Namaste, nanny goat! Goat Yoga comes to the Central Valley

Quick: think of something better than hanging out with adorable, tiny goats. Maybe the relaxation that comes from a yoga session?

Imagine if you could combine the two.

Now stop imagining because Dream Big Ranch in Sanger is making all your dreams come true.

The healing power of animals

Dream Big Ranch’s owner Tracy Jensen has always felt a connection to animals. She regularly does pet therapy, hospital visits, and petting zoos with her furry friends, and believes animals can trigger a part of our brain that isn’t triggered by other things. Through her experiences and research, she’s seen bunnies jog memories in memory care patients, and nonverbal children talk to chickens. So when she heard about goat yoga, she immediately thought it would be perfect for Dream Big.

“I instantly thought that this was a great extension to my dream of connecting animals and people together. I knew the Central Valley needed something like this. So far I’ve been right! It’s been a great, fun experience where I’ve met so many positive people. The comments I hear from people after their goat yoga experience never ceases to amaze me. We’ve had people come try it as their first yoga experience or even their first time touching a goat. Everyone leaves happy and as if a heavy weight was lifted. The goats allow you to giggle and be present,” she explains.

I know what you’re wondering. Goats are notoriously rambunctious. What if they eat your yoga pants?

According to Tracy, “All our goats are very friendly and used to people. They have a funny personality and often frolic around. I don’t want to say they are perfect little angels that will never try to nibble on someone’s pants, because they might! We have a yoga instructor that leads while I go around and moderate the goats, so to speak. If anyone (goats or humans) is feeling uncomfortable, I am always close by to intervene. I do have to remind people that goats will poop and pee, and everything will be okay!”

More goat yoga experiences on the horizon

The goats participating in goat yoga are Nigerian Dwarf goats, which Tracy breeds for milk as well as companionship. They’re small enough to hug before you go into tree pose, and visitors are welcome to touch the goats, as well as take pictures.

Not only does Dream Big Ranch offer goat yoga to adults, they also have a Mama and Me Goat Yoga session, which is for parents and kids (um, human kids) ages 2 to 8.

There will be more goat yoga sessions in the future, as well as plans for singles goat yoga (IF ANYONE FINDS THE LOVE OF THEIR LIFE AT GOAT YOGA, PLEASE TELL ME BECAUSE THAT IS THE BEST MEET-CUTE STORY EVER). Ahem, anyway, there are lots of opportunities to get your goat… fix.

Goat Yoga details

The next goat yoga session is on Tuesday, Aug. 22 at Dream Big Ranch in Sanger. If you’re interested there are still a few spots left. To register, check out the event page on Facebook here to RSVP.

You will need to click the “going” button and check your messages for a Paypal invoice. The cost of an hour session of goat yoga is $25, and your spot will be held upon payment. You’ll also need to bring your own mat, and it’s best to bring an extra thick mat or towel to give you additional foot support.

If you want to learn more about Dream Big Ranch, check out their website here. To stay up to date on upcoming goat yoga events, including the popular Mommy and Me classes, follow them on Facebook here.