Author Topic: Working goats? (Read 1895 times)

Flump74 · « **on:** July 26, 2017, 09:49:59 am »

Does anyone have any experience with training a goat to pull a wagon/cart/trap?

I have a wonderful natured wether who is very willing to please, and I am considering trying to train him to pull a little wagon aroud the smallholding. Mainly just for fun but my veg patch is up a big slope and the muck heap is down the bottom so thinking he can earn his keep by moving all their poo for me, thereby justifying his existance

He already walks well on a collar and lead and have just bought a rope halter to try out. Typically pouring with rain today!

I have found a place locally that will be able to make him a well fitting harness.....i'll just need to work out the wagon bit.

landroverroy · « **Reply #1 on:** July 26, 2017, 10:35:27 am »

Some years ago I knew someone that had a large Anglo Nubian wether. She managed to find an old Victorian dog cart which he pulled around quite happily, and as far as I know, without any problems.

Steph Hen · « **Reply #2 on:** July 26, 2017, 07:00:59 pm »

This was one of my reasons for getting mine. Unfortunately I've not had much time to get them training.
I made two harnesses pieced together from bits of horse bridles and martingales that were lying about. Started off just harness on and going for a walk, then taking turns long reining them, then harnessing them together and long reining as a pair, then putting a weight on the traces and long reining them.
Theres tonnes of photos online of goats pulling various wagons and carts and even ploughing. And there's the harness goat society too. Good luck!

Flump74 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 27, 2017, 10:29:45 am »

Thanks Steph Hen.

Nice to know that I'm not the only nutter on here!

What breed are yours?

Steph Hen · « **Reply #4 on:** July 28, 2017, 08:21:27 am »

Was two Anglo nubian, but one died and replaced with Swiss Togg as well.
They are much more accepting than horses. They are less less bothered by tack, more like dogs to work with.
But harder to get to really listen than horses or dogs. Mine took a lot of time to learn to voice commands and I'm sure that's all forgotten now!

Flump74 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 29, 2017, 12:51:32 pm »

I love Nubies. They are my absolute favourites!

I have a little old lady GG milker and two GG cross Toggenburg/Boer teenagers!

Charlie took really well to the rope halter. ...he loves any attention. His sister was dead jealous!

He certainly responds to his name and being told to walk on. So hoping that he is eager enough to please to make this work. They do remind me of dogs in their behaviour but it feels more like leading a horse as I'm only a little person!