If they don’t gaze into my eyes like this then I don’t want it…rutting season at Round Mountain Creamery

Because who doesn’t need a little goat therapy in their life?

There is a wealth of knowledge to gain about ourselves, stress management, and our relationships through observing and directly engaging with our animal kin. As an animal enthusiast—my sister affectionately refers to me as Eliza Thornberry—and a holistic psychotherapist focusing on trauma healing and ecotherapy, I am inspired by opportunities that allow me to learn from the “more than human world.” I am curious about the wisdom from animals and the broader ecosystem to find healing methods, strategies for self-regulation, and pathways to deeper connections.

I recently went on an adventure with my daughter to Round Mountain Creamery located in Black Mountain, NC for some goat therapy and to explore the world of goat dairy farming. I feel a special connection with goats; their playful, inquisitive, and nibbling personalities bring me immense joy. We enjoyed a wonderful time wandering through the fields alongside the goats and learning about their care, as well as the cheese-making process. Through my interactions and observations with these animals, I discovered that if we take a moment to slow down, focus, and connect, goats can teach us valuable wisdom. By watching how they navigate their surroundings and engage socially, we can uncover effective self-regulation strategies applicable to our lives. They also remind us of the importance of community and relationships.

How Goat Therapy can help us heal & Foster connection

Embrace Playfulness: Goats are known for their playful and curious nature, often participating in amusing and charming antics. Their love for jumping, climbing, and exploring their surroundings showcases their agility and strength. Engaging in play helps them develop self-control and social skills, highlighting the importance of playful activities in maintaining balance and managing impulses.
The Beauty of Curiosity: Naturally inquisitive, goats thrive on exploring their environment. Their curiosity compels them to investigate new objects, sounds, and scents, making them adept problem solvers. This highlights the significance of play and curiosity in learning and creative problem-solving.
Stress Management: Goats effectively manage stress and anxiety through physical activities such as climbing and jumping. This emphasizes the necessity of physical outlets for emotional regulation.
The power of Community: Goats establish complex social hierarchies and form strong bonds. They respect personal space and each other's boundaries, teaching us the importance of setting and maintaining boundaries for healthy interactions.
Conflict Resolution: Their social dynamics often involve negotiation and conflict resolution, demonstrating the value of compromise and essential social skills.
Abundance Mindset: Goats exhibit remarkable self-regulation when it comes to their eating habits. They tend to graze thoughtfully, reflecting an awareness of moderation and the significance of pacing themselves, knowing that there is plenty to share among everyone!
Be Adaptable: Goats can thrive in various environments, showcasing resilience and adaptability. This serves as a valuable lesson in coping with change and overcoming challenges.

Our visit wrapped up with a tasty goat cheese tasting, where I was truly impressed by the range, quality, and distinct flavors of their offerings. Immersing oneself in the company of goats can be a fantastic way to elevate and inspire the spirit. Goat therapy presents a unique and effective approach to enhancing mental health, nurturing special connections, and promoting overall well-being! When was the last time you experienced the joys of goat therapy in your life?

Other Fascinating Info about Goats and Goat Dairy Farming:

During our visit, we experienced their mating season, known as rutting season, where male bucks exhibit intriguing behaviors such as urinating on themselves to create a strong scent that attracts potential mates. In the goat world, "the stinkier, the better!"
Goat dairy farming is an ancient tradition that stretches back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence indicates that goats were among the first animals domesticated for milk production in regions like the Middle East and North Africa.
Goat milk offers numerous nutritional advantages. It is often regarded as easier to digest than cow's milk due to its smaller fat globules and distinct protein structure, which can be gentler on the stomach. Additionally, goat milk is high in calcium, potassium, and vitamin A.
We learned that some dairy goats can produce over a gallon of milk each day, with breeding times scheduled at 7 AM and 7 PM, allowing them ample time to rest and graze in between.
Goat manure serves as a valuable fertilizer for gardens and crops, and goats themselves have a smaller environmental impact compared to larger dairy animals, as their size and dietary needs place less strain on the land.
With the breeding season occurring in the fall, kids are born in the spring, typically with 1 to 3 kids per litter.
At Round Mountain Creamery, they pasteurize goat milk at 150°F before cooling it to 90°F, which allows them to produce curds and whey for cheese making.