Lamb Yoga is the newest wellness trend bringing together mindful movement, farm therapy, and the calming energy of nature. Set in peaceful outdoor spaces, these sessions pair traditional yoga poses with the gentle presence of young lambs who wander, cuddle, and interact with participants. The result is a deeply relaxing, mood-boosting experience that blends animal-assisted therapy, outdoor yoga, and stress relief in one unforgettable class.
As more people search for unique yoga experiences, farm-based wellness activities, and nature-immersive retreats, Lamb Yoga has quickly become a favorite for beginners, families, and seasoned yogis looking to unwind differently. The playful behaviour of the lambs encourages laughter, emotional release, and a sense of grounding—making each session equal parts therapeutic and joyful.
By Jill Hedgecock
Author of Rhino in the Room
www.jillhedgecock.com
Sixteen lambs and several ewes grazed peacefully while Hidden Villa’s certified yoga instructor, Jesse Muzzy, asked yoga class participants if anyone felt uneasy about the animals. Not surprisingly, no one raised their hand because all had signed up for the unique experience of practicing yoga in the midst of these gentle creatures. The debut lamb yoga class was first offered at Hidden Villa Ranch in 2018, a non-profit organic farm located at 26870 Moody Road in Los Altos Hills, a little over an hour drive south of the San Francisco Bay Area.
The participants in this inaugural class comprised an eclectic mix of first timers to certified yoga instructors. The novelty of the class drew people from all across the Bay Area – some from San Jose, while others hailed from South San Francisco and a few from Walnut Creek. Kat Roper, a certified yoga instructor,attended for the originality of the experience. Luis Cazares, one of the few men to join the class and who had never practiced yoga before, admitted that he’d come at the request of his wife. Lisa Blosser had gathered a bunch of friends for the event through a Meetup group called ‘Fabulous Women Over 35’ that she’d formed about a year ago after moving to California from out of state.
Lamb yoga is a spin-off from the increasingly popular craze of goat yoga—the brainchild of freelance photographer and farm owner Lainey Morse who offered goat yoga in conjunction with a birthday party in Oregon in 2016. Her recreational event blossomed from a fun activity to a full-time job. Though goat yoga is not as popular in the Bay Area as it is in southern California, goat yoga classes have been offered in San Francisco, Half Moon Bay and Santa Rosa. In contrast to baby goats that enjoy jumping on the backs of yoga participant’s and munching on clothing, the lambs at Hidden Villa were quite content to nibble hay as people transitioned from plank to cobra poses.
After a series of relaxation exercises, Jesse Muzzy, encouraged participants to embrace the class theme of fun and play. Jesse then guided the students through a series of poses from the classic strength pose of downward facing dog to high lunges to happy baby, where participants lie on their backs with bent legs, and grab the soles of their feet. The occasional bleat of a ewe added to the charm of the class and sent a wave of smiles through the group. People were challenged to complete balance poses like tree stance that involved standing with one foot planted and placing the other foot on the inside thigh to form the number four. Being sensible creatures, however, as the day grew warmer, even the temptation of alfalfa proved less desirable than the shade at the pasture’s edge, so the class concluded without the up close proximity of our hooved entertainment.
The warm, sunny day set the stage for a chorus of bird song to settle the class into a meditative state during the final shavasana pose (essentially lying belly up with palms facing skyward with your eyes closed while enjoying and appreciating the experience.) The recalcitrant sheep now clustered under trees and bushes proved great fodder for photo opportunities after the formal yoga class ended.
The yoga practice lasted 60 minutes followed by 20 minutes of playtime with the adorable lambs. The minimum age of 12 years proved a bonus for youngster Audrey Lang because she received some special time with her mother, Liz, away from her younger sister. I don’t know what groundbreaking yoga-animal experience Hidden Villa might offer in the future. Piglet yoga? Don’t laugh, but I think I might just want to try that class, too.
Hidden Villa was founded by Frank and Josephine Duveneck in 1924 and they offered it as a gathering place for discussion, reflection, and incubation of social reform. It houses the first hostel on the Pacific Coast (1937), the first multiracial summer camp (1945), and Hidden Villa’s Environmental Education Program (1970). The Trust for Hidden Villa was established as a nonprofit in 1960. The 2018 yoga class proved successful and was offered in 2019.
A version of this article appeared in the May 2018 edition of The Diablo Gazette
(http://www.diablogazette.com/2018/06/6925/)
More about Jill Hedgecock:
Award-winning and internationally-published author Jill Hedgecock is dedicated to taking readers on high-stakes adventures. Her short stories, personal essays, and nonfiction have appeared in multiple anthologies and magazines. Rhino in the Room is her debut novel. She lives in California with her husband and three adorable dogs.
Visit www.jillhedgecock.com to learn more.
Watch the Rhino In The Room Trailer
Disclaimer: A similar version of this article was published in the California-based Diablo Gazette.
Image Credits: Diane Walsh
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What happens during a Lamb Yoga class?
Lamb Yoga classes usually involve gentle yoga poses in an open field while lambs roam, graze, or interact naturally with participants. Sessions often end with time to pet or photograph the animals.
2. Is Lamb Yoga good for stress relief?
Yes. Many people report feeling calmer and more grounded after Lamb Yoga because of the combination of nature, mindful movement, and the soothing presence of the lambs.
3. Are the lambs safe to be around during yoga?
Lambs are typically gentle, curious animals. In supervised environments, they pose little risk to participants. Farms offering Lamb Yoga ensure proper animal welfare and safety guidelines.
4. What should I expect from my first Lamb Yoga class?
Expect slow-paced poses, light stretching, outdoor conditions, and spontaneous interactions with lambs. The atmosphere is more playful and relaxed than a traditional studio class.
5. Do I need yoga experience to participate in Lamb Yoga?
No. Lamb Yoga is accessible to beginners because the focus is on relaxation rather than athletic performance.
6. What are the benefits of Lamb Yoga?
It’s claimed that benefits include reduced stress, increased mindfulness, mood improvement, outdoor time, and the emotional boost that comes from interacting with gentle animals.
7. How is Lamb Yoga different from Goat Yoga?
Goat Yoga tends to be more energetic and playful because baby goats jump and climb. Lamb Yoga is calmer, with animals that prefer grazing and quiet companionship.
8. What should I bring to a Lamb Yoga session?
Participants usually bring a yoga mat, water bottle, sunscreen, and clothing suitable for outdoor activity.
9. Is Lamb Yoga appropriate for children?
Age requirements depend on the venue. Many farms set a minimum age for safety and animal comfort, often between 10 and 12 years old.
10. When is the best time of year for Lamb Yoga?
Lamb Yoga is typically offered in spring during lambing season, when young lambs are most active and social.
11. Are lambs trained for yoga sessions?
No. Lambs interact naturally. They are not trained to perform; their presence contributes to a peaceful and organic experience.
12. Where can I find Lamb Yoga near me?
Many farms, ranches, and agritourism centers offer Lamb Yoga seasonally. Availability varies by region, and classes often sell out quickly.
13. Is Lamb Yoga part of animal-assisted therapy?
While not a clinical therapy, Lamb Yoga does draw on principles of animal-assisted wellness by using animals to support relaxation, emotional balance, and human connection.
14. What should I wear to Lamb Yoga?
Wear comfortable, flexible clothing and shoes suitable for grassy or uneven ground. Outdoor layers are recommended depending on weather.
15. Are the animals stressed by Lamb Yoga sessions?
Ethical farms ensure lambs have space to roam freely, rest, or move away. The animals are never forced to interact, reducing stress and supporting natural behavior.
