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Llama show brings out best in handlers

NEW ULM – Since 2007 the Brown County Fair has hosted a Llama Show and it continues to be the most unique of the 4-H animal show.

As with last year, only two 4-H members competed in this years show: Cassidy Hacker and McKenzie Cselovszki. The two young ladies began the show by leading a pack of tied together llamas through a series of obstacles that included barrels, pool noodles, and a hula-hoop. In order to complete the course both women had to work together with one at the head of the line leading and the other in the rear to push through stragglers. This was a new event for the llama show designed as a throwback to how the ancient Inca people herded the animals through the mountains.

Llama Judge Eric Olson award the top prize to Hacker, but said both women did well with the challenging task, but during Cselovszki’s turn as the leader the llamas were just extra stubborn.

The next challenge was a best of three barrel race. For each run through the barrels Hacker and Cselovszki used a different llama. Cselovski managed the fastest time with 14. 13 seconds. The barrel race played into her strength as Cselovszki shows horses and which feature barrel races. She did admit afterward leading a llama around barrels was harder than rider a horse around them.

The last competition of the llama show was a costume contest. Hacker and Cselovszki decided to team up for the last event and dress their llama for a day at the beach. The women shared the champion ribbon for this contest.

Following the show members of the audience were invited to enter the arena to meet the llamas and try their best at leading the animals. Several of the younger audience members starting having their own foot race with the animals, which llamas seemed to enjoy.

All seven of the llamas at the show were brought and trained by Cassidy Hacker, daughter of Brian and Patty Hacker. Cassidy has been working with llamas since she was three and has been bringing them to the fair since they were first allowed in 2007. Hacker said llamas are docile and obedient animals. Llamas can be lead nearly anywhere. Not long ago Hacker took the animals to a nursing home to visit the residents. The llamas went inside, passing through sliding doors without incident.

For many involved with 4-H shows, the annual competition remains a relaxing romp with fun animals that highlights cooperation over competition.

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