Having baby goats in a yoga session raises the bar on the fun and frolic and brings out new people who may not otherwise approach the yoga scene. “We saw goat yoga events in other parts of the country,” states Kacy McAllister, one of the yoga instructors with Blacksburg Yoga Collective and the box office and student engagement manager at the Moss Arts Center. “The novelty of being with goats is the attraction; not many people have the opportunity to interact with these playful little creatures.” So, last spring, Hoof Hearted Farm in Blacksburg teamed up with the Blacksburg Yoga Collective and hosted goat yoga weekly at the farm.
Holding a goat yoga event at the Moss Arts Center during move-in week was planned, in part, for students to enjoy the goats and the yoga, as well as see the building and learn about all the activities, programs and performances throughout the academic year. “Adult goats do not jump like the little ones,” McAllister says. “They are exuberant and funny and will jump or climb on anything, including a yoga participant. Their little hooves are soft, and they’re lightweight.” The sponsors see that the goats break down barriers to yoga for creating a very casual, relaxed, outdoor environment. It’s a win-win-win for participants-yoga-goats.
Text by Joanne Anderson | Photos by Kristie Lea Photography
