GALT, CA (MPG) - Back Alley Brewhouse, 215 4th St., has partnered with The G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time) Yoga to offer locals a playful mix of health, wellness and rural charm through yoga sessions featuring baby goats.

On Aug. 14, one of many sunset goat yoga sessions was held in the brewhouse’s outdoor space, where a pen of baby goats was set up for attendees who brought along their own mats and water bottles.

Instructor Terell Renee of The G.O.A.T Yoga led the class while helpers guided goats as they climbed onto the backs of participants for a light massage. The sessions, she said, focus on therapeutic and healing yoga while offering an opportunity to relieve stress with the help of playful, baby goats.

Originally from Detroit, Renee moved from Los Angeles to the area just before the pandemic. She told The Galt Herald that her wife’s family owns a local olive orchard, so the couple decided to live Herald for a slower lifestyle.

 

Instructor Terell Renee led the class while helpers guided goats as they climbed onto people’s backs for a light massage. Photo by Idaly Valencia

Renee explained that the idea for goat yoga came after connecting with her neighbor, now G.O.A.T Yoga’s animal director, who raises goats. Together, they provide the activity to other places such as the Bay Area.

“They keep you present and they’re so fun and naturally playful. We like to think that we’re a nice balance mixing mindfulness and playfulness,” Renee said. “It’s kind of a reminder not to take everything too seriously, to have a little bit more fun and do something good for the soul.”

Back Alley Brewhouse owner Shelly Mitchell said the sessions bring joy, laughter and healing to the family-run brewery, which aims to offer a welcoming backyard setting where residents can enjoy food, drinks and company in a family-friendly environment.

Mitchell said that the brewery’s outdoor space, which celebrates its fifth anniversary in September, reflects the ranch-style backyard setting she grew up with, featuring fire pits, picnic tables and horseshoe pits.

 

Back Alley Brewhouse owner Shelly Mitchell said that the sessions bring joy, laughter and healing to the family-run brewery located in Old Town Galt. Photo courtesy of The G.O.A.T Yoga

She noted that the goat yoga classes attract visitors from as far as Roseville.

“People travel a long way to come and see them. It’s pretty neat and it’s therapeutic,” Mitchell said. “The first one we did, I was there and watched it. You could just see everyone just bursting in laughter which is the best part.”

Mitchell said the brewery is proud to support local businesses such as The G.O.A.T Yoga through collaborations and events that showcase community talent.

“We’re always about giving back to the community,” Mitchell said, adding that her family has strong roots in Galt, with her grandparents, father, she and her husband, Sam Mitchell who also helps run Back Alley Brewhouse, having attended Galt High School.

 

The goat yoga sessions focus on therapeutic and healing yoga while offering an opportunity to relieve stress with the help of playful, baby goats. Photo courtesy of Back Alley Brewhouse

“This town, we love it, and we love to help out any way we can,” Mitchell said.

The bar stays open during goat yoga, with occasional Thursday specials such as $5 beers.

Another recurring event, Crops and Hops, features local gardeners, bakers and makers, giving attendees an opportunity to shop for crafts while enjoying a drink.

The G.O.A.T Yoga offers private parties, corporate events and monthly classes at Back Alley Brewhouse on the second Thursday of each month. No experience is required, with the focus on fun and connection rather than perfecting poses. For more information and to book the next available session, visit thegoatyoga.org.

For questions or information about Back Alley Brewhouse events, follow @backalleybrew on Instagram.

 

“They keep you present and they’re so fun and naturally playful," said G.O.A.T Yoga Instructor Terell Renee. Photo by Idaly Valencia