Longthorns Farm Alpaca Safety

Thank you booking an Alpaca Experience walk at Longthorns Farm, this safety sheet will offer you tips and guidance how to make the most out of your walk and enjoy all the alpacas have to offer.

Please read and sign at the bottom to confirm you have read and understood our Terms.

Safety Facts

The walk takes place on Longthorns land, supervised by a suitably trained and experienced alpaca handler on a planned route that the alpacas are familiar with, but as with any animal the unexpected can happen, this guidance sheet should prepare you for all eventualities.

Please be aware that the walk is on uneven terrain, so unsuitable for pregnant ladies or unstable walkers ( We can arrange a walk on a flat field if requested or for wheel chair users).
Max of 8 alpacas on any walk, so you may be sharing your walk with others.

All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (aged 18 years +). They may hold the end of the lead rein with an adult in between them until the Handler has accessed their competence.
*A risk assessment has been undertaken for each trekking route and is available upon request.

You will be given a safety talk before the walk takes place to demonstrate the following. The Golden Rules

Never stand behind an alpaca, as with all animals they can kick. so always stay by the shoulder.
Lead by the left hand side, with your right hand holding the lead rein about 25 cm from the alpaca’s face and the left hand holding the other end of the lead rein, never put your hand through the loop or wrap around your hand.
Please be very calm around the alpacas, no shouting, jumping or sudden movements.
When stroking them always do this on the neck in a positive manner, please avoid their heads, ears and eyes.
They don’t usually spit at humans, but occasionally they will spit at each other.
Strictly no dogs are allowed on the Alpaca Experience.

About Alpaca’s

Alpacas are gentle inquisitive creatures, very aware of their surroundings, they are herd animals so are always walked as a group.
If an alpaca spooks at something generally it is a small side skip, very quickly dealt with and then they carry on the walk in their relaxed way. As we are on Longthorns land, should there be a problem or you do not feel confident drop the lead rope, the alpaca will generally stay close to the herd. There is no need to panic if this happens.

About what to wear

The foot wear is crucial, walking boots or wellingtons, all footwear must be enclosed, even in glorious summer weather no open toes.
We do have the right to refuse a walk if appropriate footwear is not worn. Suitable outdoor clothing for the time of year.

The walks take place through the woodland walk and it may be muddy. Please bear this in mind as shoes can get dirty and we will not be held responsible for this or compensating for damages to clothing, it may be advisable to bring a change of foot wear.

Mobile’s & Photo’s

Please have your phone on silent for the walk, so you can enjoy your alpaca and not be distracted. You are welcome to take as many photos as you like, alpaca selfies are a must. Longthorns are happy to take group photos for you. Please feel free to share on Longthorns Face book page. During the walk we take photos that will be published to our social media profiles and website.

Please let us know if you do not want your photo taken.

Health & Safety

Please follow all the guidance above. We have toilets and hot hand washing facilities on site. There are no toilets on the walk so please make sure you use the facilities before the walk.
Once you have finished handling the alpacas, please wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and soap, especially before eating or drinking.

Refreshments are served after your walk, please advise us of any food allergies.

Cancellation Policy

Alpaca walking is weather dependent, Longthorns has the right to cancel if the weather forecast is unsuitable, or the walk is deemed unsafe. We will call & email to reschedule to offer an alternative date.
Please feel free to contact us for an update, should the weather look inclement.

Office: 01929 401539
Mobile: 07790 663654
email: alpacas@longthornsfarm.co.uk

Cancellations by the customer made more than 2 days before the start will be invited to reschedule, at our discretion, under 24 hours cannot be rescheduled and will not be subject to refund.

Cancellations must take place by email to alpacas@longthornsfarm.co.uk or the numbers above.