While the wood, straps, nuts, and bolts that go into making the pack saddle are relatively inexpensive, a commercial felt saddle blanket can cost upwards of thirty dollars for the smallest sizes. Since goat packing is supposed to be more economical than mule/pony packing, than there ought to be an economical solution to this problem. The answer: bucket seat covers! Seat covers are cheap, lightweight, and depending on which one you buy, can fit snugly under a goat pack saddle. A trip to Pep Boys can get you a couple of inexpensive yet durable bucket seat covers without breaking the bank. We have opted for this route with two of our pack saddles since they didn't come with a saddle blanket when we got/made them.
If anyone wishes to go this same route, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the seat cover cannot have any springs inside it, as these can chafe. Second, the seat cover should be lightweight, ideally weighing less than a pound or so, though it shouldn't be so flimsy that the goat can't even wear the pack. Third, the seat cover has to be the right width and length so that it can be folded underneath the saddle and still fit snugly over the goats back. Finally, the seat cover should be made so that at least a little air can flow through it, which will help to keep the goat from sweating and getting overheated.
Great idea. I'm interested in getting involved in this with our goats. Are you available for advice/counsel?
ReplyDeleteI am indeed available for advice/counsel on the subject! What do you want to know?
ReplyDelete1. Can you recommend a website and/or book for beginners?
ReplyDelete2. We have meat goats, but I've noticed most everyone uses dairy goats. Is there some theory behind that?
To answer your first question, yes there is a very good book which any goat packer should buy called "The Pack Goat" by John Mionczynski. It is very helpful in training and general know-how. As for your second question, it is answered in the above mentioned book. The reason we bought dairy breeds as our pack goats is because we wanted to have dairy goats in the first place so we opted for them instead of meat breeds. From what I understand, boer goats do not make good pack goats because they are not very agile and/or athletic, but I have no experience with them so take it as my opinion. I don't think they are stronger than the dairy breeds because they are 'double muscled' right? I think they cover meat breeds in the book. I hope this was helpful!
ReplyDeleteYes, very helpful, thanks Grotto!
ReplyDeleteAlso, since we live so close, could I attend one of your practice sessions to see what it's like to put all the packs on and take the goats out, etc.
ReplyDeleteBy all means, yes! You can give my dad, Leon a call sometime in the afternoon at 559-593-6207 because he decides when we go for walks. Or you can email him at leon3559@hotmail.com, whichever works for you.
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