Yoga with Goats Brings Joy and Laughter

MYAKKA CITY, Fla. — Florida on a Tankful journeyed to Blissful Goat Yoga in Manatee County, meeting some delightful animals along the way.

Corinn Smith, originally from a small town outside of Lansing, Michigan, made her way to the Tampa Bay area during her youth.

After living for decades in Clearwater, she relocated to five acres in Myakka City in 2020.

This marked a significant change for her, having previously worked in the Armed Forces, law enforcement, and fire investigation.

Embracing her new life, she became a goat farmer. “Goats make people feel better,” she explains, and adding yoga into the mix only amplifies the joy and laughter.

Unexpectedly, she also welcomed rescue donkeys, creating a warm environment for even more animals.

One incident stands out: a U.S. veteran’s wife brought him to meet the rescue donkeys, and he formed an instant bond with them.

“They are very healing,” Smith shares. “Just being around them, you feel their energy.”

Among her duties, she bottle-feeds a baby donkey named Banjo, who struggled to bond with his mother.

“It’s Vitamin D milk with a little buttermilk and sugar to help him gain weight since mom hasn’t been able to nurse,” Smith detailed.

Her passion for caring for these animals enriches her life, as she loves witnessing the healing process they bring to others.

“I enjoy interacting with people, but it’s even more rewarding to watch them engage with our animals,” said Smith. “It’s incredibly healing.”

During a yoga session with the goats, participant Virginia Johnson found herself contemplating the idea of adding a baby goat to her life, though she noted that goats prefer companionship and perhaps she should consider acquiring some land for them.

“I don’t know how to measure healing,” Johnson reflected, “but I laughed pretty hard when a baby goat tumbled onto the back of Spectrum News photojournalist Bobby Collins while he was capturing the magic. My smartwatch even alerted me that my heart rate was rising while I was laughing in a tabletop yoga pose. Definitely a win-win!”

Key Information

• Event: Florida on a Tankful visit to Blissful Goat Yoga in Myakka City, Manatee County.
• Host: Corinn Smith, a former Michigander and military veteran turned goat and donkey farmer.
• Location: Five acres of land in Myakka City since 2020.
• Focus: Therapeutic benefits of interacting with animals, including goats and rescue donkeys.
• Notable experiences: The healing power of animals in helping veterans and participants.
• Participant Reflection: Virginia Johnson’s encounter with a playful baby goat during yoga.