When:

Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 9:00 AM EDT
-to-
Monday, September 19, 2022 at 4:30 PM EDT
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Contact: Marcia Silkroski



  • Your Host Marcia Silkroski
  • email:  info@silkiesfarm.com
  • phone: 610.608.5337

We have a farm store - both brick and mortar and online - for folks to purchase yarn, clothing and household items.  We take part in community events and often bring animals for people to get acquainted with.   


Our farm came into existence in May 2011 when we brought home our first 'guard' llama on Memorial Day Weekend.  Soon to follow were 3 beautiful alpacas.  We got connected with other local farms and began breeding.  We joined local, state, regional and national organizations.  We grew and learned and expanded some more and had new farm experiences and every step of the way we knew this was what we loved doing. We are a very small farm in a beautiful Chester County location.  We are surrounded by other farms, horses, cows, etc. Aside from our Rooster and Guinea fowl, it is a very quiet and peaceful place.  As breeders, our number of alpacas changes all the time.  We average about 20 to 25. In addition to breeding alpacas, we hold fiber classes, host alpaca yoga, have an active adopt an alpaca program and offer agritours.  

 

Walking Trails, Nature Preserves, Marsh Creek State Park, Longwood Gardens, Wineries, Museums, one hour from the city of Philadelphia, shopping in Exton and King of Prussia, lots of great local restaurants  


Event Specifics

What is provided:  coffee, beverages and snacks in the morning, and lunch each day.  

Airports:  Closest regional airport RDG Reading Regional Airport (40 minutes) Closest major Airport PHL Philadelphia (60 minutes)

Weather to expect: Warm fall weather 60-70's but check the weather before you pack the event will be outside! 


Things to bring: Light jacket for evening, a water bottle, sunblock, jacket, comfy shoes, a good book... may we recommend The CAMELID Companion : ) you can preorder your discounted copy when you register for the event!


Lodging:  Search Chester Springs PA. Hilton Garden Inn Exton/West Chester, Fairfield Inn by Marriott 

Link to the Chamber of Commerce for Chester Springs  below:

  https://extonregionchamber.com/about/


 

Cancellation Policy:  For cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the clinic, a refund (less a $50 dollar processing fee) will be given. Because of the financial commitment necessary as the clinic date approaches we cannot offer refunds within 30 days of the event.  If for some reason, you cannot attend, a rain check (equivalent value) will be issued for attendance at another CAMELIDynamics event. Rain checks can be applied to another training within two years of the cancellation date. 

CAMELIDynamics reserves the right to cancel any event, if necessary, because of circumstances beyond our control (including COVID-19) or in the rare circumstance when enrollment is deemed insufficient. In this case, ALL deposits, tuition and processing fees will be fully refunded. Participants are encouraged to consider flight and hotel insurance. 



 

 

 


 




 

Get up CLOSE and PERSONAL

to CAMELIDynamics Handling and Training skills! 

Instructor: Tracy Annis*

see Tracy's bio below. 

 

Three Day CAMELIDynamics Clinic in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania!

There is no substitute for seeing CAMELIDynamics in action...

There is nothing like feeling what it is like to wear a halter or to be led, to give you a whole different point of view. Have fun, be inspired and leave with a higher level of skill and understanding. This three day event is designed for all skill levels and includes her very popular "Show like a Pro" day. If you have been to a clinic in the past* consider coming back for a refresher and see for yourself how the method is constantly evolving.

Day 1: Introduction to Camelidynamics and the Science of Behavior

 Learn why CAMELIDynamics is the most popular training system for camelids and is still going strong after 35 years!
Learn:

  • CAMELIDynamics what it is, how it can help you

  • The Science of Behavior–why doing things in a kind and respectful way is also the most scientifically sound approach

  • The basics of balance and the physics of animal handling

  • Herding, catching, haltering

  • Halter fitting–the magical effect of understanding how a halter works

  • TTouch and using bodywork as means of communication with your llama or alpaca

  • MORE!

Day 2: The CAMELIDynamics Approach to Herd Management - Have more fun AND get more done! 

Learn how to effectively and calmly complete the herd management requirements of all camelid owners.

  • The magic of the midline catch and the bracelet

  • Learn to use a neck wrap

  • Picking up feet, trimming toenails

  • Organizing a shearing day and "Shearing Tips and Tricks"-taught by an actual shearer! 

  • Giving injections without restraint

  • Helping your vet

  • Organizing your facility

  • Raising and training respectful and confident babies

  • Using the catch pen and the mini-catch pen

  • Working without restraint, creating and using the CAMELIDynamics Handing Facility

Day 3: Leading with balance and refinement/ Introduction to Clicker Training

Leading can be fun for both you and your animal. It is a perfect way to build a positive relationship with one another. Leading serves you in many ways: on the trail, out with the public or in the show ring. This class will teach you how to use refined leading  techniques and balance to help you and your camelid become a finely honed team.

  • Learn how to get an animal to stand still on the lead

  • Balance, Balance, Balance! Learn how understanding it helps you with herd management as well as how to show your animal to his or her best advantage

  • Learn how your behavior effects your animal on the lead rope

  • Learn how a halter works and how to make the halter work to communicate what you want your llama or alpaca to do.

  • Leading with refinement, competing over obstacles, trailering, and teaching to wear a pack or costume

  • Using bodywork for your llama or alpaca as a way of relaxing him before, during, and after competition

  • Obstacles and how to use them to create confidence that will (SURPRISE) help you trim toenails and give injections more easily

  • The basics of event marker training:  teaching a behavior, putting it on cue, specifics of how to set up for clicker training with camelids (clicker training) including hands-on exercises and practice
  • Use your knowledge of behavior to understand animals on an entirely new level

Learn to use your hands to teach balance.

  • Be the kind of person who has the skill to seemingly work magic with animals. 
  • Develop a sense of awareness that helps you see indications of problematic behavior BEFORE it is really a problem.
  • Create a relationship with an animal with your hands that will change forever the way you work with animals. 

Learn to lead with elegance and style.

  • Use refined leading techniques to create a state of balance and calm.
  • Teach an animal about his balance and create a partnership. 
  • Learn to be the kind of person who others ask... How do you DO that? 

Join others from around the world who use balance and finesse, instead of restraint, to accomplish herd management tasks. 

  • Learn now to set up your farm to support a sane, safe, kind approach to handing.
  • Meet other like minded owners and breeders, have fun, and take home brand new skills! 

Your instructor for the this course is Tracy Annis. 

Tracy Annis is a Senior Camelidynamics Practitioner and has over 20 years experience with camelids.  Tracy lives in Texas where she started her own alpaca farm in 2001. Less than a year in to her adventure, she began attending Camelidynamics Clinics. The teachings transformed the relationship and day to day management of her animals. With her new knowledge, tools and techniques, Tracy pursued a ranch management position with a larger alpaca farm and increased her knowledge of breeding, showing and herd management. Born out of her own desire to find a kinder, safer as well as efficient approach to shearing, Tracy became a professional shearer. She has sheared thousands of llamas and alpacas using Camelidynamics as a foundation. Tracy has been assisting her mentor, Marty McGee Bennett, with Camelidynamics Courses in the US and Europe since 2009 and is now currently teaching clinics herself in the US. Tracy is passionate about passing on the valuable information that Camelidynamics has brought to her life and loves offering others the opportunity to be the kind of handler they wish to be.  

Tracy has attended scores of clinics and assisted me in teaching clinics all over the world. Tracy was the shearer for my personal alpaca herd in Oregon, teaching shearing at my farm each year.  Tracy has assisted with several video shoots that have been instrumental  in creating videos and online courses. I could not be more proud and excited to present Tracy as your teacher for this event!

       


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