Showing Suri Llamas

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Permalink Reply by Caroline Welk on August 19, 2008 at 3:45pm

Hi Julie, okay, this is going to be fun for you.

In regards to suri fiber, begin by picking any large or small debris from the fiber. A "wand" type tool can also be used. Use a blower to "skim" the surface, always pointing the same direction that the fiber grows. By blowing your llama, it disturbs the fiber the least (but always point your blower downwards and not into the suri fiber). On suri fiber, I do encourage using a soft bristled brush or rubber brush to clean up your llama's top line if it is in full fleece no matter if it is silky or suri. A judge is not examining top line fiber and to have it clean gives your llama a finished appearance. You may feel as if you are brushing the locks right out of the fiber, but don't worry, using the Lock N' Luster Leave-In Conditioner (after the shampoo and conditioner) will help that fiber lock right back up.

After blowing all dust and visible debris, blow again while spraying in a grooming product such as Glide 'n Glow or Miracle Groom. Blow some more to loosen even more debris and open the fiber up. Working a section at a time, begin pulling each individual lock away from the felted area (mats).

Pull and pick as you go, section by section. Pull up a bucket to sit on, put on some music, and enjoy a relaxing time with your llama. After you have separated the locks and restored openness and movement to the suri fiber, you are now ready to bathe your llama.

Keep in mind, washing matted fiber does nothing more than felt it as time goes on. To get your llama's fiber to hang as closely to its body as it can be in order to illuminate your llama's phenotype for overall eye appeal, grooming is of utmost importance prior to bathing.

I would recommend using Lock & Luster Silk 'n Suri Shampoo followed with Lock & Luster Conditioner. There are many nice shampoo products out there, just make sure the shampoo and conditioner you are using does not weight down the fiber or give it an oily appearance.

At this point, rinse and "squeegee" the excess water out of your llama's fiber with your hands. At that point, I recommend using the Lock & Luster Leave-In Treatment Spray in full strength sparingly by spraying and separating the fiber. Then, at this point, align the fiber (locks) with your finger tips and/or use a "rubber textured tool." Gently lift and separate the fiber, restoring the lock definition. Put your llama in a clean area, preferably on your favorite stall cover and allow to drip dry. Avoid windy areas, if possible. Your llama will dry with a slight "crunch" to the surface of the fiber, which is normal.

As your llama dries on that first day, prepare a "diluted" mixture of the Leave-In Treatment spray and continually spray your llama's fiber by lifting it using a grooming wand or your hands. The purpose of spraying is to continue to add moisture to the fiber in order to bring out definition with regard to lock structure and to keep your fiber hanging closely to the body.

After your llama is fully dried, you can use a very soft rubber brush to remove the "crunch" off the top of the fiber and begin using plain water in a spray bottle for the same purposes as above.

On show day and before your llama enters the ring, finish your llama's grooming experience by using the Lock & Luster Silk Screen Finishing Spray. Apply a fine mist on the surface of your dry, clean fiber. Gently work it in with your finger tips in a downward motion and don't forget about your shorn areas (the barrel). It will rejuvenate locks, add shine and will dry with no residue.

Also, one more tip, don't ignore your llama's barrel, give your llama that edge it deserves with a velvety finish on shorn body fiber. I would recommend using Cowboy Magic's detangling lotion by putting a dime size in your hand and rubbing it over your llama's shorn body and blend it into the hanging fleece at the shoulder and hip area.

Have fun at Lamafest, shine away, have a great show.

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Permalink Reply by Caroline Welk on August 19, 2008 at 3:50pm

Hi Julie, okay, this is going to be fun for you.

In regards to suri fiber, begin by picking any large or small debris from the fiber. A "wand" type tool can also be used. Use a blower to "skim" the surface, always pointing the same direction that the fiber grows. By blowing your llama, it disturbs the fiber the least (but always point your blower downwards and not into the suri fiber). On suri fiber, I do encourage using a soft bristled brush or rubber brush to clean up your llama's top line if it is in full fleece no matter if it is silky or suri. A judge is not examining top line fiber and to have it clean gives your llama a finished appearance. You may feel as if you are brushing the locks right out of the fiber, but don't worry, using the Lock N' Luster Leave-In Conditioner (after the shampoo and conditioner) will help that fiber lock right back up.

After blowing all dust and visible debris, blow again while spraying in a grooming product such as Glide 'n Glow or Miracle Groom. Blow some more to loosen even more debris and open the fiber up. Working a section at a time, begin pulling each individual lock away from the felted area (mats).

Pull and pick as you go, section by section. Pull up a bucket to sit on, put on some music, and enjoy a relaxing time with your llama. After you have separated the locks and restored openness and movement to the suri fiber, you are now ready to bathe your llama.

Keep in mind, washing matted fiber does nothing more than felt it as time goes on. To get your llama's fiber to hang as closely to its body as it can be in order to illuminate your llama's phenotype for overall eye appeal, grooming is of utmost importance prior to bathing.

I would recommend using Lock & Luster Silk 'n Suri Shampoo followed with Lock & Luster Conditioner. There are many nice shampoo products out there, just make sure the shampoo and conditioner you are using does not weight down the fiber or give it an oily appearance.

At this point, rinse and "squeegee" the excess water out of your llama's fiber with your hands. At that point, I recommend using the Lock & Luster Leave-In Treatment Spray in full strength sparingly by spraying and separating the fiber. Then, at this point, align the fiber (locks) with your finger tips and/or use a "rubber textured tool." Gently lift and separate the fiber, restoring the lock definition. Put your llama in a clean area, preferably on your favorite stall cover and allow to drip dry. Avoid windy areas, if possible. Your llama will dry with a slight "crunch" to the surface of the fiber, which is normal.

As your llama dries on that first day, prepare a "diluted" mixture of the Leave-In Treatment spray and continually spray your llama's fiber by lifting it using a grooming wand or your hands. The purpose of spraying is to continue to add moisture to the fiber in order to bring out definition with regard to lock structure and to keep your fiber hanging closely to the body.

After your llama is fully dried, you can use a very soft rubber brush to remove the "crunch" off the top of the fiber and begin using plain water in a spray bottle for the same purposes as above.

On show day and before your llama enters the ring, finish your llama's grooming experience by using the Lock & Luster Silk Screen Finishing Spray. Apply a fine mist on the surface of your dry, clean fiber. Gently work it in with your finger tips in a downward motion and don't forget about your shorn areas (the barrel). It will rejuvenate locks, add shine and will dry with no residue.

Also, one more tip, don't ignore your llama's barrel, give your llama that edge it deserves with a velvety finish on shorn body fiber. I would recommend using Cowboy Magic's detangling lotion by putting a dime size in your hand and rubbing it over your llama's shorn body and blend it into the hanging fleece at the shoulder and hip area.

Have fun at Lamafest, shine away, have a great show.

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Permalink Reply by Julie Sines on August 19, 2008 at 4:43pm

Thank you for all the Great Tips Caroline!

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