Goats turned loose in a yoga class behave pretty much like nature meant them to act – like goats.
They nibble a button on Ron Hinson’s shirt.
They climb higher plateaus, like Michele Ryan’s inviting back as she drops down onto four hands into the cow pose.
They take snack breaks — and munch the greenery in the enclosed garden at the American House senior living community in Zephyrhills.
Or, they jump into the laps of unsuspecting observers, who thought they could sit in chairs and wonder from inside their goat-free bubble: Why all the fuss about “goat yoga?”
The answer came in a chorus of “ohs” and “whoa” that burst forth from yoga students, charmed by the antics of about a dozen Nigerian dwarf goats.
About 35 people from American House, and local residents, unfurled yoga mats (or sat and watched) for an hour of gentle yoga, with rambunctious goats.
The humans gave in to laughter and fellowship.
“See the joy,” said yoga instructor, Leiko “KoKo” Bergers.
“Everyone has a little bit of the love of nature in them. And, the goats bring that out.”
American House resident Jack Hanrahan, 84, laid on his mat while a goat stepped onto his tummy.
He’s an avid yoga student for its health benefits. He thought adding goats was just plain fun and a “good experience.”
Michele Ryan and Judy Chassey saw a flier about the goat yoga experience at their gym.
“We really didn’t know what to expect, but we’re animal lovers,” Ryan said.
Goat yoga was a first for American House, which is home for assisted living and memory care residents.
It won’t be the last.
Animals are a big deal at American House, whether goats or kittens, or birds. Special visits are regular events.
“Animals are always so therapeutic,” said Debbie Kern, American House’s activities director. “We’re always doing something up close with animals and nature.”
Goat yoga started trending about two years ago when a ranch owner in Oregon let her goats roam freely through an outdoor yoga class.
Debbie Canton, founder and executive director of Grady Goat Foundation, rounded up her crew of goats for the inaugural goat yoga class at American House.
Canton and her family operate a working ranch in Thonotosassa, where she has about 90 goats.
On Saturdays and Sundays once a month, people are invited to Hat Trick Ranch for goat yoga. Donations are accepted, and funds given to charities to aid children with physical, mental or economic challenges.
The nonprofit foundation is named for Grady, a goat that couldn’t stand or walk at birth. Though he learned to walk, he also was blind and deaf. Canton said his struggles and his perseverance were inspiring.
From the time a goat is born, socializing with humans begins, Canton said.
“They are all handled from Day 1,” she said.
Interaction between goat and humans adds a little spark.
“We consider ourselves to be full-contact goat yoga,” Canton added.
As the class began, she laid down a few rules to follow.
For one, be wary of putting fingers near their mouths.
“They do nibble,” Canton said. “But, they also do like to be scratched anywhere. Under the chin is their favorite spot.”
She enticed a few goats to climb onto students’ backs with small treats of animal crackers. “We take out all the goat ones,” she joked.
There can be hazards during class.
Canton has a spray bottle of cleaner fluid at the ready for goat “accidents.”
Everyone adapted.
“Glad to see you today,” said Hinson, as a pair of goats nuzzled him. One heard the call of nature. “Hey, you’re peeing on my blanket.”
Canton quickly eradicated the blotch.
Chassey summed up the experience in one word: “Awesome.”
Dade City resident Connie Gonzalez, 60, found herself surrounded by goats, eyeing her dangly earrings and climbing on her back.
“You can feel the points of their feet,” she said. “It feels good. And, I have trouble with my back.”
Thonotosassa resident Lea Bourlon shared the feeling.
“I loved it,” she said. “They really give you a good massage when they’re on your back.”
Published July 4, 2018