Seven Springs Speaker Spotlight: Anne Hallowell, Llama Lover

Get
to know veterinarian Anne Hallowell.

What
are you going to speak about at the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR?

In my presentation, I will discuss what
types of llamas are good for packing whether it be a day hike for lunch or
a week or two in the back country. Also I will present several types of pack
saddles with their positive and negative points. And most importantly, I will
focus on trail safety.

A trained, conditioned llama can carry up to 25% of its body weight. They
have been used in the Andes
Mountains for
approximately 6000 years so are naturally accustomed to steep or narrow trails
as well as trails with little maintenance. Llamas tend not to panic as much
when faced with novel situations. If presented with something unknown or even
scary, they usually freeze in place first and assess the danger before they
panic so most often they don’t react, unlike some horses which panic and go
onto flight mode immediately.

Tell
us about your background with your particular topic.

I have been a veterinarian for over 26 years now and I started working with
and owning llamas over 15 years ago. Two of my llamas have completed their
Basic and Advanced Level Certificates from the PLTA (Pack Llama Trial
Association). Three others have received their Basic Certificates and 2 of
those are working towards their Advanced Certification as well. I have been
involved with the Mercer
County 4-H Llama Club
during this time and I am currently the leader. In addition to showing our
llamas at the local 4-H, we also attend other shows including the Ohio State
Fair and take a camping trip in the fall. Our llamas have shown well over the years
and have multiple Grand and Reserve Championships for Halter and Performance
classes from shows in Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia, Ohio and Nebraska.