Goat Yoga is my favorite of all of my offerings. The benefits of the practice (assuming you like goats) are vast! A study at London’s Queen Mary University found that, like dogs and horses, goats form deep attachments to humans, with whom they’ll communicate for help. The study found that a goat relationship “might affect humans in a positive, stress-relieving way.” Other studies suggest that human-animal interactions improve cortisol levels, heart rate, blood pressure, and mood. Yogis attending goat yoga arrive in a great mood: happy, curious, excited, and enthusiastic (and the goats love the attention!)
We offer monthly sessions of goat yoga at various indoor and outdoor locations in the Northern Virginia area.
GIFT CERTIFICATES in any amount may be redeemed for special events, private instruction, or merchandise.
Goat Yoga FAQs
DO THE GOATS DO YOGA?
The goats do not do the yoga poses. They participate with their adorable and cheerful presence. Some of them like to jump up on the backs of the yogis, and several like to be cuddled.
WHERE DO YOU GET THE GOATS?
I work exclusively with Walnut Creek Farm. The owner of the farm, Dr. Maureen Roberts, is a veterinarian, and keeps the goats on her farm for brush removal, and as family pets. Dr.Roberts attends each event, and cares for her animals ethically and kindly. Dr. Roberts talks a bit about her herd at each session, and is happy to answer questions about the animals and their care.
WHY GOATS AND YOGA?
Yoga with animals is joyful! People who have never practiced yoga show up at goat yoga alongside seasoned practitioners; it’s accessible to everyone. People leave smiling, laughing, and relaxed. The goats are cute and funny and friendly. The practice is especially appealing to city-dwellers who wouldn’t otherwise get to interact with farm animals.
DO THEY LIKE TO BE HELD? CAN I HOLD ONE?
We practice consent at goat yoga, so we let the goats decide if they’d like to be held, and several of them do like to snuggle. We ask that you don’t grab them or hold them if they’re trying to wiggle out of your arms.
DO THE GOATS LIKE GOAT YOGA?
The research is in!
“…Good news, goat lovers: some goats love goat yoga. {Goat cognition researcher} Allan McElligott {says}. . . stretching around our caprine friends is perfectly enjoyable, for them and for us. Goats really do like climbing on anything they can see, whether that’s a haybale or your back. Note, however, the use of the word “some.” McElligott explained that the question is not, necessarily, “do goats like yoga,” but instead “does this goat like yoga?” Goats have personalities—goat temperament can vary not just between breeds, but by individual. One goat may be exceptionally shy, while the next one could be a “people goat” who can’t get enough of our attention.”
Rest assured, the goats from Walnut Creek Farm who don’t “take” to goat yoga are left back at the farm, while the “people goats” are happily brought to events.
WHY CAN’T CHILDREN UNDER 10 ATTEND?
At the moment, our insurance restricts us from hosting children under 10. We hope to develop a goat yoga program for families and younger children in the future.
I DON’T PRACTICE YOGA. CAN I COME WATCH?
Everyone who enters the goat yoga area *must* have a valid ticket, regardless of their intention to practice yoga. Our available space is limited, so we don’t have room for non-ticket holders. Yoga experience is neither required nor expected; the goats won’t judge your practice, and we regularly welcome participants of all ages, sizes, and abilities. If you’d like to attend and skip the yoga poses, that’s fine, but rest assured that the yoga portion of the class is very mellow, and participation in the poses is not required.
ARE THEY POTTY TRAINED?
The goats are farm animals. They aren’t potty trained. The poop is comprised of tiny, dry pellets (like rabbit food), and it is easily swept away. We have plenty of cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, and anti-bacterial wipes on hand.