A Nigerian Dwarf goat stands on top of Colt Cook of Houston during Goat Yoga at Hardwood Park in Dallas, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
As temperatures climbed above 90 degrees Saturday morning, baby goats scaled people’s backs as participants settled into a tabletop pose, breathing in and out through a deep stretch.
About 30 people gathered at Harwood Park in downtown Dallas for an hour of yoga with some unusually energetic companions: a herd of curious goats.
A Nigerian Dwarf goat stands on Adofilus Henderson of Dallas during Goat Yoga at Hardwood Park in Dallas, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
A Nigerian Dwarf goat stands on top of Colt Cook of Houston during Goat Yoga at Hardwood Park in Dallas, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
(From left) Adofilus Henderson of Dallas looks as sister Miracle Ntabo pets a Nigerian Dwarf goat before Goat Yoga at Hardwood Park in Dallas, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
A Nigerian Dwarf goat stands on top of Tina Turner of Dallas during Goat Yoga at Hardwood Park in Dallas, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
The Aug. 15 class was hosted by Goat Yoga Dallas, which takes its herd to parks, breweries and other venues across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The organization describes its classes as beginner-friendly experiences that combine yoga, animals and community.
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“It’s a great way to bring people together. For those who want to try yoga for the first time or get up close with farm animals, this is a place where they can experience both,” said Walker Foreman, the owner of Goat Yoga Dallas.
Participants brought their own mats, but the goats provided most of the entertainment.
As people moved through poses, the animals wandered freely among them, nibbling, nudging and occasionally climbing onto a conveniently positioned back. Most of the herd are Nigerian Dwarf goats weighing less than 25 pounds.
Instructor Lori Morris, who has been teaching with the goats since 2019, said she loves seeing everyone from children to older adults participate. For her, the classes offer people a chance to connect with the community while breathing, stretching and petting goats and occasionally having their clothes chewed on.
Instructor Lori Morris leads the class as a Nigerian Dwarf goat stands in front during Goat Yoga at Hardwood Park in Dallas, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
The herd numbers about 25 to 30 goats, but exactly who comes to class is partly up to them, Walker said.
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Before each event, the trailer is opened at the barn, and the goats decide whether they want to come along. Some walk in. Others apparently decide they would rather stay home, Foreman said.
Those who make the trip can range from about 4 weeks to 5 years old. During class, they wander between yoga mats and climb onto participants as they move through tabletop, downward-facing dog and other poses.
As participants held Warrior II, legs spread wide and arms extended, goats ducked underneath them as though the yogis had formed a human tunnel.
For 8-year-old Olivia Bueno of Mesquite, who attended with her mother, Celia Bueno, and her aunt, Victoria Sanchez, the morning offered a chance to enjoy the outdoors, stretch and overcome one particular concern.
“At first, I was scared of the goats pooping on me,” Olivia said. But once she realized they were more likely to leave their droppings on the ground, she relaxed.
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Olivia Bueno, 8, of Mesquite pets the Nigerian Dwarf goats before the start of Goat Yoga at Hardwood Park in Dallas, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
“I was like, ‘I am fine,’” she said.
For an hour Saturday morning, though, the point was less about perfecting a yoga pose and more about stretching, laughing and staying balanced when a goat suddenly decided someone’s back looked like the best seat in the park.