and Vee was delighted with his responsiveness, his calm implacable manner.

A series of jumps and obstacles had been set up at the far end of the paddock and Vee was eager to see how the big male handled himself over the course.

She let the llama look over the course once, nudging straw bales with his nose, stepping gingerly in damp areas, bumping against stiles to test their solidity.

Finally she judged he'd had ample opportunity to look over the strange terrain and tugged him to the start of the oval test area.

She whispered in his ear, tinkling the bell that dangled amongst the woolen ear tassle that broadcast his ownership, then backed away, letting out the lunge, while he stood patiently waiting.

Suddenly Vee began to run around the inner perimeter of the course and the llama followed instantly, jumping the low hurdles, trodding carefully between straw bales, splashing through water-filled troughs and climbing grass hillocks.

Panting for breath, Vee stopped after three circuits... this was a fine animal, one that she would buy if she could.

She wound up the excess lunge rein and walked companionably with the elegant llama back to his harem. Once there she inspected the females, noting the health of each and assessing its conformity.

Two crias on the way, she thought to herself and looked around for the owner...