You’ve booked the cabin. You’ve packed the flannel. You’ve got the charcuterie board ingredients ready. But what’s the plan for Saturday?
If you’re staying anywhere near the Catskills or the surrounding upstate New York countryside, here’s an activity you probably haven’t considered — but absolutely should: goat yoga. Specifically, NY Goat Yoga at the stunning Gilbertsville Farmhouse in South New Berlin, NY.
Yes, yoga. With goats. We’re completely serious — and here are 10 reasons it deserves a spot on your Catskills itinerary.
1. It’s the Most Fun You Can Have on a Yoga Mat
Let’s be honest: traditional yoga classes can feel a little intimidating. The silence. The serious faces. The person next to you who can put their foot behind their head.
Goat yoga throws all of that out the window. When a baby Nigerian dwarf goat hops onto your back mid-downward dog or tries to nibble your hair during child’s pose, self-consciousness dissolves instantly — replaced by full-belly laughter. You simply cannot take yourself too seriously with a tiny goat using you as a jungle gym.
2. There’s Real Science Behind Why It Feels So Good
This isn’t just a quirky Instagram trend. There’s legitimate research behind why goat yoga leaves you feeling so refreshed.
Studies show that interacting with animals triggers the release of oxytocin (the bonding hormone), which lowers stress hormone levels. Spending time with animals also increases serotonin and dopamine — the brain chemicals responsible for happiness — while decreasing cortisol, the primary stress hormone. A 2019 study from the University of California’s School of Veterinary Medicine found that goat interactions specifically led to measurable decreases in blood pressure.
A formal program evaluation of goat yoga identified four core themes participants consistently reported: Fun, Inducing Calm, Shifting Focus, and Removing Barriers — and concluded it may serve as a beneficial complementary therapy for depression and anxiety.
Add to that the well-documented physical and mental benefits of yoga itself — flexibility, mindfulness, cardiovascular health, reduced back pain — and you’ve got a powerful mood-boosting combination.
3. The Farm Is Absolutely Beautiful
NY Goat Yoga is held at Gilbertsville Farmhouse, a 125-acre working farm in South New Berlin, New York. The property is nothing short of breathtaking — rolling hills, open pastures, barns, and that quintessential upstate New York countryside feel that makes you exhale the second you arrive.
Owners Sharon and Aldo Boustani originally bought the farm in 2005 as a weekend getaway for their family in New York City. They’ve been welcoming guests to share in its magic ever since — first as a wedding venue in 2014, and then as the home of NY Goat Yoga after their children gifted them two baby goats in 2017. (They loved them so much they bought three more the very next week.)
It’s the kind of place that feels like a best-kept secret — even though it’s been featured in Vogue, SELF Magazine, Forbes Travel Guide, The Drew Barrymore Show, Inside Edition, and Barstool Sports.
4. It’s Only 3.5 Hours from New York City
Whether you’re a city dweller escaping for the weekend or visiting from elsewhere in the Northeast, Gilbertsville Farmhouse is remarkably accessible. At just 3.5 hours from NYC, it pairs perfectly with a Catskills cabin getaway — make it a day trip from your rental or build your whole weekend around it.
5. No Yoga Experience Required — Seriously
Don’t let the word “yoga” scare you off. NY Goat Yoga classes are specifically designed to be beginner-friendly and non-intimidating. The instructors (including lead instructor Vanessa Pellegrino, who holds a 200-hour ashtanga yoga certification and is also aerial yoga certified) are warm, encouraging, and make sure everyone — from total beginners to seasoned yogis — has a wonderful time.
As one reviewer put it: “The staff is incredible, friendly, helpful, and makes the entire yoga experience fun and non-intimidating.”
6. The Goats Are Professionally Cared For
One thing that sets NY Goat Yoga apart is the clear love and expertise the team has for their animals. Animal Manager Katie Clarke has been the farm’s “goat mama” for over seven years — she’s literally the goat doula who helps deliver the baby goats every birthing season. The herd is well cared for and, by all accounts, appropriately spoiled.
This means the goats are relaxed, socialized, and genuinely enjoy interacting with humans — which makes the whole experience feel warm and authentic rather than gimmicky.
7. There Are So Many Fun Class Themes to Choose From
NY Goat Yoga isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Classes come in a variety of fun themed formats, including:
- Baby Goat Yoga & Cowboy Disco
- Baby Goat Yoga & Beach Party
- Baby Goat Yoga & Pajama Party
- Baby Goats in Sweaters Yoga
- Baby Goat Yoga Costume Party
You can also book a private class or party — making it an incredible option for bachelorette weekends, birthday celebrations, corporate retreats, or any group looking for something truly unique.
8. It’s Perfect for All Ages
Traveling with family? NY Goat Yoga is a hit with all ages. Reviews mention children as young as 4 years old having an absolute blast. There’s something about a baby goat that transcends age — it’s impossible not to smile.
And if you want to extend the animal love even further, the farm also offers volunteer opportunities to bottle-feed baby goats and socialize with alpacas. Yes, alpacas too.
9. Spring Is the Best Time — But Every Season Has Its Charm
If you can time your Catskills cabin trip for spring, you’re in for a treat: baby goat season. The farm’s youngest kids are at their most irresistibly tiny and playful, and the pastoral setting is in full bloom. Reviews consistently highlight springtime as the most magical time to visit.
That said, themed classes like “Baby Goats in Sweaters Yoga” make autumn and winter visits equally charming. There’s never a bad time for goat yoga.
10. You’ll Be Talking About It for Years
Travel memories are made in the unexpected moments — the things you didn’t plan for, the experiences that made you belly-laugh or feel genuinely present and alive. Goat yoga is one of those experiences.
Whether it’s a baby goat sitting on your head during warrior pose, getting a surprise kiss from a kid mid-stretch, or simply spending an hour laughing with people you love on a gorgeous upstate farm — it’s the kind of morning that turns a good Catskills weekend into an unforgettable one.
How to Plan Your Visit
NY Goat Yoga at Gilbertsville Farmhouse
336 Coye Brook Road, South New Berlin, NY
(607) 888-0596
info@nygoatyoga.com
nygoatyoga.com
Classes can be booked directly on their website. Check the calendar for themed class dates, private party availability, and their Baby Goat & Me Weekend all-inclusive glamping retreat — a dreamy option if you want the full farm immersion experience.
Planning a Catskills getaway? Browse our cabin rentals at CatskillsCabinRentals.com and find the perfect home base for your upstate adventure — goat yoga day trip included.
