What are the Things to Consider Before Trying Goat Yoga
What are the Things to Consider Before Trying Goat Yoga?: A Downward Dog with a Side of Baaah
So, you’ve seen it on Instagram—someone in Warrior II with a tiny goat perched on their back, smiling like they've reached nirvana. And now you’re wondering: Is goat yoga really a thing? (Spoiler: Yes.) But more importantly: Is it for me?
Let’s talk about it—human to human, yogi to yogi. As someone who’s guided hundreds of people through their first goat yoga class, I’ve seen it all: the skeptical side-eyes, the surprised belly laughs, the accidental goat cuddles, and yes, the unforgettable joy of trying something just weird enough to change your life a little.
Here’s everything you need to know before you unroll your mat in a barn—or field—next to a baby goat.
🧘♀️ 1. Let Go of the Idea of a “Serious” Practice
If you're coming from a traditional yoga background—maybe you’re a die-hard Ashtanga lover or a Vinyasa flow devotee—goat yoga will feel like a very different kind of practice.
Goat yoga is not about perfect alignment or spiritual transcendence. It’s about presence, play, and reconnecting with your inner child.
Yes, you’ll get a light flow in. Yes, you’ll stretch, breathe, and move with intention. But when a goat decides to hop on your back in tabletop, trust me: your core will work harder than in your usual crow pose. And your heart? It’s going to burst open like a sun salutation at sunrise.
Baddie Tip: Come with a sense of humor, an open mind, and no expectation that you’ll find enlightenment—but you might find joy, which is pretty damn close.
🐐 2. What to Wear (and Not Wear)
This isn’t your candle-lit studio session with mood lighting and essential oils. Goat yoga typically takes place outdoors—think barns, fields, farms, or grassy knolls where goats roam free and sometimes… poop.
Here’s what to wear:
Clothes you can move in AND get dirty: Think fitted activewear you won’t mind getting a little dusty or nibbled.
Closed-toed shoes for before/after class: Barefoot is fine during class, but you’ll thank yourself for proper footwear before and after.
No strings, fringe, or tassels: Goats love to nibble. That cute tassel hoodie? Goat bait.
Baddie Tip: Leave the Lululemon white set at home. Go for comfort, coverage, and a color that doesn’t scream, “Please jump on me, I’m new!”
💩 3. Yes, There Might Be Poop. Here’s How We Handle It.
Let’s rip the bandage off: goats are adorable, but they’re still animals. And animals… do their business.
The good news? It’s usually tiny pellets, easily cleaned, and staff are always on “poop patrol.”
But mentally prepare for the fact that you’re practicing yoga in a natural, rustic environment. This is not your sanitized city studio. And that’s part of the charm.
Baddie Tip: Bring a towel or old blanket to place under your mat for a little extra protection and peace of mind.
🤝 4. Goat Yoga is Equal Parts Therapy and Fun
You might think goat yoga is just a social media stunt. But science (and our own experience) says otherwise.
Spending time with animals releases oxytocin—aka the bonding hormone—which reduces stress and increases feelings of connection. Combine that with breathwork, stretching, and the laughter that inevitably comes when a goat nuzzles your neck mid-pose, and you’ve got a mental health win.
We’ve had people cry from laughter. Others from sheer relief. Goat yoga has been described as “the weirdest, most wonderful therapy session I never knew I needed.”
Baddie Tip: Let it be what it is. Goat yoga won’t fix everything, but it can help you feel better, lighter, and more connected to joy.
📸 5. It’s a Great Photo Op—but Be Present
Yes, you’ll get Instagram-worthy shots. Our team or your fellow yogis are always happy to snap a pic (with a goat on your back, if you dare).
But trust us when we say: don’t do it just for the photo.
The real magic of goat yoga happens off-camera—in those quiet, silly, soulful moments when you let your guard down and just play.
Baddie Tip: Let someone else take the photos. You just breathe, laugh, and live it.
🧺 6. Bring These Essentials With You
Here’s your goat yoga checklist, so you come prepped like a pro:
Yoga mat (preferably an older one)
Towel or blanket to go underneath
Water bottle
Sunscreen & bug spray if outdoors
Hair tie (goats love hair)
Phone/camera (optional, but you’ll want memories!)
Baddie Tip: Don’t overpack. Keep it simple, and focus on being fully in the moment.
💡 7. Ask About the Goats—Seriously
All goat yoga classes aren’t created equal. At Gilbertsville Farmhouse, for example, our goats are hand-raised, socialized, and genuinely love interacting with people.
Some places might use goats that aren’t used to humans, which can make the experience less enjoyable or even stressful for both the goats and you.
Ask before you book:
Are the goats socialized?
How are they cared for?
Do they interact during class?
You want happy, healthy goats just as much as you want a beautiful practice.
Baddie Tip: Trust your gut. If the place doesn’t feel ethical, skip it.
🌱 8. You Don’t Need to Be an Experienced Yogi
Goat yoga is beginner-friendly, baby.
You don’t need to know Sanskrit. You don’t need to touch your toes. All you need is the ability to laugh and try something new.
In fact, many of our guests have never done yoga before. And they leave feeling empowered, relaxed, and proud of themselves for trying something that felt a little wild and out of the box.
Baddie Tip: Goat yoga is the gateway drug to yoga addiction. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. 😉
🌟 Final Thoughts: Should You Try It?
If you’re looking for a fun, low-pressure way to reconnect with your body, relieve stress, and spend time with adorable animals… the answer is: yes.
Goat yoga isn’t just a trend. It’s a celebration of presence, laughter, nature, and community.
And at the end of the day, isn’t that what yoga’s really about?
So go ahead—embrace the mess, the magic, and the mayhem. Your mat will always be there. But the goat? That’s a once-in-a-lifetime backbend buddy.
Need help?
Ready to try your first goat yoga class?
👉 Book your spot at Gilbertsville Farmhouse and come meet our goat squad IRL.
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