What Is Goat Yoga? The Complete Guide to Baby Goat Yoga

What Is Goat Yoga?

Goat yoga is a wellness activity that combines traditional yoga practice with the delightful presence of friendly goats. During a typical session, participants practice yoga poses while baby goats or small adult goats roam freely around them, sometimes climbing on their backs, nuzzling them, or simply adding an element of joy and unpredictability to the practice.

Unlike traditional yoga classes held in quiet studios, goat yoga embraces chaos, laughter, and playfulness. The goats' natural curiosity and playful behavior create a lighthearted atmosphere that helps participants let go of stress, laugh freely, and connect with nature and animals in a meaningful way.

The practice typically takes place outdoors, in pastures, barns, or farm settings, though some facilities offer indoor options. Classes are designed to be accessible to all skill levels, with the primary focus on enjoyment and stress relief rather than achieving perfect poses. This makes baby goat yoga an ideal activity for yoga beginners, families, groups of friends, or anyone looking for a unique wellness experience.

What sets goat yoga apart from traditional yoga is the element of animal-assisted therapy. The presence of animals has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and trigger the release of oxytocin, often called the "love hormone." When you combine these effects with the physical and mental advantages of yoga, you get a wellness practice that nurtures both body and mind while bringing pure joy.

The Origins of Goat Yoga

Goat yoga was invented in 2016 by Lainey Morse on her farm in Oregon's Willamette Valley, when a birthday party on the property turned into a yoga class among her goats. It grew alongside her Goat Happy Hour gatherings, unstructured time spent with the goats, during what she has described as one of the most difficult years of her life.

Photos from that first class, sent to Modern Farmer magazine, set off a wave of national press. Morse has described coverage from the Oregonian, The New York Times, People and The Wall Street Journal, and classes began appearing at farms and studios across the country. Her company still operates today as Original Goat Yoga.

Goat yoga is now offered at farms and yoga studios across the United States: our directory tracks 195 active listings in 48 states, spanning regular classes, private events and birthday parties. Read the full origin story →

Benefits of Goat Yoga

An hour in a field with baby goats works on three fronts. In the moment, the laughter and the animals' complete indifference to your form dissolve stress and switch off rumination; brief contact with goats has been shown to reduce anxiety more than a walk in a garden. Underneath the comedy sits a real workout: the familiar yoga gains in flexibility, core strength and balance, plus the hormonal shift that comes with animal contact, oxytocin up and cortisol down. And some of it follows you home: the social bonds of a shared, slightly absurd experience, a gentler attitude to your own practice, and for many people a lasting route into regular yoga.

We cover all ten benefits, with the study evidence behind them, in the full feature: 10 surprising benefits of goat yoga →

What to Expect at Your First Goat Yoga Class

If you're considering trying goat yoga for the first time, knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and prepared. Here's a detailed walkthrough of a typical goat yoga experience.

Before you arrive

• Book your class in advance; goat yoga is popular and spots fill up quickly
• Read the studio's guidelines about arrival time (usually 10-15 minutes early)
• Check the weather forecast if the class is outdoors
• Review what to wear and bring (more details below)
• Consider bringing hand sanitizer and a small towel for cleanup

Arrival and setup

• You'll typically sign a waiver acknowledging the presence of animals and outdoor conditions
• The instructor will provide safety guidelines and introduce the goats
• You'll choose a spot to place your yoga mat (studios usually provide mats, but bring your own if preferred)
• The goats may already be roaming around, or they'll be released once everyone is settled
• Take a moment to greet the goats before class starts; they're usually friendly and love attention

During the class

A typical 45-60 minute session includes:

• Warm-up (5-10 minutes): gentle stretches and breathing exercises to prepare your body. Goats may start investigating participants during this time.
• Yoga flow (20-30 minutes): the instructor guides you through beginner-friendly poses like cat-cow, child's pose, downward dog, plank, and seated stretches, all perfect for goat interactions.
• Goat interactions: baby goats may climb on your back during poses like downward dog or plank, nuzzle you, or simply sit nearby. This is part of the fun.
• Photo opportunities: most classes include dedicated time for photos with the goats.
• Cool-down (5-10 minutes): gentle stretches and final relaxation (savasana), though goats may still be exploring.

The goat experience

• They're curious: goats will explore everything: your mat, your hair, your clothes, your water bottle
• They love to climb: when you're in poses like downward dog, you become an irresistible climbing structure
• They might nibble: goats are naturally curious and may gently nibble on clothing or accessories, so avoid bringing anything you don't want them investigating
• They can be affectionate: many goats enjoy being petted and will seek out attention from participants
• It's okay to set boundaries: if you need space from the goats, it's perfectly fine to gently move them away or reposition yourself

Safety considerations

• The goats are accustomed to people and supervised throughout the class
• Instructors are trained in both yoga and animal handling
• Studio staff will intervene if any goat becomes too rowdy or if a participant needs assistance
• The yoga sequences are modified to be safe with animals present: no complicated balancing poses or inversions
• Outdoor venues typically have fenced areas to keep goats contained

After the class

• Most studios allow extra time after class for photos and goat interaction
• You'll have opportunities to feed or pet the goats (some studios provide treats)
• Clean up your space and return any borrowed equipment
• Many participants stay to chat, share photos, and enjoy the farm atmosphere
• Some venues have farm stores where you can purchase goat products or souvenirs

Common Goat Yoga Poses

Goat yoga classes typically feature beginner-friendly poses that are safe, accessible, and create perfect opportunities for goat interactions. Here are the most common poses you'll encounter.

What to Wear to Goat Yoga

Choosing the right outfit for goat yoga is important for both comfort and practicality. Since you'll be outdoors with animals, your clothing choices should differ slightly from what you'd wear to a regular indoor yoga class.

Do wear

• Fitted, comfortable athletic wear (leggings, yoga pants, fitted t-shirts)
• Clothes you don't mind getting dirty or potentially damaged
• Closed-toe shoes (athletic shoes, hiking boots) for arrival and departure
• Layers you can remove if you get warm
• Dark colors or patterns that won't show dirt easily
• Moisture-wicking fabrics for comfort
• Long sleeves for sun protection at outdoor classes

Don't wear

• Loose, flowing clothing that goats can step on or nibble
• Expensive or sentimental clothing
• Dangling jewelry (necklaces, long earrings, bracelets)
• Open-toed shoes or sandals, except during the practice itself
• White or light colors that show every speck of dirt
• Anything with strings, tassels, or decorations goats might chew
• Heavily scented perfumes or lotions, which may bother the animals

What to bring

• Yoga mat: most studios provide mats, but bringing your own ensures you have one you're comfortable with. Choose one that's easy to clean afterward.
• Water bottle: bring a secure, closeable bottle; goats are curious about open containers.
• Towel: useful for wiping hands, mat cleanup, or sitting on afterward.
• Sunscreen and hat: essential for outdoor classes, especially in summer months.
• Hand sanitizer: for cleaning up after interacting with the goats.
• Phone or camera: you'll want photos. Consider a phone case with a wrist strap.
• Bug spray: for outdoor classes in warmer months.

Hair and accessories

• Tie long hair back securely in a bun or braid; goats are curious about hair
• Use non-slip hair ties rather than clips that could fall out
• Remove or secure any dangling jewelry, which attracts goat attention
• Consider leaving valuable jewelry at home or in your car

Seasonal considerations

• Summer classes: light, breathable fabrics; sunscreen applied before class; a wide-brimmed hat for before and after; extra water.
• Winter classes (indoor or covered): layers you can remove as you warm up; long sleeves and pants; warm socks; a jacket for arrival and departure.

Frequently Asked Questions