Hiking With Miniature Goat Breeds And The Gear They Need

If you’re a goat owner and an avid hiker, you might have thought about taking your goats on the trail with you. Miniature goat breeds, in particular, are known for their playful, adventurous personalities, which make them great companions for outdoor activities. However, taking goats on a hike requires a bit of preparation and planning. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the gear you’ll need to prepare for a successful hike with your favorite goat.

Miniature Nubian owned by Eldon & Debbi Otta and the photo was taken by Debbi Otta.  Hiking in Utah wearing the Kids Training Saddle.

The Gear You Need

Hiking with miniature goat breeds and the gear they need is our main focus in this article.  So, first things first, you’ll need a collar for your goat. There are plenty of goat collars available online for purchase that are specifically designed for hiking. Look for a goat collar that is adjustable, comfortable, and durable.  You’ll want something that is easy to put on your goat and has a good amount of padding to prevent chafing like our pack goat training saddle. You’ll also want to attach a leash to the collar to ensure your goat stays safe and close by.  We recommend our small goat collar or our medium goat collar.  Our pack goat training saddles come in a couple of colors.  Be sure to check those out.  Now you can purchase our Pack Goats 101 Course for only $35 when you purchase a pack goat training saddle (Kid Trainer Pack) with us.  Savings of $62.99!

“Snowdrop”, a white miniature Alpine is owned and photo taken by Jessica Benson wearing the Kid Training Saddle.

Weather Conditions For Your Hike

Next, it’s important to consider the temperature and weather conditions on the day of your hike. Goats are sensitive to extreme temperatures and can easily become dehydrated or overheated. Make sure to bring plenty of water for your goat and pack a collapsible water bowl for them to drink from. If it’s a hot day, consider bringing a misting bottle to spray your goat down and keep them cool. On the other hand, if it’s chilly, be sure to bring a blanket or sweater for your goat to wear to stay warm.

“Honeybun”, brown miniature Alpine is owned by Elise Benson and photo taken by Taffy Mercer.  Honeybun is also wearing the Kid Trainer Pack

“The training saddle is a game changer for anyone owning smaller goats.  Great design and durability!”

~ Taffy Mercer

Don’t Forget The Goat Snacks

One of the most important items to bring on a hike with your goat is snacks! Goats love to forage and nibble on greens, and bringing along some of their favorite treats will keep them happy and content throughout the hike. Some good options include carrots, apples, and fresh grass. Be sure to pack enough snacks for the duration of the hike, but also be mindful of not overfeeding your goat and causing stomach upset.

Miniature Nubian owned by Eldon & Debbi Otta and the photo was taken by Debbi Otta.  Hiking in Utah wearing the Kid Trainer Pack.

Keeping Your Goat Safe

Another key consideration when hiking with a goat is safety. Goats are curious creatures and can easily get into trouble if not supervised closely. Make sure to keep your goat away from any steep drop-offs or cliffs and be mindful of any poisonous plants or animals on the trail. It’s also a good idea to bring a first aid kit along in case of any minor injuries.  Be sure to download our free Goat First Aid Field Guide and Snake Bites and Goats Guide.

Also, we have a collection of FREE Goat Guides for everything goats.

Enjoy Your Hike

Hiking with a goat can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. However, it’s important to come prepared with the right gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike. A sturdy collar, leash, pack goats training saddle, plenty of water and snacks, weather-appropriate clothing, and a focus on safety should all be taken into consideration when planning your hike. With the right preparation, you and your goat will have a blast exploring the great outdoors together!  Want to learn more?  Check out our GOAT CLUB!