Is it Safe to Ride a Goat?

Goats make wonderful companion animals, pets and are fun to ride. But is it safe for you to ride a goat?

No, goats were not designed for riding. That is because nature did not intend them that way.

How to Get Started

If you’re new to goat ownership, it can be challenging to know where to begin. But it doesn’t need to be as challenging as you might think if you take time to train your goat in an encouraging and positive manner with lots of praise, stroking, treats and love.

Start by getting your goat used to wearing a training collar on and off. After several days of this, lead it around by the collar several times each day until it feels comfortable with it. Do this for at least several weeks before beginning training it to pull carts or wagons.

Once your goat is comfortable pulling carts or wagons with some weight on its own, you can progress to having them pull a full cart alongside other goats as a team. This is the most efficient and secure option; however, it requires more work. Continue practicing until your goat becomes proficient at pulling full carts so that next time you travel you will not encounter any issues.

Safety First

No matter your age or experience level, it’s always best to take safety precautions when working with goats. This includes wearing appropriate personal protection equipment like gloves, long pants, hats and safety glasses for added protection.

Wearing proper clothing protects your hands, forearms, and neck from hair clippings as well as dirt and dander that may get picked up by your clothes. Additionally, you should don ear plugs to avoid hearing damage and tinted safety glasses to shield your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Be mindful of weather conditions that could make traveling longer and harder on your animals, particularly if you’re transporting goats by truck or trailer.

When temperatures rise, keep air flowing through your vehicle to reduce heat and moisture accumulation. Cooling and drying the interior is especially important for goats since this will improve their microclimate and allow them to better tolerate extreme heat.

Goats do not enjoy being ridden, so it is essential to follow safety procedures when doing so. Doing this will guarantee a fun and safe time for all!

Training

Learning how to train your goat for riding requires time and patience. The ideal time to begin this process is when they are young, as this allows you to form a bond with them through consistent work.

Start by attaching an extra-length leash to your goat’s collar. Take a few steps, letting the lead go slack, and praise and reward them as they follow you.

Repeat these steps until your goat can take a few steps without the leash. Then, loosen the leash slightly, apply some consistent pressure and wait for them to take their first step forward.

Once your goat is comfortable walking a few steps with the leash attached, you can start adding reins (two long straps attached to a halter) for guidance. Start slowly and provide treats as rewards along the way as your goat gets used to feeling secure in its new halter.

This process should take a few days to complete, with some down days along the way. Your ultimate goal should be for your goat to be able to walk and pull a cart all by himself.

Riding

Goats have long been associated with riding, but can you really ride them?

Goats can be very active on a regular basis; however, their small size may make them more challenging to control than horses due to their smaller frame.

Never leave a goat riding alone. Goats need social interaction and can become depressed without someone to care for them.

To ensure your goat’s safety and wellbeing during a trip, it’s essential to plan ahead and prepare. Consider factors like traffic congestion, border crossings or road construction sites when making plans.

Additionally, be sure to abide by all safety protocols established by Ride Goat. Doing so will guarantee your goat’s wellbeing and reduce the possibility of injury or damage to you or the vehicle.