Building on Charlie Hackbarth’s Legacy: from Strong Foundations to Continued Growth
Charlie Hackbarth is well known in the llama industry for his role as a livestock promoter and breeder. His efforts during the 1980s and 1990s were instrumental in developing the North American llama market.
By organizing auctions and competitive shows, Hackbarth provided opportunities for llama owners to learn about the distinctions between average and high-quality llamas.
His initiatives led to greater awareness and improved breeding practices, which ultimately resulted in higher prices for superior llamas.
Hackbarth’s impact shaped the industry, building a strong community of breeders and enthusiasts. He emphasized education and competition as key elements in raising the quality of llamas and strengthening the market overall.
Charlie Hackbarth’s legacy is characterized by his dedication to promoting improved breeding practices and cultivating a vibrant community of llama enthusiasts.
Sopris Unlimited: History and Evolution
Sopris Unlimited was a multigenerational company with longstanding ties to the Amish.
The company values its unique relationship, which has endured for over thirty years. This partnership began in 1982 when Charlie Hackbarth’s uncle, Tant, and his Amish friend Menno Hostetler collaborated to develop a pack saddle for llamas at Charlie’s suggestion.
Founded in La Veta, Colorado, Sopris Unlimited specialized in products and services for llamas. Since its establishment in 1986, the company has earned a reputation for producing high-quality gear, such as saddles and panniers.
In January 2025, Sopris Unlimited, LLC, now known as Sopris Equipment, LLC, was acquired by Wilderness Ridge Trail Llamas. Wilderness Ridge Trail Llamas (WRTL), founded by Beau Baty and his wife Kirsten, has become the largest pack llama ranch in the United States. The business was created out of their passion for camping and exploring the Rocky Mountains, and it offers guided treks during summer months.
Wilderness Ridge Trail Llamas: New Chapter
Wilderness Ridge Trail Llamas, founded by Beau and Kirsten Baty, stands out as the
largest pack llama ranch in the country.
Beau Baty’s background includes growing up on a ranch that has operated for over 130 years. Although he worked in the oil fields, his desire for more time outdoors with family inspired him to pursue camping and hunting in the Rocky Mountains. He worked in the oil fields but desired more time outdoors with family, leading him to camping and hunting in the Rocky Mountains.
Wilderness Ridge Trail Llamas began in 2011, inspired by the use of llamas in Argentina. The family-run business in Idaho, focuses on breeding and training llamas for backcountry packing, hunting, and outfitting. Beau’s experience with llamas during an elk hunt in Montana sparked the idea, and drawing inspiration from the Incas’ 6,000-year history of using llamas, he started breeding the CCara or Classic Working Llama, regarded as the best pack llamas.
Our Amish Team
We’d like to introduce you to our Iowa family, the Gingeriches and Waglers. This multi-generational family of Old Order Amish have been manufacturing our gear since the beginning. Few companies can boast of such a unique relationship: our partnership is collaborative and strengthened by true respect and friendship on both sides. We are very thankful to have such exceptional partners.
The Batys
We’d like to introduce you to our Iowa family, the Gingeriches and Waglers. This multi-generational family of Old Order Amish have been manufacturing our gear since the beginning. Few companies can boast of such a unique relationship: our partnership is collaborative and strengthened by true respect and friendship on both sides. We are very thankful to have such exceptional partners.
Our Sewing Team
We’d like to introduce you to our Iowa family, the Gingeriches and Waglers. This multi-generational family of Old Order Amish have been manufacturing our gear since the beginning. Few companies can boast of such a unique relationship: our partnership is collaborative and strengthened by true respect and friendship on both sides. We are very thankful to have such exceptional partners.
