CAMELIDynamics™ Presents

California
Clinic

Taught by the person who invented it

Dates
September 26–28, 2026
Location
Zaca Creek Ranch, Buellton, CA
Instructor
Marty McGee Bennett

Early Bird Special: First 15 registrants receive a free Zephyr halter — or register by June 15, whichever comes first. Regular price $675 thereafter.

Marty demonstrating haltering with alpacas

Marty working with alpacas at a recent clinic

"There is no substitute for seeing CAMELIDynamics in action… taught by the person who invented it."

Whether you are just starting out and want to build a really good base of skill in a short period of time, have taken several clinics and want to hone your skills, or are interested in becoming a CAMELIDynamics Consultant — this is the event you won't want to miss.

Marty has traveled over a million miles around the world teaching her brand of animal understanding. She uses training aids she developed herself, along with role-playing exercises designed to help owners truly understand their wooly companions.

There is nothing like feeling what it is like to wear a halter or to be led to give you a whole new point of view. Have fun, be inspired, and leave with a higher level of skill and understanding.

Mountain views from Zaca Creek Ranch

The view from Zaca Creek Ranch — Buellton, California

Zaca Creek Ranch
Buellton, California

A 1,600-acre working cattle ranch in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, home to a beloved herd of alpacas and llamas — and one of the most beautiful backdrops you'll ever learn in.

✈️
Nearest Airport
Santa Barbara (SBA) — 40 min drive
🌊
Location
20 miles from the Pacific Ocean
🍷
Region
Santa Barbara Wine Country
🏔️
Views
Mountains, rolling hills, Central Coast beauty

Your Hosts

Hayley Firestone & Dennis Patrick

Hayley has been in the alpaca industry for 28 years and has welcomed CAMELIDynamics clinics before. Hayley's first CAMELIDynamics clinic was back in 1998 — and we are thrilled to be back together at Zaca Creek Ranch, their piece of heaven on California's Central Coast.

Travel & Lodging

Best flight: Santa Barbara (SBA), 40 min. LAX also works — 2.5 hours.
Hotels: Buellton, Solvang, Santa Maria, Lompoc all have great options. Book early — wine country fills up!
RV welcome: On-property parking available (no hookups, great water).
Weather: Warm days, cool evenings — bring a light jacket.
Wear: Hat, closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothes.
Life at Zaca Creek Ranch

Three Days of Hands-On Learning

CAMELIDynamics is the most popular training system for camelids — still going strong after 40 years. This clinic covers everything from foundational science to advanced clicker training, for all skill levels.

01

Introduction to CAMELIDynamics & the Science of Behavior

  • What CAMELIDynamics is and how it can help you
  • The Science of Behavior — why kindness is also the most scientifically sound approach
  • The basics of balance and the physics of animal handling
  • Herding, catching, and haltering
  • Halter fitting — the magical effect of understanding how a halter works
  • TTouch and using bodywork as communication
02

The CAMELIDynamics Approach to Herd Management

  • The magic of the midline catch and the bracelet
  • Using a neck wrap
  • Picking up feet and trimming toenails
  • Giving injections without restraint
  • Helping your vet
  • Raising and training respectful, confident babies
  • Using the catch pen and building a Handling Facility
  • Working without restraint
03

Leading with Awareness & Event Marker (Clicker) Training

  • Obstacles as a way to build confidence, balance, and grace
  • Leading with neutral contact and a light hand
  • Why positive reinforcement works and how to use it
  • Understanding negative reinforcement — when and when not to use it
  • Mechanical skills for teaching behavior with a clicker
  • How to create and adapt a training plan
  • Teaching an animal to "target" and why it's so useful
  • Hands-on event marker training with live animals

All Skill Levels Welcome

Beginners building their foundation, experienced handlers deepening their skills, and those interested in the CAMELIDynamics Consultant certification program are all welcome. Come back even if you've attended before — the method is constantly evolving.

Marty McGee Bennett working with a llama

Marty in action — leading with awareness

Marty McGee Bennett

Founder, CAMELIDynamics™ · Creator of the Zephyr Halter

Marty McGee Bennett is the creator of the CAMELIDynamics methodology — a system for llama and alpaca handling grounded in behavioral science, balance principles, and low-stress techniques that has become the most widely used training approach in the camelid world.

Over 40 years, Marty has traveled over a million miles teaching her approach around the world. She doesn't just know the material deeply — she knows how to transfer it. Her role-playing exercises, hands-on demonstrations, and life-size training aids create experiences that stick long after you leave the arena.

She is also the inventor of the Zephyr halter, author of The CAMELID Companion, and a sought-after consultant for owners, breeders, and veterinary professionals worldwide. Whether you've never touched a camelid or have decades of experience, Marty meets you where you are.

40+
Years Teaching
1M+
Miles Traveled
Global
Student Community

Reserve Your Place

Space is limited. Early bird pricing — including a free Zephyr halter — is available for the first 15 registrants only, or through June 15, whichever comes first.

Regular Price
$675
per person · 3-day clinic
  • Full 3-day clinic
  • Morning coffee & lunch included daily
  • All materials included
  • Hands-on animal work
  • All skill levels welcome

Early bird pricing closes when 15 spots are claimed OR on June 15, 2026 — whichever comes first.

Bringing a partner or farm manager? Use code FARMTEAM at checkout for $100 off the second registration.

Ready to Register?

Space is limited — the first 15 registrants receive a free Zephyr halter. Click below to reserve your spot and complete your registration.

Reserve Your Spot →

Early bird pricing ($595 + free Zephyr halter) available for the first 15 registrants or through June 15, whichever comes first. Regular price $675.
Questions? marty@camelidynamics.com