Goat Yoga returns to Jupiter Farm supporting veterans and first responders

Goat resting on a yoga mat. [Photo by Seven Harrie]

Residents looking for a unique way to unwind while supporting a local cause will have an opportunity to do both when goat yoga returns to Groovy Goat Farm on May 30.

The outdoor class is scheduled from 9 to 10 a.m. at the farm, located at 11667 165th Road North in Jupiter, and welcomes participants of all ages and ability levels.

Organizers describe the experience as a chance to leave the stresses of daily life behind and spend an hour surrounded by nature and some of the farm’s most popular residents — its growing herd of goats.

Proceeds from ticket sales help support free programs offered to veterans, law enforcement officers and first responders.

While goat yoga has become increasingly popular across the country, the story behind Groovy Goat Farm is uniquely local.

The farm began in 2015 when owners Doug Johnson and his wife, Korinne, welcomed two African Pygmy goats into their barn after learning that goats thrive in the company of other goats. What started as a Valentine's Day gift inspired by an orphaned baby goat named Benjamin quickly grew into something much larger.

With little prior experience raising goats, the couple soon discovered the animals were intelligent, social and full of personality.

As friends and family visited to help bottle-feed the goats and spend time with them, interest in the animals continued to grow. Over the years, the original pair expanded into a diverse herd that now numbers more than 40 goats.

Today, the farm has become a gathering place for visitors seeking animal encounters, outdoor experiences and opportunities to connect with nature.

Organizers say the goats' playful personalities make them ideal yoga companions, often wandering among participants, seeking attention and adding an element of fun and unpredictability to each session.

The May 30 class is expected to provide a relaxed environment where participants can enjoy gentle exercise while interacting with the farm's resident herd.

Groovy Goat Farm is located in western Jupiter and regularly hosts community events designed to promote wellness, animal interaction and support for local service members and first responders.