I grin as I think back to last spring. Tank was an adorable fuzzball on hooves, full of energy and joy!

Just like all “kids,” he had to learn manners and how to fit into the human world, but he was eager to please and faced new experiences with great enthusiasm.

Well, except for one, and that “one thing” was crossing bridges.

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Most people might not know it, but goats are incredibly aquaphobic! Really, no joke, their fear of water runs deep.

Goats will seemingly take flight to avoid stepping in a mud puddle and the mere thought of crossing a creek is a tragedy like no other!

So, since our area is loaded with creeks and streams that intersect hiking trails, I knew it would be important to introduce Tank to the idea of fording water at a young age.

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One sunny day last spring, Ella, Tank, and I set off on an adventure to cross the bridge that dangles just inches above Jackass Creek with the goal of teaching Tank that crossing water was indeed possible and not a life threatening experience.

We all enjoyed the hike, until it came time to cross the bridge.

First Ella and I crossed and waited for Tank, who refused to follow and cried for us to come back for him.

We figured we could wait him out and he would eventually have to cross in order to regain the comfort of his herd, but as all mothers know, when your kid is crying for you — you can’t hold out for long.

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So, we went back across the creek to comfort him, and come up with a new plan.

Attempt No. 2 was a bit more forceful and I decided to put on Tank’s leash in order to lead him across the bridge. Big sister Ella was to give reinforcement from behind.

As we stepped ever closer to the bridge, Tank dug in his little hooves and shook his head in complete refusal!

What ensued was no graceful act.

As I pulled and Ella pushed (an act filled with drama and complaining), Tank eventually made his way across the bridge!

Once he realized he was on the other side and was still alive, he actually looked back at the creek and then jumped for joy!

We gave him hugs and kisses and he grinned a big goat smile. He was so proud of himself!

Although he now crosses water and hardly bats an eye, when I reflect back on his first bridge crossing and the elation that followed, I find it to be quite the metaphor for so many things we face in life.

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As always, we love to hear from you and welcome any comments or questions you may have. You can contact us via email at goattrekn@gmail.com, or follow our daily adventures by liking our Facebook page Goat Trek’n! Happy trails!