O'Keefe Ranch curator Carla-Jean Stokes comes face to face with a goat during a forward bend.
(CHARLOTTE HELSTON / iNFOnews.ca)
September 13, 2017 - 4:50 PM
VERNON - Inhale, exhale — hello goat.
That’s kind of how the Historic O’Keefe Ranch’s new Yoga with Goats class unfolds. Every once in a while, the adorable face of a miniature goat pops it head up in the middle of your downward dog.
Held outside twice a week throughout September, the course is a full hour of yoga — just with goats.
Instructor Jennifer Greenwood leads the hour-long class at O'Keefe Ranch.
(CHARLOTTE HELSTON / iNFOnews.ca)
“Oh my goodness, it’s my new favourite class,” instructor Jennifer Greenwood says. “I’ve not done it before (and) it’s awesome. I have to say, the goats are so sweet. They get you to giggle.”
The goats, which are on loan from Taylorside Mini Farm, are friendly and curious, often surprising participants by brushing up against them or licking an arm. Instead of a typical yoga prop, you might find yourself using a goat as a headrest.
Celena Winters enjoys a twist, while a goat hangs out on her mat.
(CHARLOTTE HELSTON / iNFOnews.ca)
The ranch’s marketing and events coordinator Kelly MacIntosh says she and the curator, Carla-Jean Stokes, started talking about yoga with goats a while ago and decided to give it a try.
“(We) thought why not? We have the goats and the space,” MacIntosh says.
After taking the class herself, she describes it as both “healing and humorous.”
“I did have a goat crawl onto my back,” MacIntosh says with a laugh. “But they’re tiny and they’re light.”
Kelly MacIntosh stays focussed while a goat climbs onto her back.
(CHARLOTTE HELSTON / iNFOnews.ca)
With numerous other animals on the ranch, you’re likely to hear a rooster crowing or a horse whinnying in the distance — not your average serenity soundtrack, but still extremely peaceful.
The one-hour class is $20 + GST per person and includes regular admission to the O’Keefe Ranch.
Beginners are welcome, and children are permitted in the company of a guardian.
Pre-registration is required as space is limited. For more information and to register call 250-542-7868 or email events@okeeferanch.ca.
(CHARLOTTE HELSTON / iNFOnews.ca)
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