Audrey, nearly 5, loves both yoga and farm animals and it seems she’s not the only one. Goat yoga is a craze that’s been sweeping the country for the past year and there are two places in the Charlotte area you can experience this phenomenon.
I took Audrey to Wish We Had Acres in Steele Creek. It’s the only one that allows children under the age of twelve. After checking in, we walked through an old barn gate as the goats lead us to a small enclosure nestled under a beautiful tree canopy. There were already a few people there, but the goats, being exquisite hosts, sauntered over to welcome us with sniffs and nuzzles.
As for yoga, the certified instructor Kathy said at the beginning of class, “it’s your practice, do what you can.” She cautioned that it’s certainly different than being in a yoga studio, there are many things to inhibit your practice. The most obvious one was certainly the goats, but there’s also the uneven grass and earth below your feet, making balance poses especially challenging.
Goat Yoga is a little more relaxed than your average yoga class. It’s certainly not the silent “om” practice of meeting yourself on your mat. It’s meant to be a playful twist on yoga. A healthy and happy distraction, that inevitably teaches you how to be with distractions. It’s also filled with giggles, photo ops and the occasional pee or poop on your yoga mat. Simply flip your mat over and continue your downward dog. I’d recommend flipping your shoes upside down in the grass to avoid any mishaps as well. The miniature pygmy goats will sniff, graze and suckle your fingers. They’ll also nudge, climb or crawl on you and inspect your tote for something tasty.
Audrey managed a few downward dogs, planks and even a crescent lunge twist before running off to play with the goats and a few other kids. It’s definitely more about the goats than yoga, but most parents know intuitively anytime they bring their kids (or goats) along, it’s different and usually in a good way.
It was a perfect to way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon with my daughter. Stretching our bodies outside in the fresh spring grass, under a bright green canopy surrounding by pygmy goats and giggles. It was just the kind of yoga we needed. Namaste.
Classes are running now through October
No Restrooms, unless your a goat and you’ll go anywhere
Bring water and a yoga mat or towel
Bug Spray & Sunscreen
Register online via the websites
Wish We Had Acres
10715 Shopton Rd W Charlotte, NC 28278
http://wishwehadacres.com/2018-goat-yoga/Children under 12 are welcome.
Critter Creek Farm
Westminster Park
3916 India Hook Rd Rock Hill, SC 29732
https://crittercreekfarm.com/goat-yogaMinimum age is 12.
Wine tasting is also offered
