shows:
Halter, Showmanship, Performance, Costume, Fun / Exhibition

For Halter and Showmanship the rules for showing are the same, but who is being judged is different.

Halter - The alpaca is judged on soundness, conformation, fiber, balance, travel, disposition. The handler can make a real difference in how the alpaca places by knowing how to show the alpaca to its best advantage. A well prepared handler who works well with the alpaca can
greatly improve a placing.

Showmanship - This class judges the handler’s knowledge and ability to show the alpaca to its best advantage. The conformation, fiber and soundness of the alpaca are not considered. How well the handler has trained the alpaca and the skill employed in the show ring are what matter. Leading, standing, quadrants, following directions, turning, backing, stopping, showing teeth, knowing the age, history and health of the alpaca are parts of showmanship. The handlers' appearance, deportment and attention to detail are important.

~ You should dress neatly and be clean.
Dark pants, white or light colored long sleeve shirts are preferred.
Short sleeves are appropriate in warm weather.
Closed toed shoes are required.
Gloves, vests, jackets and ties are optional.
Don't wear flashy jewelry or fancy clothing... show your alpaca, not yourself.
Don't wear logos or emblems, or a name tag.
~ You will have a number to wear on your arm, chest or back. That will be the only identifier allowed in the ring. Smile and look at the judge.
~ Be courteous and show good sportsmanship at all times.
~ You may use soft voice commands with your alpaca, but you may not use treats.
~ You are not supposed to touch your alpaca at any time except to smooth messed up wool, show teeth and feet, or assist the judge during
inspection.
~ Smile and look at the judge.
~ Don't be distracted by anything or anyone outside the show ring.
~ Be confident and polite.
~ Be alert to the judge, keep your eye on him/her and make sure that even if the judge is working with someone else, your alpaca is always on
display in case the judge should glance in your direction.
~ Smile and look at the judge.
~ Your alpaca should be clean, toenails trimmed and well-groomed.
~ Halters and leads need to fit well, be clean and in good repair.
~ Respect your alpaca ... you may be dismissed from the show if you jerk your alpaca, become angry, or otherwise mistreat him/her in the ring.
~ Smile and look at the judge
~ When you enter the ring, you will walk on parade ... keep an alpaca length apart. You will be asked to reverse direction.
~ Walk with your lead held in a J, figure 8 the excess and hold it above your knee. Never drag your alpaca.
~ Never pass the alpaca ahead of you on the inside/ always pass out of the line of the judge's view unless the ring steward tells you to do so.
~ Smile and look at the judge.
~ Keep your feet at a 45 degree angle towards the alpaca's front legs.
~ Hold the lead rope about 8 inches down from the snap. Never hold onto the snap, you could accidentally let your alpaca loose in the ring.
~ Don't talk to the judge unless spoken to first. If you don't understand, ask the judge to repeat the question or instruction.
~ You may speak to the ring steward if absolutely necessary.
~ Don't bluff an answer ... simply say you don't know the answer.
~ Keep showing even if the judge is at the other end ... the judge may be watching you out of the corner of their eye.
~ Never talk to another showman .. .it is bad manners and distracting.
~ If your animal is nervous, do the best you can .. .the judge knows alpacas can be nervous. When holding the lead, keep your arms up and try
to keep the lead slack. Don't make your alpaca hold your arm up.
~ The judge will inspect you and your alpaca.
~ You will be asked some questions by the judge ... know your alpaca's name, age, sex, weight, last shearing, and colors of parents.
~ Know alpaca anatomy and body parts.
~ As the judge moves around your alpaca, you move around your alpaca appropriately. Use quadrants.
~ After the judge makes selections, you will be called out and placed ... don't quit showing ... the judge may change the placing at the last minute!

WHATEVER PLACING YOU RECEIVE; whether 1st place or last, remember it is only one person's (the judge's) opinion on that particular day.
Leave the show ring just as proud as you entered, knowing you did the very best you could on that day. Some of the audience will be watching
you all the way out because you were their favorite! Have a good time and remember why you are out there showing ... to learn and to have fun!
Be a gracious winner! Smile and look at the judge!