North American Packgoat Association

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North American Packgoat Association

** OFFICIAL ORGANIZATION PAGE** The NAPgA is a 501(c)3 organization started in 1999 that promotes the use of goats as eco-friendly pack animals.

NAPgA is on the front lines protecting your right to use packgoats on public land.

06/03/2026

How do you teach a to confidently navigate new experiences?

Water crossings. Wildlife. Bridges. Traffic. Trailers. Strollers. Dogs. Crowds. None of these things are automatically easy for a goat.

Training a reliable pack goat starts with a strong foundation and plenty of consistency. Introduce new obstacles gradually, allowing your to investigate, think through problems, and build confidence at their own pace. Each positive experience becomes another tool they can rely on when they encounter something unfamiliar on the trail.

The goal isn’t to force a goat through an obstacle, it’s to create a that trusts its training, trusts its handler, and can calmly assess new situations.

Great pack goats aren’t born trail-ready. They’re developed through patience, repetition, and countless small training sessions that build into years of dependable experience.

What was the most challenging obstacle your goats had to learn?

05/29/2026

Calling all young handlers!

The North American Association Virtual Trail Trial is almost here, and it’s time to put your skills to the test! Whether you’re just starting out or already have a seasoned trail partner, this is your chance to build confidence, learn new skills, and have fun with your goat all summer long.

Each month, you’ll receive a new to practice at home and submit by video. No travel required, just you, your goat, and a willingness to learn. Compete for monthly awards, earn recognition, and see how your teamwork stacks up against youth handlers from around the country.

Challenges: July, August, September
Championship Finale: October
Ages 3–1
Virtual participation
🐐Must have access to a goat🐐

The best part? You don’t have to be perfect. This challenge is all about growing your skills, building your partnership with your goat, and having fun along the way.

Tag a young goat enthusiast who needs to see this! ⬇️

05/23/2026

farm

05/19/2026

❗️Goat Rendezvous❗️

1st one in the books in Colorado!
〰️
Dates/Locations:

Northern Mini-Rendy
Friday, May 22-Sunday, May 24
Susanville, California
〰️
Northern Mini-Rendy
Friday, June 5-Sunday, June 7
Vernal, Utah
〰️
California Mini-Rendy
Friday, June 5-Sunday, June 7
Lone Pine, CA
〰️
Mini-Rendy
Friday, June 5-Sunday, June 7
Devil’s Den State Park, AR
〰️
Mini-Rendy
Friday, June 26-Sunday, June 28
Cle Elum, WA
〰️
Montana Mini-Rendy
Friday, July 10-Sunday, July 12
Star Meadow Ranch, MT
〰️
Oregon Mini-Rendy
Friday, July 17-Sunday, July 19
Baker, OR
〰️
Each Mini-Rendy will have its own unique atmosphere while still keeping with the NAPgA traditions. Email us ([email protected]) if you have questions or want to volunteer at one or more of these events.

04/30/2026

What’s YOUR ideal size for a ?

A quick look at common packgoat breeds
Alpine • Saanen • Kiko • Nubian • Oberhasli • Toggenburg • LaMancha
(and plenty of crossbreeds)

Some are larger, some stockier, some taller, some lighter, but there’s a lot of natural variety across all of them.

When it comes to packgoats, size and weight are only a part of the picture.

A heavier goat doesn’t automatically mean a better working goat, just like a smaller goat isn’t automatically limited. It really comes down to the individual.

What matters most is how the goat moves and works on the .

Some smaller or medium-framed goats do especially well over long distances and elevation because they’re efficient, well-conditioned, and comfortable in steady work.

At the same time, context matters. For example, hunting setups or rougher terrain can sometimes benefit from a more solid, stockier build that feels stable in slower, more technical movement.

Personality is just as important. Goats that are confident, steady, and willing to handle new situations tend to do well in almost any environment.

Training and work ethic also go a long way. A goat that understands the job and enjoys being part of it will usually outperform expectations regardless of size.

At the end of the day, packgoats aren’t about weight. They’re about the individual goat, their conditioning, and finding the right fit for the work you want to do.

Follow for more!

04/28/2026

Not everything you’ve heard about with is actually true.

People think will slow you down, but a well-trained pack goat can out-hike most humans while carrying your gear.

They’re also not fragile. Goats are built for rugged terrain, and rocky ground actually helps keep their hooves in good shape.

Worried they’ll run off? are animals, so if you’ve built that bond, they stick with you.

And no, bringing goats into the backcountry isn’t “unsafe.” They’re incredibly aware of their surroundings and will often alert you to wildlife before you even notice it.

Also… baby goats (aka kids) start climbing and playing almost immediately after birth, it’s how they build balance and strength from day one.

Send this to someone who needs a goat 😌

04/23/2026

COCCIDIA IN KID GOATS

Let’s talk about something every goat owner should know about. Coccidia. It’s super common, especially in young goats, and catching it early makes a huge difference.

1️⃣ WHAT IS COCCIDIA?
Coccidia are microscopic parasites that live in the intestinal tract. In small amounts, they’re usually manageable, but when they overgrow, they can cause serious health issues.

2️⃣ HOW IS IT CONTRACTED?
Goats pick up coccidia by ingesting oocysts (parasite eggs) found in contaminated:
• F***s
• Soil
• Water
• Feed areas

Stress (weaning, weather changes, transport) can make goats more vulnerable to an overload.

3️⃣ SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR
• Diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus)
• Weight loss or poor growth
• Lethargy
• Dehydration
• Rough coat

4️⃣ TOP 3 TREATMENT OPTIONS
• Sulfa-based medications (like sulfadimethoxine)
• Amprolium (Corid)
• Supportive care (fluids, electrolytes, good nutrition)

⚠️ A NOTE ON CORID (AMPROLIUM)
Corid works by blocking thiamine (vitamin B1), which the parasite needs but goats need thiamine too. Potential downsides include:
• Thiamine deficiency if overused or dosed incorrectly
• Neurological symptoms
• Reduced appetite

Because of this, many vets recommend careful dosing and sometimes supplementing thiamine alongside treatment.

5️⃣ ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR VET
Every situation is different. Work with your vet to determine the right treatment plan, dosage, and prevention strategy for your herd.

Save this post for later & share with your goat friends!

04/18/2026

Goats don’t fight the cold, they adapt to it.
In winter they move less, rest more, and stick close to shelter or each other to conserve energy. Add in that thick coat + soft cashmere underlayer, and they’re built to stay warm without wasting calories.

Work smarter, not harder… goat edition.
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04/14/2026

TIP 🙌🏽

Consistency builds better

From leading and loading to manners, keep your expectations the same every time you work with them. thrive on routine, and that consistency turns into trust, confidence, and a solid trail partner.

Small, consistent habits = big results in the .

Address

Bozeman, MT
59715, 59717-59719, 59771-59772

Website

https://www.napga.org/

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