Goat driving ... where do I get a harness?

Cygnet · #1 02/09/08, 05:01 PM

Anyone know where I can get a harness and/or a goat cart? The goat in question is a 200+ pound alpine with very big bones. (A mini horse halter's on the last hole on him.)

He's my pack goat, but I've decided since I'm not hiking hardly at all these days, and since I'm missing my horse fix, I'd teach him to drive.

First lesson went splendidly. He'd never worn a halter before in his life. Within a half hour I was able to ground drive him down my mailbox and back, about a thousand feet each way. He did awesome. He's still a little shaky on a lot of necessary concepts (like "go forward" and "woah"), but for a first-time-ever driving session I was really impressed. We were weaving back and forth across the road per my directions and he threw very few fits.

After an initial five minutes or so when he got very upset because I was pulling on his head and he didn't know why, he figured out the idea of giving to pressure. (Then I had to convince him not to spin in complete circles ...) After that, when he got confused, he would just stop and wait for me to make what I wanted clear.

He's going to be GREAT in harness -- he's so calm sometimes he makes me wonder if he's still breathing, and he's pretty much fearless.

-- Leva
(Still remembering the time she taught an OTTB to ground drive. Let's just say it took a lot longer.)

**mygoat** · #2 02/09/08, 06:00 PM

I personally really LOVE the price of the harnesses from Quality Llama Supply (www.llamaproducts.com). They make all their harnesses so they cost less than most other places. They also have special driving halters and bridles for goats as well.

Tam319 · #3 02/09/08, 06:21 PM

Howdy,

You can get harness from Hoegger Supply.

Personally I use a miniature horse harness. If your goat is THAT big I think a mini horse harness would fit fine. You can find them used on mini horse forums and classified boards. I also have a friend who sews custom harnesses in whatever colour you want to custom fit your critter. Might be a bit of hassle for you though as we are up in Canada.

KimM · #4 02/09/08, 06:24 PM

DW Farms (Adam) makes goat harnesses and does a great job. http://workinggoats.tripod.com/id6.html

mwhit · #5 02/09/08, 06:50 PM

Caprine Supply has a large goat harness for goats over 175 pounds.

https://www.caprinesupply.com/shop/?...1d8be28b560387

Michelle

Cygnet · #6 02/09/08, 07:16 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I figure I'll spend a few months ground driving him -- both of us could use some getting in shape and he's been bullied by my other goats (he's a gentle giant and won't stick up for himself) and lost some weight before I put him in a pen by himself. You'd think a 200 lb alpine would be not be chased away from the hay by itty bitty Nigerians ...

I think this is going to be fun for both of us. He absolutely loves the attention and given his enthusiasm for hiking, I suspect he'll like going out for drives too.

-- Leva