The Ashland University Recreation and Wellness Organization is set to hold a goat yoga event on Wednesday, Oct. 4.    

The event will take place on the quad, facing the Kettering Science building from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. All students are encouraged to spend the hour relaxing and practicing mindfulness during a yoga session with the help of baby goats.   

Janel Molnar, director of Recreation and Wellness says, “Goat yoga is doing yoga with baby goats who come and crawl on you while being leashed. Because of the yoga being more laid back, the goats will climb on and around you during your stretches.”  

 There will be three baby goats, two miniature goats, and a rabbit roaming the quad while students practice yoga poses. The goats will be leashed and have treats with professionals directing them where to go.    

The yoga class will be instructed by Jody Thomae, an individual from the community who teaches other yoga classes during the week in Upper Chapel. Molnar says, “Yoga helps students be mindful: mindful of your breathing, mindful of your surroundings, and mindful of your intentions.” She also said students could gain health benefits from yoga including stretching, relaxation, and flexibility.   

Hannah Coon, an attendee of the event last year says, “The instructors know what they’re doing so you get the full yoga experience while also getting to see some baby goats who will be more than happy to come over by you and climb on you. It’s such a fun way to spend a weeknight.”  

Molnar said they will provide yoga mats, towels, and water, but if one would like to bring their own, that is welcomed. She recommends wearing athletic clothing (dependent on the weather conditions), and “…you may want to bring an extra shirt, we had an accident with one of the goats last year. . .” says Molnar, jokingly. 

The leaders of the event will be scanning Eagle Card IDs at the event.    

Although there is no cap on the event, Molnar says, “We would like students to register to know how many people are coming.”   

Registration will be open until Tuesday, Oct. 3 on Engage.