If you know me, you know that I love yoga. The blissed-out feeling after a traditional class is totally addictive. But goat yoga? Hmmm…
I’ve tried a few of the non-traditional yoga sessions that are popular now. Aerial yoga? A great workout, but not for me. Yoga hiking? A personal favorite. The combination of mindful walking in nature with standing yoga poses thrown in is delicious. Paddleboard yoga? Can you say major core workout? Click here to read about my adventure with Tyler Paddle.
What’s left, you might ask? How about Goat Yoga?
I made my way out to Palentine, Texas, to Oh My Goat recently to check out their Goat-A-Rita class. Out in the country, the grounds at Oh My Goat are gorgeous. Check-in takes place in a beautiful event barn where margaritas and freshly grilled street tacos, even goat shaped sugar cookies, are on offer.
The owner, Cherry Russell, greets me, explaining that I’m welcome to use my mat but that the goats have been known to occasionally chew the corners. “If it’s a good mat, consider yourself forewarned,” she laughs. Deciding not to take the chance, I throw it in my trunk, grab one of theirs, and return to nosh on the great food.
Filling my plate, I wander out to the firepit. A group of women in matching teeshirts is whooping it up and taking selfies. “Are you a professional goat yoga troupe?” I inquire. Laughing, they explain that they’re on a church leadership retreat. Adding “We’ve never done it before! No pros here.”
The yoga area is grassy and enclosed by a short chainlink fence. A couple of chickens in tutus strut through the area. Our fearless leader, Tanya Wood from The Yoga Spot in Tyler, Tx., calls us inside the enclosure. Rolling out our mats and finding an easy seated position, the goats are led in. Baby goats! In sombreros! Followed by some larger ones – but not too big. You’ll know why in a minute.
The class begins with a few gentle poses.
While I’m in the tabletop position – hands and knees – a goat jumps on my back, then jumps off somersaulting in mid-air. Throughout the remainder of the session, goats climb on and off me and my fellow yogis. The practice devolves into constant laughter. A few people even give up on trying to do yoga and choose instead to watch the antics.
For me, it’s hard to relax in savasana – or final resting pose. Knowing that a goat may jump on my belly at any time is not conducive to meditation. Instead, I sit up in an easy seated pose to enjoy the rest of the class.
Goat yoga is a lot of fun and is a great group activity!
I defy you to interact with these cuties without maintaining a constant ear-to-ear grin. I can definitely picture a unique birthday party or bridal shower taking place. Oh My Goat offers private parties, and they can also bring the party to you with their mobile Goat Yoga!
If you go, wear comfortable clothing (long sleeves and back fully covered is best – the hooves can scratch) and bring your sense of adventure! While not a traditional meditative yoga practice, you’ll definitely reap the benefits of animal therapy, laughter, and gentle yoga.
For more information on Goat Yoga sessions and special events, visit Oh My Goat Yoga.
Naaaaamaaaste!
As always, thanks for reading!!! For all the fun in East Texas, follow along at The East Texas Tourist.
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