When they’re not producing milk for sought-after soaps, you may find the Ryder Family Farm’s happy herd of goats in a yoga class on the farm. In fact, people across the nation are embracing this quirky workout. Chances are, there’s a goat yoga class near you – including in the Land of Lincoln.

The unique practice brings together the proven benefits of yoga and animal-assisted therapy. According to the UCLA People-Animal Connection Program, merely petting an animal promotes relaxation and the release of mood-elevating hormones. (Just try not to giggle when a baby goat climbs on your back during Table Top pose!)

“Goat yoga gets you outside and connects you with animals and nature,” Talina Ryder says. “People want to do a pose and have a baby goat climb on them. It’s a lot of fun.”

Scroll through the slideshow to find out where you may be able to join in a goat yoga session in Illinois:

Prev1 of 5
Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse

Ryder Family Farm

Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

Golconda

(618) 615-0063

ryderfamilyfarm.com

See more: First-Generation Farmers Put Down Roots in Illinois at Ryder Family Farm

Prev1 of 5
Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse

COMMENTS