Goat Therapy and Goat Yoga

Writer: Olivia Varner

Students met on the Fultz Quad on September 22nd to participate in the opportunity to have some goat therapy with Buttinhead Farms. Students got to go inside the fencing and either sit or stand while the owners let out the young goats, who then were able to roam. People were allowed to hang out and pick up the goats; some even cuddled with them. For an hour, students could come and go as they pleased, but many stayed for the entire time.

Originally this was just a first-year student event; soon, anyone was able to sign up for goat yoga after the therapy. It started like most other yoga classes but quickly became a different experience. While having our foreheads resting on the mat, one of the workers was having all the goats follow him with treats to climb over everyone’s back as we were in that pose.

However, do not forget they are animals and will do what they want, such as pee and/or poop anywhere. One person got pooped on while doing yoga, getting them a free t-shirt after yelling out, “poop happens!” Later we danced to Beyonce as we took a break between doing some yoga poses. We

had to release our inner goat and “breath fire from our mouths.” Not only was it goat yoga, but the owner/instructor also made it into a workout, especially for the legs, as we were doing it by ourselves and when we were doing partner poses. She had us get to know our partners by not only bringing us into some very awkward situations if we do not see the person (such as having to be “butt to butt”) but also by having you tell your partner the answer to one of the few questions she had us answering (like “what is the weirdest thing you have done?”). Even though it was about an hour long, time flew by as it was both tiring and fun. As many said while doing goat yoga, hopefully, this is not the only time this opportunity will arise, and hopefully, Buttinhead farms will be welcomed back once again.