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)
🔬 But Seriously—Is There Actual Science Behind Goat Yoga?
Oh, honey. You bet your chakras there is.
We get it—on the surface, goat yoga sounds like something dreamed up during a wine-fueled brainstorming session (and honestly, maybe it was). But beneath the cuteness and chaos lies real, research-backed healing.
Goat yoga taps into the field of animal-assisted therapy—and it's not woo-woo, it’s wow-wow neuroscience. Just being around calm, social animals has been shown to:
Lower cortisol (that pesky stress hormone)
Increase oxytocin (the love + bonding hormone)
Improve mood regulation and nervous system resilience
In other words, petting a goat might actually do more for your anxiety than your last Zoom therapy session.
🧠 The Science Meets the Soul
But the magic doesn’t stop at hormones.
When you're on a mat under the sky, surrounded by goats who could not care less how perfect your pigeon pose is, something in you softens. The pressure lifts. You laugh. You breathe deeper. You drop into the now without even trying.
It’s like your inner child finally gets a playdate—and your adult self gets permission to stop striving.
That’s not just “a vibe.” That’s embodied presence. That’s regulation through relational connection. That’s your brain going, “Wait... are we safe and happy right now?” And your body going, “Yep.”
💩 And Yes, Sometimes There’s Goat Poop
Look—we’re not saying it’s always serene. Sometimes a goat pees on your mat mid-meditation. Sometimes Waffles tries to eat your journal. But isn’t that the point?
Life is messy. Healing is imperfect. And joy doesn’t always look like a silent retreat in Bali.
Sometimes, joy looks like a goat standing on your back while you try to remember how to breathe—and for once, you’re not doing it wrong.
You're just doing it real.
A Note from the Barn...
If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not flexible enough for yoga” or “I can barely make it through the week without crying into a croissant,” — our goats would like to lovingly interrupt your inner critic.
And by “lovingly interrupt,” we mean they’d probably climb into your lap mid-meditation and chew your shoelaces until you smile.
Here at NY Goat Yoga, every single goat brings something different to the mat—and so do you. Some show up playful, some come curious, some quietly sit and observe. Sound familiar?
Whether you're a seasoned yogi who can hold crow pose longer than a Netflix binge, or someone who just needed a breather from city life and a reason to laugh again—you belong here.
And odds are, one of our goats is already picking you out from the herd (pun fully intended)—with a quirky personality, an unexpected bond, and maybe a gentle reminder:
“You don’t need to be more ‘zen,’ more fit, or more anything. You’re enough. Come as you are—and maybe bring snacks.”
🧘♀️ 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!
