Toft Alpaca Stud

Just returned from judging the Irish National Alpaca Show at the weekend in Mullingar. Fab trip, even got a days fishing in on the Friday. I just love being over there. The people are great and the country sooo beautiful.. and the fishing was good too. Remarkably I actually caught a few. Yeah ...I know I was a little shocked too !
A huge thanks to the Alpaca Association Of Ireland for inviting me to judge. It is amazing to see how much attention alpacas are now getting in Ir...eland. The Mullingar Equestrian centre was thick all day with people admiring the alpacas. Some 5-6 years ago I judged the first shows over there and its amazing to see how the standard of alpacas has improved in such a short time. It’s a real credit to the breeders and congratulations to you all. The stars of the show for me were undoubtedly the young people. Every single class had young handlers performing like seasoned alpaqueros. There was no need for a young handler class - they literally took over the ring and played a major part in all the classes. Taking nothing away from the alpacas but for me the young people truly stole the show with their confidence calmness and expertise. It bodes really well for the future of the alpaca industry in Ireland when all those smiling and experienced youngsters get to really play their part. Watch out Mums and Dads and Grandparents for those people will eventually have their say in our small community believe me - congratulations to you all. A huge thanks to the organisers and stewards all of whom worked really hard to make this a wonderful showcase for alpacas in Ireland. Congratulations to all the prize winners, commiserations to those who didn’t get a rosette this time - there’s always next year. Just keep on doing what you do and keep breeding better than you have and it will come. Have faith.
Thanks again for a truly memorable day. Have a great birthing season and may all your cria be girls👍👍👍
Please forgive me for nicking this photo but how the photographer could have missed something as big as me floating around all day will remain a mystery - I stole this photo off the Hushabye Alpacas Website- thanks its the only ‘action shot’ I could find.
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We had a great show. We took 6 entries and had a rosette for every entry including Brown Male Champion -TOFT Tarkhan, Brown Female Reserve Champion- TOFT Amber, Light Fawn Male Champion- TOFT Tornado. TOFT Kimono third in the Fawn Junior Female. Then a 4th, and two 6th’s. In a highly competitive show to even get within the first six is an achievement - to come away with 6 rosettes in a team of six including three broad ribbons is a bit of a red letter day. Well done team TOFT and a big thanks to Liz Davies of Snapdragon Alpacas for all her help.

TOFT Tarkhan takes Champion Brown Male at the Heart of England Alpaca Fiesta- nice one Lucy👍

Nice one Lucy - TOFT Tornado takes Reserve Champion Light Male at the Heart of England Alpaca Fiesta👍👍👍 #alpaca #showing #toftalpacastud #niceone

Nice one Lucy- TOFT Kimono takes 3rd in the Junior Fawn Female class at the Heart of England Alpaca Fiesta #alpaca #showing #alpacasofinstagram #niceone

TOFT Amber RESERVE CHAMPION BROWN FEMALE HUACAYA #heartofenglandshow #champion #alpacasofinstagram #toftalpacastud @ Bury Farm Equestrian Village

TOFT Tarkhan takes the title for a second time this year. CHAMPION BROWN MALE HUACAYA. #heartofenglandshow #winnerwinner #champion #alpacasofinstagram #toftalpacastud

A bit of fencing the day@TOFT Alpaca Stud. Started on the job this week which will probably take all summer to finish. One post at time.....it’s the only way.

Burst water main at TOFT overnight ?? Woke to most water we’ve seen all winter...hey ho...normal service has resumed this morning. Well done Severn Trent 👍

Here comes the Judge:- Chuffed to bits to have been asked back to Ireland this Easter to judge this show. Having judged some of the first alpaca shows in Ireland a few years back now. I’m really excited to be going back to judge the National on Easter Sunday . Even managed to get a few days fishing booked in beforehand as you do. Well you’ve got to get the most out of every trip to this this beautiful country haven’t you?? I know it’s tough but someone has to do it👍

Shorts are on @ TOFT Alpacas and they will stay on until October- not the same pair of course!

Cormac ‘experiencing work’ today walking three TOFT pet males over to the home paddocks for delivery tomorrow- call that work? Best job in the world on a day like today!

‘Who’s that then?’ TOFT Suris are taking a keen interest on an unfamiliar visitor on this fine day.
http://www.toftalpacastud.com/Article_Pag es_TOFTAlpacaStudS…

Hey ho, hey ho...a harrowing we will go.... It’s time to take advantage of the fine weather and dry spell here at TOFT Alpacas and get raking the tat out from the paddocks to let the air in and good stuff grow through.

What a busy alpaca weekend for TOFT Alpaca Stud!

Nice one in the Times this morning- a new phase dawns when the British Alpaca Society National Show makes National news- well done all the organisers stewards secretaries, sponsors, judges and exhibitors for another unforgettable alpaca weekend. Too proud for words👍👍👍👍

TOFT Tarkhan and TOFT Titanium 1st and 2nd in their class! Junior brown male @basnationalshow #winnerwinner #alpacasofinstagram #toftalpacastud @ British Alpaca Society National Show

The things a judge must do.... Liz Barlow with her hands on the job at the BAS National Show!

We ( mum and I ) are regulars for coffee and cake . It's a lively setting and staff are amazing . I always come away with something a kit , ball of wool or patten book � Next trip with Xmas gift I feel . Well work a visit to even just have a coffee cake and a walk I really recommend it .

The staff were friendly & the tea, cake & 50s orange cheesecake icecream was amazing.

It was also lovely to see the alpacas.

We will be returning.

Superb place with lovely little tea room, activities and adorable little shop x

Superb coffee and artisan food/cakes at the café with good and friendly service - and a wonderful walk down to Draycote Reservoir afterwards - just the ticket!!!

Ohh and beautiful alpacas to admire too :)

Met friends for coffee. Such a lovely place. The 2 girls in the cafe are a credit to you. They were so friendly and helpful. Will definitely return. X

Meet a friend here regularly for coffee and a piece of cake. Variety of cakes extensive and include gluten free.

Lovely place to visit. Friendly staff in shop and cafe, which serves delicious food. Picturesque walks and gorgeous alpacas to see (including baby ones in early summer).

Lovely place to shop and eat. It started raining so didn't get to do the walk.

I'm sorry that you will not be able to visit in the week. X

I visited Toft for the first time yesterday - what a lovely experience! All staff were very knowledgeable about the products and helpful with selecting a project. My Alpacacino was delicious too - thank you!

I love this place!!! Love seeing the alpacas and had the best leek and potato soup I've ever eaten yesterday!!!

I love this place! Fantastic food and drink in the cafe. I have a snood/scarf from here, so light and so warm....made from wool from Toft Farm Alpacas! Staff are very friendly too! Xx

Great tour with lots of facts � and a lovely shop / cafe.

First visit today with my three young children, couldn't believe how lovely all the staff were and the attention they paid to my children was so nice. They were enthusiastic, friendly and incredibly helpful, thank you so much xxx

Booked a crochet class to make Emma the bunny. A few of the group were complete beginners but the ladies running the class were so patient. We were well looked after

Amazing day today on our introduction to alpacas course. Couldn't wish to meet two nicer people than Rob and Shirley. Very relaxed and informative. Can't wait to halter train our boys. Thanks again, Dean, Janet and Becky.

Absolutely amazing! Products and service were excellent - will definitely go back next time I'm in the UK.