No problem if you missed the first session last month. The latest trend sweeping the US has made its way to Pennywell Farm near Buckfastleigh with Animal Yoga (yes, it is actually a real thing) classes beginning this summer.

Combining nature, animals and yoga, the activity is something that has a growing following across the pond with one instructor in Oregan reporting a 1200 person waiting list.

The Pennywell classes will be run by qualified Hatha Yoga teacher Donna McCheyne with sessions designed to be accessible for all. Her style is playful, inspired by her love for animals and the great outdoors.

Staying true to the teachings of yoga, the classes aim to relax and revitalise the body whilst boosting and uplifting the mood.

When Donna first approached Pennywell’s owner, Chris Murray he admits to being more than a little skeptical and explains: “When I first received the email from Donna I didn’t know whether to take it seriously or not but having researched it online, I found that not only does goat yoga exist, it’s really rather popular”.

It is widely known that there are both mental and physical health benefits simply from interacting with animals. Petting animals releases many hormones such as phenyl ethylamine which has the same pleasurable effect on the brain as chocolate.

With Pennywell Farm being famous for the Pennywell Miniature Pigs, it won’t just be goats in the classes as the pigs will be joining in as well.

Donna says, “Piggy cuddles are guaranteed, along with epidemic proportions of smiling. Who can resist settling into a downward facing dog with the cutest upward facing miniature pig peeking up at you?”

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