Yak Rider: BC Rancher Trains Calm Toro

A BC rancher is taking an unconventional approach to utilizing yaks, typically raised for meat, by training them to carry riders. Jamie Kamps, who operates Black Yak Cattle Co. with about 30 Tibetan yaks on her farm near Salmon Arm, is working with a yak named Toro to achieve this goal.

Toro, described as a calm, tolerant, and easy-to-handle yak, is being trained to carry a rider and could be ready at around two years old. Kamps believes that with proper handling and training from a young age, yaks can develop into well-suited riding or pack animals.

Yaks have traditionally been used in parts of Central Asia to carry people and heavy loads, making them a viable option for packing and recreational uses. Their build, including their distinctive hump, works well with a western saddle, according to Kamps. Additionally, yaks can be trained to pull a sleigh or carry loads, further expanding their potential uses.

The long-term goal for Kamps is to build up a group of mature, well-trained animals that could be sold for packing and other recreational uses. She also hopes to eventually use some of the mature animals for petting zoos and similar experiences, providing an alternative purpose for the yaks beyond the traditional meat market.

## Why it matters With only approximately 1,000 yaks in Canada, Kamps' initiative could help promote the use of yaks for non-traditional purposes, such as riding and packing. This could not only provide an alternative source of income for yak farmers but also offer a unique experience for those interested in recreational activities involving these animals.

As Kamps continues to train Toro and potentially other yaks, the possibilities for their use in various applications become more apparent. The success of this endeavor could pave the way for a new industry involving yaks in Canada, one that goes beyond their traditional use as a source of meat.