Looking around at this show and talking to a few new people got me thinking about new people at shows. I think a big alpaca show can be daunting for newcomers. Within color groups all the alpacas look pretty much the same to the novice. I think it is probably a bit boring to watch the judges prodding and poking when you really don't understand what the judging criteria are. The sheer number of animals can be overwhelming: Who do you look at and for what do you look? My advice to someone thinking about alpacas--------visit a farm or two before your first show. Almost any established breeder can get you started on the basics. Probably best to let the breeder know you are not yet interested in buying; you just want to learn. Ask to see fleece samples. Then look at some alpacas. Maybe one of the farms best, and one not so good and start learning the difference. Start forming some very preliminary feelings about what you like and what's not so appealing. That is all you have to absorb to begin. If you like animals by now these beautiful creatures will probably seem pretty appealing. If so start reading. The AOBA web site is probably a good place to start. Visit another farm. You will almost certainly have more incite on this visit. If you find all this exciting, try a show. Talk to several breeders there. Sarah and I love to talk about our alpacas and you will find that most other breeders will be more than happy to talk to you. Remember to ask to see a breeders animals after they have been shown; not before. After the championship judging be sure to ask to see the winners as they leave the ring. This way you will learn what the best look and feel like. Nothing beats hands on.

Back to VAOBA Expo. As mentioned, this was a large and competitive show. We were fortunate to do very well at this show. Our fabulous light fawn female, Balamani, won the light color championship. Our young fawn male, LA Eros, took second in what the judge described as the most competitive group of males. In addition Long Acres took four thirds and three fourths. We look forward to showing at Empire this weekend.