Joyful Therapy Meets Hilarious Hooves in Greater New Orleans
LAPLACE — Embark on a journey of healing, joy, and connection with the launch of Screaming Kids Goat Yoga. Founded by Heidi Malnar in collaboration with Anita Hefler of the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (GNOTRC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting horse-assisted activities for children and adults with disabilities. This innovative program combines yoga, animal therapy, and nature to provide holistic healing experiences for participants in Greater New Orleans.
Screaming Kids Goat Yoga offers opportunities for human-animal interaction (HAI), which enhances mental, emotional, and physiological well-being. By participating in goat yoga classes, you not only find tranquility in nature surrounded by a menagerie of friendly farm animals but also contribute to GNOTRC’s fundraising efforts to continue their healing work. Register for classes at gnotrc.org/goat-yoga.
In a Screaming Kids Goat Yoga class, experience yoga’s newest trend that transcends prior experience levels. Discover the joy of practicing yoga while laughing and connecting with others. Goats provide happy distractions, challenge expectations, offer unique forms of assistance, and help us break linear patterns. These adorable animals will jump onto your back, hips, belly, and shoulders, creating a bond as you explore various poses together. Always striving to get to the highest point, they embrace the challenge that yoga postures offer, fostering humility, acceptance of change, and releasing control in their human partners.
The benefits of Screaming Kids Goat Yoga go beyond the physical. Numerous studies confirm that HAI increases oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine levels while reducing cortisol and blood pressure. Participants may notice lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, HAI promotes feelings of safety and social connection, while reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Goats, among the first domesticated animals, share an emotional and evolutionary connection with humans. They recognize emotions and read facial expressions, making them ideal therapy animals. Our socialized goats have a fantastic sense of humor and eagerly seek to bond with you.
Join us in the mesmerizing world of Screaming Kids Goat Yoga, where healing, laughter, and connection intertwine. Whether you’re an animal lover, an adventure seeker, health-conscious, or exploring unconventional ways to enhance well-being, this one-of-a-kind experience is tailored for you.
For more information and to reserve your spot in these extraordinary classes, visit gnotrc.org/goat-yoga.
About Screaming Kids Goat Yoga
Screaming Kids Goat Yoga is a transformative therapeutic initiative that combines yoga, animal therapy, and nature to create joyful and holistic healing experiences. Founded by Heidi Malnar and Anita Hefler in collaboration with the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center, this program focuses on mental, physical, and emotional well-being, while supporting the Therapeutic Riding program for children and adults living with disabilities.
About Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center
Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting horse-assisted activities for children and adults with disabilities. The center was established in 1993 and is located in LaPlace, Louisiana. It is home to seven therapy horses and a menagerie of small animals. GNOTRC is a PATH Int’l affiliate member operating center. PATH Int’l is the national governing body for the therapeutic riding industry.
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