Llama Books

"After 17 years of Llama packing, I have decided to put my experience on paper and have recently published a small handbook. It is  simple, easy to use and understand. This guide will help a Llama packer save some time and energy in Llama training. Learn from my mistakes and trials & errors, rather than making your own." (#10 Rudy, 1999)

The booklet is now in its 3rd printing with much improved quality of photos. I include this booklet in my seminars and private lessons.
To order call 530-642-1120

Book Review by Francie Greth-Peto
Mama's Llamas

Rudy Stauffer has been hiking and packing with llamas since 1983, and has organized and taught packing clinics for the past 13 years. This little booklet (30 pages) is the outcome of those efforts. Affordable for everyone at $7.95, llama ranchers may wish to pick up several copies from Rudy to keep available when they have clients who come to them to purchase a pack llama. The style of the book is easy going, friendly and clear. Rudy "talks" the reader through all the steps of owning, training, and being a good friend to a pack llama. Rudy even added an abbreviated version of an article I had written for LLAMAS Magazine years ago on "How to Select a Packer". (The original was a "12 Step Piece").

Once the llama is selected, Rudy talks about fencing and barn "how-to s". These things are always covered in basic books about llamas, but it is good to see them here, because this way the booklet is really complete. (The pack llama has to have a home.) The following chapters talk about all of the steps one needs to follow to properly desensitize and train, trim nails, select a saddle and pack, get into training to accept the pack, get into shape, and learn about how to handle trail hiking. Short, to the point, and timely information for anyone wanting to begin packing with llamas.

The next group of chapters have to do with the pack trip itself: how to select and gather up equipment, learning a few key poisonous high altitude plants, learning to tie critical knots so you don't lose the llama (s), trail etiquette, getting prepared for the hike, choosing a campsite, leaving a camp safe and without a trace, and of course, acceptable modes of transporting llamas.

This is a great read, you'll feel Rudy with you every paragraph of the way-and he even gives you his phone number, email address and web page in case you have any questions�what more can you ask for?
 

cost: $7.95 + $0.60 CA. tax and postage ($0.87)
 
Price for both books: $10.00 +
$1.35 Postage + $0.75 CA. tax