Goat for the Soul, Goat Yoga

Goat for the Soul has been running goat yoga and goat cuddle sessions since 2017 from the Yingling family farm in Union Bridge, in the Frederick County countryside about 50 minutes from both Baltimore and D.C. via I-70 or I-270 and Route 75. The farm is home to goats, horses, pigs, chickens and more, and classes run on select weekends through the season.

Summer mornings are the heart of the season

Classes run June through October, with July and August the busiest months. Morning sessions are held in the shade and stay pleasant through the Maryland summer. Classes are held outdoors and cancelled if it rains, with cancellations posted on the venue's Facebook page and participants contacted personally by email and text; prepaid tickets can be rebooked for another session or refunded.

Winery, brewery and creamery classes with tastings included

Several times a month the herd travels to partner venues around the region for offsite classes, with past partners including Links Bridge Vineyard, Linganore Winecellars, Catoctin Breeze Vineyard, Dragon Distillery, Milkhouse Brewery and Rocky Point Creamery. The goat yoga ticket includes an offering from the host venue, like a flight of beer, a glass of wine or a serve of ice cream.

Relaxed, beginner-friendly farm sessions

No yoga experience is needed and all levels are welcome. Both the parking area and the yoga space are grass, so any comfortable footwear works. The goats circulate freely during class with plenty of time built in for photos and cuddles, and instructors keep the practice accessible while the herd provides the entertainment.