The Original Goat Yoga celebrates local opening
The Original Goat Yoga celebrates local opening
POESTENKILL, N.Y.» Goats are part of the yoga experience at one local farm.
A ribbon cutting ceremony for The Original Goat Yoga was held Thursday at 4 J’s Farm, located at 4 High Meadow Rd. in Poestenkill.
The Original Goat Yoga - now a nationwide popular trend that involves practicing yoga with goats roaming around - started in Oregon in 2016 and has expanded to nine locations: three in Oregon; Carlisle, Penn.; New Castle, Ky.; Lansing, MI; San Francisco Bay Area, Calif.; Chicago, and one right in Rensselaer County.
The local goat yoga site recently started its second season of outdoor classes.
The Poestenkill goat yoga is a partnership between 4 J’s Farm and Delmar yoga studio Barefoot Space.
The idea first came from Barefoot Space owner Dawn Dotson, who approached 4 J’s Farm owner Jodi Pasinello about bringing The Original Goat Yoga to her rural Rensselaer County farm a few years ago. Though at first she wasn’t sure how well it would go over, Pasinello recalls telling Dotson “‘Let’s try it!”
The Original Goat Yoga classes started at 4 J’s Farm last year, and people have traveled to attend from as far away as New York City, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and even Maine. The sessions, which are held midday on Sundays, are often sold out.
“It’s been a great ride,” Pasinello said. “It really has.”
In the future Pasinello hopes for 4 J’s Farm to become a small farm animal rescue, and having the goat yoga classes has help it gain exposure and awareness toward that goal.
“It’s been a journey,” Dotson said to attendees as the ceremony. “We’ve worked really hard to make this thrive.”
This establishment also hosts private events such as birthday parties, bachelorette and corporate health and wellness for employee team bonding.
“This is a great asset to our district,” said Rensselaer County Legislator Scott Bendett at Thursday’s event, which was also attended by the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin also congratulated the organizers on their successful and unique endeavor. “We’re thrilled to see it and we wish you all the best.”
More information on The Original Goat Yoga is available online at goatyoga.net, where visitors can sign up for scheduled classes.
The next local events are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 1 at 4 J’s Farm. Admission is $35 per person.