How to Groom Breeding Female Goats for Shows

Proud owners of breeding female goats groom them carefully prior to each show to exhibit the animal̵7;s beauty. Although these females should be groomed just prior to the show date, it is important to brush the animal̵7;s coat on a regular basis to make sure the skin and hair remains in optimal condition. When grooming breeding female goats, you need to complete a number of tasks if the goat is to look her best on the day of the show.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar
  • Lead
  • Garden hose
  • 5-gallon bucket
  • Mild soap
  • Slicker brush
  • Towels
  • Trimming table (optional)
  • Livestock clippers
  • Clipper oil
  • Scissors
  • Hoof trimmers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a collar around the goat̵7;s neck and secure her to a fence post or to a ring in the barn wall. Make sure that the goat is standing on lawn or a clean paved area and that the water will not create a puddle around her feet.

    • 2

      Mix a mild soap in the 5-gallon bucket of water. Thoroughly wet the goat with your garden hose and then and pour the soapy water carefully over her. Work the soap into her coat with your hands and brush the coat with a scrubbing brush. Do not get soapy water in the goat̵7;s eyes, ears, nose or mouth.

    • 3

      Use the hose to thoroughly rinse the goat.

    • 4

      Use a towel to dry the goat. It is not necessary to dry her thoroughly, as it is easier to clip a slightly damp animal.

    • 5

      Place the goat on a trimming table if you prefer. Well-behaved, adult females may be easier to clip while they are standing on the ground.

    • 6

      Clip the goat̵7;s entire body, except for her tail and the area below her knees and hocks. Clip carefully and use horizontal strokes on the goat̵7;s body. It is easiest to use vertical strokes on the legs.

    • 7

      Carefully clip the top one-third of the goat̵7;s tail hair and blend the remaining hair into the clipped part.

    • 8

      Blend the hair on the knees and hocks with the clipped part of the goat̵7;s body.

    • 9

      Trim any long hairs on the goat̵7;s legs with a pair of sharp scissors to give a smooth overall look to the animal.

    • 10

      Very carefully remove any long pieces of hair from the goat̵7;s face, using either the clippers or the scissors.

    • 11

      Use the hoof trimmer to trim the wall of each hoof until it is level with the sole. Hoof trimming should ideally be done two to three weeks prior to the show to allow for healing of the hoof, if required.