One of Australia’s newest livestock industry breeds, and one of its most historic, will be on show next weekend when alpacas and Guy Fawkes Heritage Horses are displayed at a North Dorrigo stud. They combine to help support the local Rural Fire Brigade.

On Sunday May 17 Barkala Alpacas is hosting an Open Day where visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the fascinating alpaca, a breed which has made an impact in this country since its introduction in 1988. As an interesting contrast, prime examples of the unique Australian Heritage horses will also be on display. Those on show are part of a registered breed which is directly descended from the sturdy horses specially bred in the mid 1800s for the Indian Army and then later for the Australian Light Horse cavalry.

Alpaca breeders Ann and Vince Henderson of Barkala Alpacas know that while many people are attracted to alpacas, not a lot is widely known about their Australian industry, their husbandry, or the opportunities involved in breeding alpacas. Those opportunities range from animal raising to various levels of fleece production interest.

The open day will feature alpacas of all ages and sex available for inspection and discussion. These will include Barkala’s show team, working sires, mothers with young progeny, potential wethers and mature females for future sale, and possible future herd sires.

The focus of the displays will be undercover including pens of alpacas with supporting details, plus a video featuring alpaca information and alpaca fashions, and a PowerPoint slide presentation illustrating salient points regarding the animals. Local Dorrigo spinners will demonstrate their craft, and with Barkala’s own shorn fleece available for inspection there will be some fine alpaca yarn available for interested spinners and weavers. Commercially spun yarn will also be available.

For those interested in furnishings, samples of Australian produced carpet made from naturally coloured alpaca fleece will demonstrate the fibre’s versatility. Visitors will also be able to inspect a range of alpaca homewares, courtesy of John and Loretta Rowe of Dorrigo Home Furnishers.