Meeting
called to order:
8:07 pm EDT. Pam Jensen, Mary Jo Miller, Fran Soukup, Kristy
Brown, Jim Krowka, Beth Myers, Bill Safreed, Mark Smith & Jan
Wassink. Kathi McKinney, Justin Timm & Larry Steffel were not
able to make the call due to personal commitments.
Motion to
approve minutes
from November 24, 2010: Approved by email and posted.
Committee
Reports:
1.
Fleece
Committee:
presented by Fran Soukup. The committee reinstated Pam Tait as
secretary and Fran Soukup as chairperson. The committee has set
its goals for 2010 to provide education regarding fleece and
fleece products, for judges, exhibitors, and the general public.
2.
Rules
Committee:
presented by Pam Jensen.
a.
Request
change of name to Guidelines and Rules committee.
b.
Request to
amend recommendation regarding judges/apprentices showing at
shows where they are acting in a judging capacity:
Change or amend the ruling that no apprentice can
show at any show they are apprenticing at to read: "No
judge may show at any show where they are second judge
in any area of the show, nor may any of their animals be
shown; No apprentice may show in any show where they are
apprenticing, nor may any of their animals be shown. No
superintendent may show their own animals at a show where they
are acting as superintendent, however someone else may show
their animals for them.”
Motion to
accept the above by Fran, second by Beth. Motion approved
unanimously.
c.
Dual
Sanctioned Shows
– it is requested that dual shows incorporate the ILR-SD
guidelines to separate ILR-SD halter classes due to different
judging criterion. If the classes are run concurrently, two
judges would be needed because of different judging criterion.
ILR-SD and open shows may run concurrently as long as the ILR-SD
guidelines are used. Show management is encouraged to contact
the ILR office for assistance in effectively structuring a dual
sanctioned event.
d.
The
Guidelines and Rules Committee requests the chairperson for each
committee forward any items that are approved at the Governing
Board.
3.
Judges
Committee:
presented by Mark Smith.
John
McDougall resigned from the committee and an additional person
has not been appointed. No committee chair was elected due to an
incomplete committee. The committee is researching possible
replacements and there was discussion of switching people
between committees.
a.
All new
judges will be on a one year probation period to assure that the
ILR-SD guidelines are followed.
b.
There was
concern that some judges are being overworked judging multiple
divisions. Judges are encouraged to discuss hours and animal
numbers with show management.
c.
Judges
training is being developed.
d.
Executive
Session: motion by Pam, second by Fran. Motion to return to
session by Jim, second by Pam. Both passed unanimously.
4.
Finance
Committee: no report
5.
Halter
Committee:presented by Kristy Brown.
a.
Adult
Showmanship class should not be split into Novice and Advanced.
Motion by
Jim, second by Mary Jo. Motion passed unanimously.
b.
Frequently Asked Questions: The halter committee requests a list
of general questions pertinent to Halter Classes be listed on
the website and a direct link be made to the appropriate section
of the Guidelines document. The governing board recommended that
fleece class descriptions, composite class and showmanship be
linked. A very brief description of the new composite class is
requested under the Frequently Asked Questions section.
6.
Performance Committee:
presented by Jim Krowka.
a.
Recommended Pack Placement and Removal Document:
Recommended Pack Placement and Removal Document
in the Show Arena
The
purpose of the pack/trail course is to test the ability of a
llama or alpaca to negotiate tasks that simulate actual
situations encountered on the trail. Therefore, a pack is
required. The purpose of this document is to provide a
efficient, safe, correct way to pack a llama or alpaca and
remove said pack in arena situations.
References
will be listed at the end and are recommended for more
information.
Pack
Placement:
Due to the
structure and physiology of the llama or alpaca, placement of a
pack should be comfortable for the animal and keep the pack in
place during any and all tasks asked to be done in the arena.
For actual packing where heavy loads are encountered, please
refer to the materials listed at the end of this document.
The pack
can be of any type as long as it has two (2) cinches, including
removable pannier types, training packs or daypacks. Removable
panniers are not required unless weight (up to 40 pounds) is
used, but removable panniers are recommended for ease of use,
placement and any future requirements if actual packing is going
to be done.
Fill of
the pack is very important in the show ring, as the measurement
of maneuverability is the end goal of all show pack classes.
Recommended fill includes foam, pillow stuffing, peanuts or any
similar material that does not compress and has little weight.
Training packs and daypacks should be filled FULL. Packs with
removable panniers should be filled up to full.
To put on
a pack, begin at either side (be consistent with your training.
A common way to put on the pack is from the left side or the
side you lead from). Place the saddle or day/training pack on
the back behind the withers making sure that it will not come
into contact with the shoulder blade or other moving parts.
Fasten the front cinch first placing it on the sternum (bony
part under the belly) just behind the front legs. It will
commonly be where the cinch “falls from the pack”. Fasten it
tightly using care to not cinch any fiber that could get pulled
causing discomfort to the animal. Next fasten the back cinch
placing it at the back of the ribcage or just in front of the
penal sheath or in the case of a female, in front of the udder.
There is some disagreement on the exact placement, but it should
be well behind the front cinch to offer stability, yet be
comfortable to the llama. Take care again to not cinch any
fiber. Do not place the cinches next to each other and close, as
it will not offer the stability necessary in the arena to do any
top-loading or pack additions. A loose back cinch, such as is
common in the horse world is not acceptable. The cinches should
be snug enough to prevent the saddle from shifting noticeably
yet not too tight as to cause discomfort or inhibit movement or
breathing. Some llamas and / or alpacas blow up when cinching or
the fiber compresses and it is necessary to recheck the
tightness of the front and back cinches. If you choose to use a
breast strap or britchen, then these should be fastened at this
time. These are not recommended for arena packing.
If a
daypack or training pack is used, then the packing process is
complete. Take special care to insure the cinches are not close
together which can be a common problem associated with this type
of pack system. If a removable pannier system is used, then
place the panniers on the saddle. The cinches should be tight
enough to insure the saddle does not move or shift when placing
one pannier on before the other. The order of putting the
panniers on is not important, but for training purposes, it is
recommended that you be consistent and safe with your animal.
Fasten the panniers according to your system.
Pack
Removal:
At the completion of the class or when called for in the course
design, secure the llama (tie, ground tie, have a holder
according to course design). According to course design, remove
(or leave) any items added to the pack. Always remove any items
fastened or top-loaded to the pack before the actual pack
removal.
Through the years a number of acceptable ways to remove the
panniers have been observed. It is our attempt within the ILR-SD
to offer a place of consistency for our exhibitors and judges to
learn from, and to score accordingly.
The following methods to safely remove panniers are dependent on
the nature of the equipment, and the physical capability of the
handler, with the primary consideration for safety and humane
treatment of all involved.
Acceptable pannier removal:
1) Both panniers unhooked and lifted off the top of the saddle,
at the same time, clearing animals back, from either side of the
animal.
2) Individual pannier removal, from either side first, lifted
clean over the animals back, or walking around from side to
side.
Additional notes of interest:
a) Handlers should be careful to avoid hitting or bumping their
animal with panniers, straps or buckles. Panniers should not be
drug over the top of the animal, but lifted to clear the back as
they are removed.
b) Handlers should be watchful and avoid catching the panniers
on the saddle or its straps.
c) Handlers should be careful not to create excessive weight
imbalance causing saddles, or pack systems, to slip prior to
removal.
d) Handlers should place the removed panniers and pack system a
safe distance from the area of removal to avoid their being
stepped on once removed.
e) Handlers may or may not use their leg to prop up or support a
pannier.
f) Shows may allow for helpers to assist in pack removal. If
this is in accordance with individual show management, handlers
cannot be scored down if an assistant is in place.
g) Kushing is allowed, not recommended, and in the instance
handler chooses this method of pannier/pack removal, 1 & 2 above
are allowed.
h) Handlers cannot be scored down according to a preferred
method of the officiating judge, if they choose the above
options of pannier removal.
If a breast strap and/or britchen is used, then unfasten now and
place over the pack saddle. Remove the saddle by removing the
back cinch first and gently laying it down, then removing the
front cinch and again gently laying it down. Carefully pull the
cinches up to the saddle and remove from the llama. Place with
the panniers. Rub your animal over the back, under the belly and
behind the legs to simulate checking for burrs, ticks, etc. on
the trail.
For one-piece daypacks or training packs, remove as above
starting at “Remove the saddle by removing the back cinch
first………” Be sure to remove any items top-loaded first and
according to the course design any items added to the pack.
Other recommended reading:
–
Evaluating a Llama Pack for Comfort
and Function by Gwen
Ingram.
–
Llama Packing with Rudy
by Rudy Stauffer
–
Packing with llamas
by Stanlynn Daugherty
Motion to approve as written by Beth, second by
Pam. Motion passed unanimously.ously.
b.
The committee will continue to develop the Camelid Citizenship
Evaluation program and is requesting input from the governing
board to develop a certifier training program.
c.
There was discussion of developing a task oriented scoring system
to try to be more consistent between shows and more information
will follow.
7.
Youth Committee:
presented by Beth Myers
a.
Minutes still pending approval and will be forwarded to the
governing board when approved.
b.
Beth Meyers is chairman, Michelle Kutzler is secretary.
c.
Youth Judging Preparation Class – the goal for the committee is to
develop an educational class to prepare youth for judging.
d.
Youth Grants – change wording from “scholarship” to “grants” and
discussed fund raising
e.
Website – we are collecting photos and hope to make monthly
changes.
f.
Showmanship – we are still awaiting the 2009 report to discuss
assigning cut-off points for Novice/Advanced division.
Old
Business:
1.
Anniversary Show Report – presented by Mary Jo.
A
subcommittee has been working to develop promotional materials
for Anniversary Shows and for exhibitors. The 25th
Anniversary Sponsors would receive recognition at all
Anniversary shows. There would be expanded qualifying
opportunities for the 2011 ILR-SD National Championship Show.
Tentative shows are Iowa State Fair, NAILE, The Big E, 2011
Denver Stock Show – we are hoping to incorporate additional west
coast and southern venues. It is hoped that all Anniversary
Shows be held in conjunction with other livestock events to
enhance the exposure of llamas to the livestock community.
2.
National
Show Qualifications –
presented by Mary Jo.
2011 National Championship Show
Qualifications Document was presented.
Qualifying Criteria
–
National Finals
This would
be for the 2011 National only. After the first national this
would need to be revisited and adjustments made. Placings/points
need to be earned in 2009, 2010 and prior to the National
event in 2011.*
Halter
classes
All lamas
that have won 2 or more grand championships
All llamas
that have won 3 or more reserve championships
All llamas
that have won 1 grand and 2 reserve championships
All llamas
that have accumulated 10 points YTD in halter in 2009,
2010 and 2011* combined
In group
classes
A group of
any offspring from a dam or sire that has 2 first places or 3
second places
A group of
any offspring from a dam or sire that has 1 first places and 2
second places
Performance classes
All llamas
that have won 2 performance champions in Novice, Advanced or
Open
All llamas
that have won 3 performance reserve champions in Novice,
Advanced or Open
All llamas
that have won 1 performance championships and 2 reserve
championships in Novice, Advanced or Open
All llamas
that have accumulated 10 points YTD in halter in 2009,
2010 and 2011* combined
Showmanship
All
handlers that have won 2 showmanship classes
All
handlers that have won 1 and placed second in 2 showmanship
classes
All
handlers that have place second 3 times in showmanship classes
Versatility
All the
llamas that have won a versatility championship
Youth
classes
All youth
champions and all reserve youth champions
All youth
that have accumulated 10 points YTD in halter in 2009,
2010 and 2011* combined
All these
would be earned during the 2009 and 2010 show seasons. After
that they would have to be earned since the last National
Finals.
25th
anniversary shows
The top 4
places in every class all 4 of the anniversary shows
Fleece
Classes
There will
be no qualifying needed for fleece classes at the 2011 national
show. Entries will be open to any shorn, fleece on or products
entry.
Motion to
approved as edited. Motion by Fran, second by Jim. Motion passed
unanimously. It was suggested that these be sent out as an
e-bulletin to make people aware that we are planning to hold the
first ILR-SD National Championship Show in 2011. It was also
suggested that a separate link be added to direct people
directly to the National Show Qualification and information from
the ILR website.
New
Business:
1.
Member
Letter:
concerns about minutes not being posted on website and materials
not in the guidelines documents. Kristy sent the member a letter
explaining many of the committees function via email rather than
by conference call. It was suggested that the Judges Committee
send out a reminder that judges are responsible to read the
guidelines to know the rules for ILR-SD Judging.
2.
It is
requested that all committee chairpersons review the minutes
and other items posted to the ILR-SD pages of the website
that are pertinent to their committee on a regular basis. If
items are not posted, please contact the ILR office.
3.
Show
Management
is reminded that all ILR-SD sanctioned shows need to utilize the
ILR-SD guidelines in 2010, including class descriptions and
judging criterion. Judges are reminded that they are responsible
for knowing, understanding and following ILR-SD Guidelines.
4.
Weekly
e-bulletins:
Jan
discussed sending out weekly e-bulletins about the ILR-SD now
that we have all the guidelines in place. Each committee is
requested to develop topics and help with the writing of these
e-bulletins. The ILR Board will discuss this at the January 21,
2010, meeting and more information will follow.
Next
meeting date: February 23, 2010, at 8pm EST.
Motion to
Adjourn by Mary Jo, second by Bill. Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting
adjourned at
10:11pm EST.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristy Brown, ILR Secretary