A horny goat

A goats’ horns are attached to its head.  So why do people think it could EVER be ok to pull a pet goat by the horns??

We have had a few customers lately pull the goats by their horns so hard that the goats feet do not touch the ground.  This was done to Willow at the recent country fair and again by a visiting group this week.  This has not been done by unknowing children or even rough teenage boys, but from adult males. What is it in the adult male psyche that the feel the need to dominate and humiliate this animal?  To even hurt them as a show of human strength.  I don’t understand.  Its not funny or clever and is obviously distressing to the goat.  Who are they trying to show that they are powerful?  Surely the goat is unconvinced that this human is a superior being and other humans must see this act is mean spirited and unnecessary.

 

Willow has been hand raised since birth, as her mother had no milk.  She has been in the house and handled by young children since she was very little.  However with the recent pulling of her horns she is getting head shy and also bunts – often younger children which make an easier target.  So these careless males are turning my darling pet goat in to a fearful aggressive animal and I cannot understand why.  Its certainly not to get her attention as you can’t get rid of her.  As a pet she follows me everywhere and until these recent experiences she loved people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

So from now on I am going to put up a sign that says “please don’t pull the goat horns”, and hopefully adults will stop this bizarre act otherwise for her safety Willow will be removed altogether from the farm park, and in future I will have the vets debud all goats 😦

Cowman/Gardener – or woman

 

So basically if you haven’t heard the term, what I am looking for is a part time all round farm helper.

The days are Thursday Friday and Saturday but these are not fixed and can be adjusted up or down for the right person.  Pay will reflect experience and ability to do jobs unsupervised.

Job description includes but is not limited to: foal rearing and weaning, stallion handling, show preparation, mucking out, feed regimes, garden work, fencing, driving tractor, hay carting, animal husbandry and feed management, shop work, harrowing, paddock rotation, and all the other million and one jobs that pop up on a farm.

Some horse knowledge and confidence is essential, although there can be on the job training.   For the right individual we will consider formalised training and courses as well as shares in stock as part of remuneration package.

Attributes include a willingness to learn, the ability to get on and do what has to be done, and a conscientious work ethic.  Sound oral English is a must.  You must be able to work with all farm animals and have a safe, calm manner.  This job is flexible, stimulating and a great learning platform for younger adults wanting to start a farming career or semi-retired workers looking for something to fill in a few days a week.  Please apply by mail with a covering letter outlining your animal knowledge and interest.  Please note failure to enclose covering letter may result in forfeiting the interview process.

492 Oxford Road

Fernside

RD1 Rangiora