Chat
04-05-2015, 07:27 PM
Pac-Man would be fine for packing on day hikes or picnics, but not for long-distance backcountry treks involving multiple days, strenuous terrain, and heavy loads. First of all, he hates being out in the woods. He's afraid of water, bears, bugs, and being out of range of cell phone service. He tolerates all of these things because he's a good goat and he wants to please people, but anyone can see he's not comfortable in a wilderness setting.
His conformation is also not conducive to carrying heavy loads for long periods. He's plenty big and strong, but his back is wide and round with almost no withers. His shoulders roll when he walks, which makes it really hard to keep a saddle in place. He would probably be ok with a Sopris pack, but a wooden pack saddle would have to be custom made to fit his width, and after a long day it would probably start to rub from his side-to-side rolling. We'd likely also have trouble keeping the pack from creeping up toward his neck because his mutton withers would not keep it in place. A person could live with these problems if the goat loved being out on the trail, but Pac-Man has made it obvious that the woods are not his thing.
He's also a little more straight-hocked and heavier in the body than a packgoat should be. This makes him less nimble and unable to climb or jump over larger obstacles. Even Cuzco, old as he is, can still jump higher than Pac-Man. While Cuzco jumped over fallen logs last fall on our "goat vacation," Pac-Man did everything he could to find a way around. He was capable of getting over if he had to, but it was not his first choice. I don't feel it has anything to do with his attitude--he wants to do what we ask of him--but he's simply not athletic. This is one reason I'm skeptical of the idea that "bigger is better" when it comes to packgoats. Pac-Man looks like a workhorse, but he moves like one too.
I really wish Pac-Man and Nubbin's doelings had survived. Pac-Man may not be an ideal packgoat type, but he (and his son Snickers) are by far the most "dairy" type goats in my herd. I have a feeling Pac-Man's daughters would have had beautiful udders, been heavy producers, and easy keepers--just what one wants in a dairy goat. Oh well. In any case, Pac-Man's size, strength, and gentle, willing attitude make him an ideal harness goat. His flashy color also makes him super attractive for parties and parades.
His conformation is also not conducive to carrying heavy loads for long periods. He's plenty big and strong, but his back is wide and round with almost no withers. His shoulders roll when he walks, which makes it really hard to keep a saddle in place. He would probably be ok with a Sopris pack, but a wooden pack saddle would have to be custom made to fit his width, and after a long day it would probably start to rub from his side-to-side rolling. We'd likely also have trouble keeping the pack from creeping up toward his neck because his mutton withers would not keep it in place. A person could live with these problems if the goat loved being out on the trail, but Pac-Man has made it obvious that the woods are not his thing.
He's also a little more straight-hocked and heavier in the body than a packgoat should be. This makes him less nimble and unable to climb or jump over larger obstacles. Even Cuzco, old as he is, can still jump higher than Pac-Man. While Cuzco jumped over fallen logs last fall on our "goat vacation," Pac-Man did everything he could to find a way around. He was capable of getting over if he had to, but it was not his first choice. I don't feel it has anything to do with his attitude--he wants to do what we ask of him--but he's simply not athletic. This is one reason I'm skeptical of the idea that "bigger is better" when it comes to packgoats. Pac-Man looks like a workhorse, but he moves like one too.
I really wish Pac-Man and Nubbin's doelings had survived. Pac-Man may not be an ideal packgoat type, but he (and his son Snickers) are by far the most "dairy" type goats in my herd. I have a feeling Pac-Man's daughters would have had beautiful udders, been heavy producers, and easy keepers--just what one wants in a dairy goat. Oh well. In any case, Pac-Man's size, strength, and gentle, willing attitude make him an ideal harness goat. His flashy color also makes him super attractive for parties and parades.