Goat String on Trail

[video_embed url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNGEsxsPaSc&t=107s”]

Trail Training Tips

Train on narrow trails
Run to get them to follow you
You must always be at the front of the string
Carry trekking poles or a stick to train goats and to ward off predators
If you bring people, put them at the end of your string
Maintain leader distance by using the back command. If need be, use a stick, rock or squirt bottle
Don’t wait for stragglers, the back person needs to encourage them to keep walking, hide behind blind corners so they do not know you are waiting.
Giving your string a break when your goat is tired for 2 minutes. Goats pant to cool, when their tongue is out the side that means they are exhausted. Try to give them a break before they hit that point.
Check saddle loads and make adjustments
Manage obstacles by trying to avoid dead-fall and areas where goats can’t fit with their panniers. be conscientious and make sure everyone makes it through safely.
How to manage dogs, other hikers and other stock animals on the trail.
- Dogs – Ask people to leash their dog and stay on the downhill side of you, because goats are scared of them.
- Other Hikers – Respectfully ask if you can pass them and try not to stop and talk, keep on trekking so they continue to follow you and not the other hikers.
- Stock animals – Be very accommodating, take your pack goat string off trail on the down hill side, so you don’t spook them.

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