u/Wonderful_Fan_292

I’m buying a parcel of land and am hoping to have a small herd of quality, pedigreed goats. I have several years of goat experience in my youth and showed Lamanchas, Nubians, and Nigerian Dwarfs for several years during 4h. I’m experienced (but not a pro) in their overall care, hoof trimming, kidding, ect.

I’d like goats to dabble in making cheese and soap, but don’t consume milk otherwise. I’d love goats that are great weed eaters in addition to quality hay and grain supplementation as needed. But importantly, I’d like to give back to my impoverished community and raise goats that kids are able to borrow as 4h projects and to get kids back into agriculture (at my own expense) so personality and quality are the most important factors for me.

Are there any breeds you suggest? I really didn’t love my Nigerian Dwarfs, but loved my bigger girls. But, maybe it was just their bloodlines that made them more difficult to deal with?

I’d love any advice on breeds and breeders to look into. I’m willing to travel pretty much anywhere in the Midwest to ensure quality bloodlines and the right animals. It’s been well over a decade since I’ve had goats but would love to dip my toes back into it.

Hello,

I recently made a large purchase ($350) from a high end used tack shop online. I don’t want to put the website at this time, but will DM to others. I’ve been in contact with them over surprise fees that were placed on my invoice without my knowledge, which after a lot of back and forth I finally got my money back.

Regardless, I ordered a used leather halter in “gently used” condition with “appropriate signs of use”. The halters leather quality is gorgeous, but it’s absolutely filthy. Like it’s caked in sweat, tape, there is layers of grime on all of the metal, the nose band has been cut with scissors, and it’s honestly downright sticky. I’ve pulled out all of my tricks and it’s usable for what I intended, but I feel I was a little deceived in what was arriving. Should this be an additional contact with the company, a review, or just a lesson to not order from them again?

I’m really trying to be more sustainable & support small business, ideally, I don’t want to buy anything but some blankets and supplements new. If anybody else is trying to do the same, I’ve had really good luck on Depop. I was just trying something new as I needed several things at once that were hard to find on Depop.

I know USDF has gotten significantly more relaxed in the last few years, and I know roached manes are allowed per the rule book. I’ve always braided before. But, my geldings mane is horrendous & challenging to braid. He is pretty much allergic to anything with 6 or more legs so is forced to wear a full fly sheet all summer. The bottom 3rd of his mane is as long as the rest but super thin and brittle. Has anybody received feedback on roached manes?

I feel like it’s important to say, he’s an extremely well muscled Warmblood with a gorgeous neck. I’ve roached him before and love the look on him, he’s chestnut so it’s not super obvious. We’re doing 2nd level. I’m going very traditional for the rest of our look (minimal bling, white breeches, pad, etc). All this just to give more context to the overall picture.

Edit: thank you all for so much advice and experience! I’ve decided to do it. As a few people pointed out, railbirds will probably be the only ones that care, if this is what they choose to stress themselves out over, then it’s not my problem.