Kendall Eckman with her pack goat, Renegade, at the 2019 4-H Goat Pack and Harness Show.

Goats are a very versatile animal — proven by Chautauqua County 4-H’ers Monday night at the Chautauqua County Fair. Goats can be used for milk, meat, fiber, and are also working animals. Project members participated in the Pack and Harness Goat Show at the 138th Chautauqua County Fair. The show was held in the newly constructed Small Animal Arena which was funded with grant money from New York State Ag and Markets.

4-H volunteers Keith and Kim LaRoy design both pack and harness courses for the youth. Youth in the harness project must drive their animal through obstacles, back up their animal, and overall maintain control of the animal during the show. Grand Champion Harness Goat was shown by Peyton Weilacher and Reserve Grand Champion Harness Goat was shown by Mariah LaRoy.

The pack goat course is equally challenging. Youth must lead their animals through real-life obstacles they may come across on the trail including water, inclines, and bridges. Julia Anderson showed the Grand Champion Pack Goat and Mackenzy Graziano showed the Reserve Champion Pack Goat.

Youth ages 5-8 are 4-H Cloverbuds and can participate in select 4-H events. Cloverbuds in the goat project who participated in the Pack Show were Clara Carlberg, Owen Carlberg, Austin Eckman, Simmya Harris, and Aiden Kilburn.

Congratulations to all youth who participated in the 4-H Pack and Harness Show!