Probably the most often asked question about llamas is "What do you do with them?" As I bet you've already realized from what you've seen on this site, wool is a very important use for the llamas of Stone Fox Llamas, but there's much more that llamas are good for! All of the pictures on this page are of llamas I have owned over the years.




The very best thing you can do with a llama is LOVE THEM.
Sometimes, it comes very naturally!

Le Grand Prix and I are both looking a bit bedraggled here as I model the reversible sweater I made from his wool in the pattern of his markings. Though he's only carrying about one year's growth of wool, we both felt that a wool coat on a 90 degree day was a bit much. GP's wool is extremely fine and lustrous, just one of the reasons he was chosen to be my main herdsire. Sadly, he has done his job too well and now I have many beautiful daughters. It's put him out of his job.

Traditionally, llamas were used as a beast of burden in the Andes Mountains of South America. Today, backpackers across North America love the freedom and luxury they can enjoy when a llama or two carries their equipment into the wilderness. For me, a picnic hike in one of Wisconsin's beautiful State Parks is plenty, and llamas like Tumbleweed make the day very enjoyable.

Sometimes, I like to pick a theme for the names of all babies born in a given year. Years later it helps me remember when everybody arrived. Dandelion and Chicory were also born during my "weed" year.

Showing is another fun thing to do with a llama. Whether it is a "How pretty are you?" halter class where only the beauty of the llama is judged, or the performance events of obstacles, public relations and cart driving where the training and teamwork between llama and handler are rewarded, shows can be lots of fun.

Obstacle and trail classes attempt to emulate the conditions that might be encountered along the trail. Here Fallyn Leaves demonstrates her smarts and savvy (on her first trip away from home) just minutes after first encountering it. When your world is floored with only sod, gravel and cement, a wooden ramp that feels odd under your feet and sounds very strange can be a scary thing.

Quiet, intelligent, trusting and willing - what great traits to possess! Not to mention all the physical and reproductive characteristics a breeding female should possess. 

Getting your llama to where you want to go is easy. Here Bimmer loads while Thritty waits his turn. Bimmer was born in my "car" year, which also included the arrival of Stone Fox's Mercedes. Guess you can tell what kind of cars I like!

Llamas can be transported in horse or stock trailers, but that may create more of an expense than you want. I really like to be able to see them as we travel. This little import pickup truck with it's high topper worked great for me for several years. I could carry up to 3 llamas for short distances. For long trips, two would be the absolute maximum and one was better. Now I use my mini-van. The seats behind the driver can be removed giving my llamas plenty of space. I like to load through the side door as it is easier for them. An added benefit with the van is that they ride in air conditioned comfort on hot days.

Thritty was my first cria. Born on the 13th of December, 1981, his arrival made 13 llamas in my herd. I dubbed him Thirteen until something better came to mind. It never did. He is registered as Thirteen. For his nickname I had to transpose the I and the R since thirty is another number. Sometimes my names are just plan silly. He's visited people in nursing homes, walking calmly through the front door to the elevator that delivered him to a sunroom full of the elderly in wheelchairs who quickly surrounded him. He never missed a step! Thritty has been to parades and parks, libraries and schools. When a new venture meant taking people on 4 hour picnic hikes in various State Parks, Thritty was the mainstay of my pack string. Whatever I've thrown at him over the years, he has accepted and responded with great grace, ability and intelligence. He's never let me down and I trust him completely. When I need a llama I can depend on, he'll always be the first to come to mind. Styles change, fads come and go, but a llama like Thritty is forever. Some may say he's only a gelding. I say he is what llamas are all about. Thritty's worth his weight in gold and will be with me forever.

Thritty proves that whatever you want to do with a llama, you only need to find the right one to make it happen!