Goat Treks Offer Nature Experiences

Goat Treks Offer Nature Experiences Hoof It Goat Treks of Galena, Ill., lets walkers explore the woods and prairies alongside a herd of attention-loving goats. “This venture began in 2019 as a way to teach my sister and me how to start and run a business while saving for our college educations,” says co-founder Sami Rury. “It started as a side hustle with my sister, then things took off.” The business idea came about when the family’s two pet goats, Willow and Otis, followed the sisters on a walk through the woods. “It became something fun we did as a family,” says Rury. “Then, when we were thinking of ways to help pay for college, our mom, Christina Eisbach, had the idea to open up our walks to the public so people could join us on the trail with our goats.” That spark of an idea has since blossomed into a full-time, year-round operation, with 44 goats and counting. “The land we operate on is organically managed family land that has been in the family for four generations,” says Rury. “Hoof It has allowed us to share our land with others and to get people outside, exposed to nature and animals.” Each trek is a stroll suitable for most ages and abilities. It includes multiple stops to let the goats forage and share goat facts, along with background information about Hoof It and the family land. One stop is designated for group photos and for hand-feeding carrots to the goats. In most cases, it takes 45 min to an hour to complete the 1.25-mile loop. They tend to maintain a ratio of one goat for every two people. “You really become one with the herd,” Rury says. “Along the trail, the goats will wander next to you, between you, in the woods. They love to show off all their different and unique personalities.” While the business offers wine-tasting treks, a foraging hike with a salve-making class, a “Goats + Floats” root beer tasting experience, and a kids’ summer camp, the public goat trek remains the most popular activity. Private goat treks are also available for those who want an exclusive experience with just their group, the goats and a guide. The business is open year-round, but reservations are required for all events and treks. The business isn’t without its challenges. “There’s a unique balance of operating a full-time business while also caring for a herd of goats,” Rury says. “It’s like managing two full-time jobs at the same time.” Sometimes that’s a good thing. “Waking up in the morning and starting the day with chores has a way of resetting the mind. We can have a meeting in town, then get back into our farm clothes to scoop manure when we finish; we wouldn’t have it any other way.” The business also brings other joys. “Offering an experience that emphasizes fun and education on organic family land with animals is a true passion of ours. Sharing it with others every day is such a joy,” says Rury. The family also appreciates the opportunity to provide its dozens of goats with an amazing, natural lifestyle, including natural forage, time in the woods, and love from all the guests. “Our goats truly love going out on the treks. The herd is always our top priority, and being able to give them this kind of lifestyle is something we’re so proud of. They’re the most spoiled goats you’ll ever meet!” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Hoof It Goat Treks, 616 S. Devils Ladder Rd., Galena, Ill. 61036 (ph 563-663-6944; hoof.it.galena@gmail.com; www.hoofit-galena.com).

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