PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The world of goat yoga may have as many puns as it does goats. In recent years, goat yoga has expanded beyond goats and into animals of all types. Here in Southern Maryland, the trend has found a home among the many family-owned farms in the area that offer yoga with animals.
Incorporating an extra factor into yoga practice is a long-held marketing strategy to try to get people in the door. Amanda Bowen, owner of Goattobezen, says that the yoga matters most.
“My goat yoga classes are suitable for beginners,” she says. “There’s a special type of zen to goat yoga. You’re outside, you’re bonding with the animals. But for me it’s all about opening people up to the practice.”
Bowen also added that people seek out goat yoga for different reasons. Some are looking for opportunities to be outside or connect with animals. Others just want to hang out — some have told her that goat yoga is a bucket list item.
The origins of goat yoga in the U.S. aren’t totally clear, but the practice has been credited to an Oregon-based farm owner named Lainey Morse, who hosted the first class in 2015. Since then, the popularity of goat yoga has ebbed and flowed like many other trends. Post-pandemic emphasis on mental health research, support systems and self-care options have helped bring the trend back in a big way. Americans are lonelier than ever, and our newfound awareness of those disconnections could encourage us to participate in activities like goat yoga.
The human-animal bond is powerful, and studies show that pets in particular can help reduce stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Even just a few minutes spent petting an animal has benefits. Basically, we’re primed for these types of events.
In Southern Maryland, independent farms and homesteads offer all types of opportunities for people to approach animal yoga with their specific goals in mind. From a neigh-maste (horses) to downward dogs (puppies), animals and yoga seem to be a perfect match.
The classes can be beneficial for the animals, too. They get the chance to interact with people and work on specific training skills that can help them later. Rescues across the country have adopted animal yoga as a way to get people in the door to encourage adoptions. Bowen says she’s personally seen some of her rescue goats come out of their shells through goat yoga classes.
Just like a typical yoga practice, with animal yoga, you get what you put in.
Here are some local animal yoga options taking place in Southern Maryland. Be sure to check websites and social media for the most up-to-date information.
Goattobezen
Amanda Bowen launched her goat yoga class in 2018. Since then, she’s been traveling all over Maryland and Virginia to offer goat yoga classes with some of her favorite kids. She was raised taking care of goats and believes that the best goat yoga classes are when the instructor has a bond with their animals. Goattobezen offers classes on their farm and at vineyards, breweries and other spots in the DMV.
K&J’s Co-op
This Prince Frederick farm specializes in miniature animal parties and events. They’re well known in the area for traveling to other local businesses with their miniature cows (also called mini-moos) and other adorable animals. K&J’s hosts on-farm yoga with the cows and has an annual yoga class coming up in June with Flying Frog Fitness (see below).
Fossil Hill Farms
Fossil Hill Farms is home to goats, chickens and more. The farm offers both on-site yoga classes and off-site bookings. With new kids born every spring, Fossil Hill focuses on education and connection with the farm animals starting at a young age. They have a sizable pack of goats, adults and kids, who participate in goat yoga events.
Flying Frog Fitness
If your dream is doing yoga with cats, Flying Frog is the place. This Prince Frederick studio partners with local rescues like Mabel’s Orphaned Angels Rescue to bring cats to yoga classes. In addition to enjoying the time with cats, these events also encourage potential adopters to meet the cats and start the adoption process.
Crofton Yoga
It’s not all about the goats. Crofton Yoga and Wellness is hosting Gentle Yoga on the Farm in partnership with Maryland Therapeutic Riding on the first Sunday of every month, from now until Oct. 5. This class includes yoga with horses, and it’s free to participate. Horse yoga is on the newer side of farm-animal-inspired yoga, but horse therapy and horse-riding therapy are respected practices for people dealing with trauma and other mental health struggles.
Tettimer’s Produce Stand at Rolling Acres Farm
This farm hosts regular events of all types and recently featured yoga on the farm as part of Wellness Friday. Keep an eye out for additional yoga events and join this farm for more family-oriented activities.
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