Instructions
House the goat in a small shed, depending on the number of goats you have; a single goat can get by with a living space of 4 by 6 feet that can protect it against the elements, including wind.
Create an exercise area for your goat, at least 200 square feet per goat. Build a wooden or wire fence around the exercise area, which should be in proximity to the goat's living space. Install fencing that is at least 48 inches high with posts that are set 7 to 9 feet apart. Build a gate for access to the exercise yard and always use the gate when you transport your goat. Build the exercise yard in an area that also has access to pasture grass, which will lower your feeding costs.
Feed your goat properly. Wean the kid from mother's milk by 8 weeks and introduce hay and alfalfa as part of its diet as soon as 2 or 3 weeks. Provide clean water in a pail or small trough around 3 weeks old, too.
Contact a veterinarian and have your goat thoroughly checked at least twice a year; more often if health issues arise. Watch for signs of parasites -- both external and internal -- which may harm your goat. Maintain the shed, grazing area and exercise yard by cleaning manure and rotting food away daily -- this will lower the risk of parasitic infestation.
Ensure your goat's health by trimming its hooves often. Trim hooves at least once a month with a sharp knife. Cut each hoof so the bottom is parallel with the top. Make all cuts from heel to toe. Stop cutting when the heel pad turns a pink color. Trim the goat's toes in the same manner.
Groom your goat properly prior to shows. Bathe the goat at least once a week to keep the coat clean and help keep parasites away. Brush the coat often and keep it close-cropped about 3 weeks prior to a show.
Practice your steps in the exercise area prior to attending a show. Teach the goat to mind your controls and work on your ring technique. Walk to the left of the animal with the leash or chain in your right hand held close to the animal to ensure control. Train the goat to walk on the lead without tugging or lagging behind -- as the goat gets used to being on a lead, it will follow your commands better.
How to Raise a Show Goat
The showing of animals at livestock shows has a number of benefits both to the person showing the animals and the industry surrounding the shows. The shows encourage breeders to present high-quality animals, allowing them to potentially make big profits from the sale of their show animals and giving the livestock industry a boost by putting it in the public eye. Goats are shown primarily in three breed sections: meat, dairy and fiber, and judges look for different characteristics about the goats in each category. Raising a show goat requires taking care of all the animal's needs, such as shelter, feeding and grooming.