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They Used Llamas To Set World Hitch Record
One of the most unusual entries at parades all over the Midwest this summer is a world record setting 52-llama hitch put together by Wisconsinites Floyd and Pat Zopfi.
On August 4th they broke the record for the largest driven hitch, which previously was 48. Although the record was originally set with horses, th
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They used llamas to set world hitch record AG WORLD Ag World 14-5-18 One of the most unusual entries at parades all over the Midwest this summer is a world record setting 52-llama hitch put together by Wisconsinites Floyd and Pat Zopfi.
On August 4th they broke the record for the largest driven hitch, which previously was 48. Although the record was originally set with horses, the Guinness Book of World Records doesn't specify any particular species so the Zopfi's qualified with their llamas. Since setting the record, they've been busy taking the 52-llama hitch to parades, transporting all 52 llamas in a single semi truck. "It's expensive. We're looking for a corporate sponsor to help foot the bill," says Floyd.
The huge hitch stretches 140 ft. when it's all hooked up. Floyd positions three out-riders on each side of the hitch, equipped with walkie talkies so they can communicate with each other. "They look for any problems with the animals such as tangled harness, and keep kids and other bystanders away from the llamas during parades."
The all-leather harness was made by Amish craftsmen. Floyd says it takes 20 workers about 2 hrs. to hitch up the wagon. Animals are hitched in groups of 4. The llamas were worked into the big hitch gradually, starting in smaller hitches of 12 each. Last year Floyd and Pat took a hitch of 20 llamas to parades.
They sometimes hitch 4 ponies up at the head of the long hitch because they keep things moving along faster. "When we're in a long parade, we use the ponies because they move along at a faster pace and the llamas will follow them," says Floyd.
The Zopfi's bought their first llama in 1978. They just thought it would make an interesting pet but they got hooked and now their herd numbers 75 and they sell animals all over the country.
In order to get into the Guiness Book, they took lots of pictures and video and sent them, along with local newspaper accounts, to Guinness offices in New York where they were verified and forwarded on to Great Britain.
When asked if he plans to go even bigger than a 52-animal hitch, Floyd Zopfi tells people, "I never say never."
For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Floyd & Pat Zopfi, Continental Apartments, 220 Mail, Hilbret, Wis. 54129 (ph 715 687-4234).
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