By the time they left they were just like ‘this is really cool’ and they left smiling. It didn’t matter if people weren’t animal people. It became quite the thing in my little town.” I started inviting over friends I knew who were having a hard time, or friends would call and say ‘I just need a distraction”. I just couldn’t wait to get up in the morning and I hated going to work. They were just so calming to me that I just craved it.

I worked a corporate job and everyday when I’d come home I couldn’t wait to get out to the barn and just sit out in the barn or in the field with my goats. I’d been diagnosed with a disease and my life was a mess. Lainey: “I started something called Goat Happy Hour in 2015 and that’s what started goat yoga. I went on to ask Lainey about the history of Goat Yoga. While other organizations chose to be open, at the time of the interview they were “holding tight” and planning to reopen in the spring. We went on to talk about how her business had shut down due to Covid-19 restrictions when they were set to have their best year yet. Oddly enough ,what a crazy ride this has been.” I was delighted when Lainey generously agreed to talk with me and answer my questions via Zoom.Ībey: “So your name is Lainey Morse and you’re the one that started it all?” Having over fifteen years of Pilates teaching experience, I have aspirations to perhaps teach my own Goat Yoga and Pilates class at Ruckle Heritage Farm and was disappointed that my reconnaissance mission wouldn’t be possible. Sadly they were unable to reopen by the time I moved back to Canada in late January 2021. A friend and I were all set to attend a class at their Morgan Hill, California, location when shelter-in-place was announced due to Covid-19 and all classes were cancelled. The Original Goat Yoga was developed by Lainey Morse. By allowing people the opportunity to connect with these adorable, affectionate animals while moving their body in nature, people can experience profound joy and relaxation. So many people are out of touch with nature and surrounded by technology and the demands of modern life. It wasn’t until I tried a class at Lemos Farm in Half Moon Bay, California, that I understood how this was more than an Instagram-able fitness class and really an experience of animal assisted therapy. We are just outside of Decatur and Clarkston, not far from 285 and Memorial.When I first heard about Goat Yoga, I thought, as I imagine most people do, that it sounded like a fun and silly novelty experience. When and where is Goat Yoga?Įvents are held sporadically, and most of them are held at our homestead in Stone Mountain. We also encourage water, sunscreen, deet-free/natural bug spray, and shoes that slip on and off easily. We ask people to bring a yoga mat, a towel, clothes they are comfortable in and don’t mind getting a little dirty, and a sense of humor. This is a gentle class with mostly seated poses, but it is still best to consult with your physician if you are pregnant or have any serious medical conditions. For the weekend warrior looking to hit the reset button on stress and find some bliss! What do I need to know? Yoga+Goats+Wine: This 21-and-up class offers a luscious, stretchy hour of yoga, meditation and breath work, followed by 30 minutes of relaxing goat selfies, snuggles, and a 'wind down' with chocolate and either wine or mimosas. Tickets are required for all children older than 2 years old. We are currently trying out two formats:įamily-Friendly: We start with a playful 45 minutes of yoga, followed by a half an hour to meet the goats, ask questions, get snuggles and selfies. To make this class accessible to as many people as possible, we are offering gentle, all-levels class. When we’re able to ground and connect in the midst of the chaos of mother nature, we’re able to carry that with us in our day to day lives that much more. The experience ranges from silly, to sweet, to profoundly healing and grounding. Goat yoga is simply an outdoor yoga class, surrounded by animals, where we extend the concept of connection to our relationship with our Earth, these wonderful animals, and our community. In this ancient practice, we connect our minds and bodies, as well as to our Higher Self and our purpose.

Yoga is an 8,000 year old practice that roughly translates as “to yoke” – or, to connect.

Goat yoga near me