Camel-Training Experts Also Sell Saddles, Harnesses

Camel-Training Experts Also Sell Saddles, Harnesses AG WORLD 34-4-22 Scott and June Allen train camels to ride and pull buggies, and they make the saddles and harnesses needed. "If you want to use your camel for rides at fairs and other special events, you want a platform saddle with a metal hoop. If you just want to ride it yourself, you want a trail saddle with special padding or a rope base that cradles you on top of the hump," says June. She says the trail saddle is the more comfortable of the two with the ropes acting as a shock absorber. She notes that camel riders sit higher than horse riders, which creates more of a rocking motion. Every saddle comes with a pad, halter and lead rope. "We've formulated a way to measure camels for saddles," says June. "Customers are asked to take the measurement and provide a picture of the camel so we can judge the size and stature." Harnesses are also built to order. The Allens build several types for fieldwork and training, as well as more showy styles for parades. They've used their camels to pull wagons in parades, snake logs out of the woods, and even to plow up a cornfield. They say regular workouts are good for camels. "We do all kinds of pulling with wagons or forecarts," says Allen. "Camels are very smart, but they can also be very stubborn and hard headed. One will take 90 days for what was supposed to be a 30-day training period, while the next will take to the training immediately." The Allens sell camels and offer training, in addition to selling saddles and harnesses. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Pettit Creek Farms, 337 Cassville Road, Cartersville, Ga. 30120 (ph 770 386-8688; info@pettitcreekfarm.com; www.pettitcreekfarms.com).

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