Behind the Goats: Meet Our Herd & Their Personalities
What’s Behind the Goats?
“Ever done downward dog while a goat named Waffles climbs onto your back?”
Welcome to the wild, wonderful, slightly ridiculous (in the best way) world of NY Goat Yoga, where the yoga is real, the connection is deep, and the goats? Oh, honey—they’ve got more personality than a cast of reality TV stars.
Here at Gilbertsville Farmhouse, our herd isn’t just part of the experience. They are the experience. They’re not props. They’re partners. Furry, four-legged co-facilitators of mindfulness, joy, and belly laughs that sneak up on you in child’s pose.
So let’s go behind the scenes (or behind the barn, if you will) and introduce you to our goat gang—each with their own quirks, charm, and life lessons.
🐐 1. Waffles – The Confident Queen Bee
Waffles is the Beyoncé of the herd. No, seriously—this goat knows when the camera is out. She’ll pose, prance, and gently nudge you for attention like she’s your fuzzy life coach in hoofed heels.
She was bottle-fed as a baby and raised practically in someone's lap, which explains her people-pleasing, center-stage energy. During yoga sessions, Waffles is the one most likely to hop on your back with regal confidence and stay there like she owns it.
Yogi Takeaway: Waffles teaches us to take up space—boldly, unapologetically, and preferably while standing on someone’s shoulders (metaphorically… or not).
🐐 2. Pickles – The Soft-Spoken Soul Goat
Pickles is our introvert. You’ll find her slowly sauntering up to guests, gently sniffing your mat like she’s browsing the menu before committing. She won’t jump right on your back—but if she curls up next to you during savasana? Consider yourself chosen.
She loves the quiet moments—eye contact, gentle ear scratches, and sunshine naps under the tree. If goats journaled, Pickles would be the one writing poetry under the moonlight.
Yogi Takeaway: Stillness has power. Pickles is a reminder that you don’t need to be loud to leave a lasting impact.
🐐 3. Nugget – The Comedian in Fur
Where do we even begin with Nugget? If goats could do stand-up, he’d be booked every Saturday night. Nugget is the class clown who loves to sneak up behind guests and nibble on their hoodie strings mid-pose. He’s mastered the art of comedic timing.
He also loves butt wiggles. (Not kidding.) Sometimes he just… dances. Goat joy is real, and Nugget is the poster child.
Yogi Takeaway: Joy isn’t frivolous—it’s necessary. Nugget is the embodiment of “don’t take life too seriously or you’ll miss the fun.”
🐐 4. Olive – The Gentle Mama Energy
Olive is nurturing, steady, and low-key psychic. She’s the goat who senses when someone needs a little extra TLC. She’ll approach slowly, brush up against your side, and stand there grounding you like a weighted blanket with hooves.
She once stayed by a guest’s mat the entire class after they quietly mentioned they were having a tough week. It’s hard to explain, but if you know, you know.
Yogi Takeaway: Healing happens in the quietest, softest moments. Olive brings the reiki energy before you even realize you need it.
🐐 5. Toast – The Mischievous Middle Child
Toast is… well, chaotic good. Always testing the fences, chewing what he shouldn’t, and somehow ending up in places no goat belongs (like inside the yoga prop bin). He’s curious, bold, and hilariously persistent.
And yet, you can’t help but admire his spirit. He reminds you to challenge the rules, push the edges, and explore the space—both on your mat and in your mindset.
Yogi Takeaway: There’s magic in the mess. Toast is a nudge to embrace your inner rebel with a wink and a goat-like head tilt.
🐐 6. Clementine – The Elegant Elder
Every herd has a matriarch—and Clementine is ours. She’s older, wiser, and walks like she knows ancient goat secrets. She doesn’t rush. She glides. You’ll spot her standing slightly apart, observing everything like a teacher grading your alignment.
But when she does join you? It feels like a blessing. She radiates calm, grounded leadership—and she’s seen enough sunrises to remind you that you’re going to be just fine.
Yogi Takeaway: Age is grace. Clementine is the goat version of that one yoga teacher who whispers something during savasana that makes you cry in the best way.
The Herd as Healers (Yes, Really)
Now, if you're thinking, “Okay, this is all very cute, but is there any actual science behind this?”—yes. So much yes.
Goat yoga taps into something called animal-assisted therapy. Simply being near calm, friendly animals lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and boosts oxytocin (the love-and-bonding hormone). That’s not just good vibes—that’s neurobiology, baby.
But beyond the science, there’s something deeply human about it. Being with these goats during a yoga class grounds you. It reminds you to be playful. To let go. To stop curating every moment and just live in it—hoof nibbles, goat poops, and all.
A Note from the Barn...
If you've ever felt like you're not "zen" enough for yoga, or too burnt out to find joy, our goats would like a word. And by “word,” we mean a gentle headbutt of encouragement.
Here at NY Goat Yoga, every goat brings something different to the mat—and so do you. Whether you’re a full-on yogi with a dedicated breath practice or someone who just needed an excuse to leave the city for a weekend, you belong here.
And chances are, one of our goats is waiting to meet you—with a unique personality, a surprising connection, and maybe a little nudge to remind you:
“You’re already enough. Just as you are. Let’s stretch, laugh, and maybe eat some hay about it.”
🧘♀️ Come Meet Them IRL
We host weekly classes, seasonal events, private goat yoga parties, and full retreats—so whether you’re a yogi, a wellness warrior, or just someone who really needs to laugh-cry under the sun, the herd is waiting.
✨ Book your class. Bring your mat. We’ll bring the goats.
👉 Reserve your spot here!
