When thinking of Meadowlark Heritage Farm, people typically envision dairy goats, goat milk, cheese, and soaps. Nonetheless, there is more to discover beyond these initial impressions.
When people imagine pack animals, mules or horses often come to mind. However, there's an overlooked hero of the trail—pack goats! These adaptable and resilient creatures have gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts due to their capacity to carry gear, traverse challenging landscapes, and offer companionship on extended journeys. Whether you're a hunter, backpacker, or homesteader seeking a sustainable method to explore the wild, a pack goat might be the perfect trail partner.
Why Choose a Pack Goat?
1. Easy to Train and Handle
Goats are intelligent and bond closely with their handlers, making them relatively easy to train. Unlike horses or mules, they don’t require extensive tack or riding skills. With proper socialization and training, pack goats willingly follow their owners on the trail, often without the need for a lead rope.
2. Low Environmental Impact
Pack goats are light on the land. Their soft hooves cause less trail erosion compared to heavier pack animals, and they browse rather than graze, minimizing damage to vegetation. They also don’t require large amounts of food—just access to forage along the trail and supplemental feed when necessary.
3. Agile and Sure-Footed
Goats excel in navigating difficult terrain, including rocky inclines, narrow trails, and dense forests. Their natural climbing ability allows them to go places larger pack animals cannot, making them ideal for backcountry adventures.
4. Cost-Effective and Low Maintenance
Compared to horses or mules, goats are much more affordable to purchase and maintain. They require less feed, have fewer health issues, and don’t need horseshoes. Plus, they can be housed easily on small farms or homesteads, making them a practical choice for those who don’t have space for larger livestock.
5. Strong but Compact
Despite their smaller size, a well-conditioned pack goat can carry up to 25-30% of its body weight, which means an adult goat can haul 40-60 pounds of gear. This is more than enough for multi-day trips, allowing hikers and hunters to carry lighter loads themselves.
6. Great Companions
One of the biggest benefits of pack goats is their friendly nature. Unlike traditional pack animals, goats form strong bonds with their owners, following them like a loyal dog. Their curious and playful personalities make them enjoyable companions on the trail.
And Here We Have Oberhasli Goats: An Excellent Pack Goat Breed!
Among the many breeds suited for packing, Oberhasli goats stand out for their exceptional temperament and strength.
Originally from Switzerland, Oberhaslis are known for their calm demeanor, endurance, and ability to handle rugged terrain.
Their compact yet muscular build allows them to carry significant loads while remaining agile on mountain trails. Their friendly and trainable nature makes them a favorite among pack goat enthusiasts.
At Meadowlark Heritage Farm, we’ve seen firsthand the benefits of Oberhasli goats as pack animals. One of our own Oberhaslis became a customer favorite, proving to be a loyal and hardworking trail companion. Christine shared with me this week these gorgeous photos taken while hiking with their goats, one is Rocky, born here on our farm! Stories like these, not only make my day, but also highlight why Oberhaslis are an excellent choice for those looking to add a pack goat to their team.
Is a Pack Goat Right for You?
If you love hiking, hunting, or backcountry camping and want a reliable, low-maintenance pack animal, a goat could be a great fit. They require time and training, but the rewards of having a loyal, trail-ready partner make the effort worthwhile. And they cost less than a large dog to feed!
Whether you’re carrying supplies into the mountains or simply enjoying a weekend trek, a pack goat might just become your favorite adventure buddy.
Would you ever consider using a pack goat? We have several Oberhasli and Sable kiddings this spring that might just product the right pack goat for you. Contact us.
*Photos were used by permission from Rocky's owner, Christine.
Comments