Goats put their hooves into yoga class

Jumping from the back of one woman to another, a baby goat is the center of attention of this yoga class. These 16 participants have come for the health benefits of yoga but also for the novelty of interacting with goats. 

GGA Dwarf Goat Yoga is both a Zen farm and mental health wellness company that was built “solely for therapeutic, animal-assisted experiences,” according to its website. Located on a non-descript residential street in Tucker, the farm offers yoga sessions, cow and goat cuddling experiences, hiking with goats, pilates with goats, sound bath, and evening wine and animal encounters. 

According to brand ambassador and spokesperson Maddy Yangnouvong, the farm was started in 2021 by G.G. Matthews, a third-generation farmer with a love of animals and a belief in the therapeutic benefits of animal encounters. Matthews and his wife Sabrina, who serves as chief marketing officer and yoga instructor, are assisted in running the business with a staff of instructors, goat whisperers, caretakers, and others. 

Yangnouvong explained that the farm’s goats are Australian dwarf goats that are docile and easy to train. 

Eight baby goats—all under a year old—are kept in the farm’s nursery. In the part of the property known as The Sanctuary, eight adult goats—some rescues, reside. Two Highland micro cows are also housed in the nursery. The farm also runs an animal adoption/foster program. 

At a Feb. 21 yoga class, one of two goat whisperers went over rules with a group of eager attendees, cautioning them that goats pee and poop, those with long hair should tie it up, and that while goats generally nibble and won’t bite, “Don’t stick your fingers in their mouths.” 

Amauri Mitchell of Atlanta is one of the many first-timers here accompanied by three family members. 

“I saw it on TikTok,” said Mitchell while standing in line to check in for the class. “I thought it was cool. We should just try it.” 

Her party nodded that they were eager to come along. 

During the first 15 minutes of the class, instructor Ashley Sailor leads the groups in a series of movements and breathing exercises. The class follows her lead, but many keep peering over their shoulders, clearly looking to see if the goats have arrived. 

When two whisperers carry in four baby goats, there’s plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” and laughter. 

“Hi friend,” said one woman to one of the goats. “I need this,” said another. “They’re so cute,” commented another. 

As the yoga teacher calls out instructions and class members refocus on the yoga movements, some of the goats jump on their backs and legs. The whisperers entice the goats to jump from one person’s back to another by enticing them with a small half-full baby bottle.  

The goats—Jesse, Salt, Pepper, and Foxy—are curious and engaging with the class members. They roam around the colorful patchwork of yoga mats, occasionally chewing on a class member’s hair or an unsecured personal item. 

Toward the end of the class, Mariah Griffin of Stone Mountain said she enjoyed the experience and would come again. 

“It was cool,” said Griffin. “I love how everyone gets a chance to have hands-on experience with them.” 

Her mother April Mitchell said the class was a birthday present for her daughter. 

“It’s fun, it’s entertaining, and you get a little bit of a workout too,” she said. “It makes yoga fun.” 

For more information on the classes and the farm, go to ggadwarfgoatyoga.com.