Experts in packing For over 45 years
The Beginning
Buckhorn Llama Company was formed in 1985 as a business entity focused on providing pack animals and associated services for the public, businesses, and government agencies.
Our Roots
We formed Great Divide Llamas in 1977 focused on producing and breeding pack llamas. We were pioneers in the llama business and all aspects of it were empirical. There was no template and little information available. Over the next few years as our herd grew to more than 50 brood females, we had to formulate our husbandry and veterinary management by responding to needs as they arose. Our cattle operation gave us a model and instincts that helped immensely. More importantly, it highlighted the llama’s hardiness and remarkably low maintenance requirements.
Our interest in llamas was driven by the concept of using them for wilderness packing. We began playing with the packing concept to see if it had viability. In 1979 we took our first family pack trip with two very green llamas. A trip that should have been a disaster, was bailed out by the intuitive skills of our minimally experienced llamas. Based on that experience, we decided to move to CO in 1982 to pursue llamas as a family business. In 1985 we formed Buckhorn Llama Company specifically to raise and train llamas as pack animals to be offered for sale and lease.
From that point Buckhorn pioneered the commercial llama leasing concept in response to the fact people living in cities wanted to use llamas, but lacked experience and resources to manage them. It has been a successful concept and continues to grow 40 years later.
The demand for llamas and their packing ability gave rise to Buckhorn Llama Co., Inc. A focus on providing pack llama services for backcountry businesses, recreationalists and land management agencies. Many people were interested in using llamas, but could not keep or manage their own animals. Buckhorn has been providing pack llamas produced by the Great Divide breeding program since 1985.
