By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
When it comes to goat yoga, it’s safe to say that Miner Farms isn’t afraid to kid around.
Goat Yoga is hosted by Miner Farms, 305 Alderete Lane, with two or three sessions held during the springtime. These morning yoga sessions invite people to exercise outside while interacting with the farm-raised goats.
Miner Farms is a functioning farm dedicated to raising around 200 animals including horses, chickens and rabbits. The farm is known for selling eggs, giving away pets and offering horseback riding lessons.
Christine Miner, owner of Miner Farms, said she started hosting yoga sessions during the spring of 2022 when they had six-month-old baby goats. “The goats are super interactive and are super friendly; they have been played with since they were born, and so they love it when they see people show up,” Miner said.
These yoga sessions are beneficial because the younger goats get to become comfortable around people and learn to not be afraid, Miner said. Guests are only allowed to bring their drinks and leave behind any outside food. This is to avoid the animals from getting sick and ruining their digestive systems.
The yoga sessions last for an hour in the farm’s backyard, and guests have to message the Miner Farms Facebook page to reserve a spot. Their yoga instructor, Marisa Magana, has done goat yoga in other ranches and knows how to work with animals. She said regular yoga is more focused while yoga with animals is more therapeutic and relaxing.
People who have done yoga before or want to try it out for the first time have signed up and became regulars. Kayla Horasek said she immediately became excited after hearing about a yoga class with animals to pet and cuddle with.
Cristina Jimenez is another regular who was part of one of the earliest yoga sessions in spring 2022. Jimenez said it is a fun experience to exercise while having animals around and connecting with nature.
Another goat yoga session is planned for May though a date has not been announced yet. Miner said they will also have a set of baby goats planned to arrive for the fall, and this may open up more yoga sessions to be held later in the year.
