Imagine your yoga students in downward dog while a curious alpaca gently investigates their mat. Picture sun salutations in a peaceful Hampshire meadow with these gentle creatures grazing nearby. This isn't just another outdoor yoga class – it's an experience your students will talk about for months.
At Hensting Alpacas, we offer outdoor yoga field hire specifically designed for yoga instructors, wellness practitioners, and groups looking to elevate their practice with the calming presence of alpacas.
Why Alpaca Yoga?
Alpaca yoga has become one of the fastest-growing wellness trends, and for good reason. These gentle, curious animals create a uniquely peaceful atmosphere that enhances the mindfulness and connection at the heart of yoga practice.
Benefits for Your Students:
- Enhanced Mindfulness: Alpacas naturally encourage present-moment awareness. Their curious interactions gently bring practitioners back to the here and now.
- Stress Reduction: Studies show that animal interaction lowers cortisol levels. Combined with yoga, the calming effect is profound.
- Joyful Practice: The gentle humour of alpaca interactions adds lightness to practice, helping students let go of perfectionism.
- Connection with Nature: Practicing outdoors in a beautiful Hampshire setting deepens the mind-body-nature connection.
- Unforgettable Experience: Your students will remember this session long after a standard studio class fades from memory.
Benefits for Instructors:
- Differentiate Your Offerings: Stand out in a crowded wellness market with a truly unique experience.
- Premium Pricing: Unique experiences command higher fees – many instructors charge 2-3x their standard rates for alpaca yoga.
- Increased Bookings: Novel experiences fill quickly and generate word-of-mouth referrals.
- Instagram-Worthy Content: Students will naturally share photos and videos, providing free marketing.
- Build Your Brand: Position yourself as an innovative instructor who creates memorable wellness experiences.
Our Field Hire Service
We've specifically designed our field hire service to make alpaca yoga simple and stress-free for instructors.
What's Included:
- Private field access for 1.5 hours (4:00pm - 5:30pm)
- Free-roaming alpaca herd – our gentle alpacas naturally interact with your group during practice
- Handler supervision – we provide full setup guidance and alpaca management for your first session
- Beautiful natural setting at award-winning Itchen Valley Country Park
- On-site facilities including toilets and ample parking
- Experienced support team who understand how to create the perfect alpaca yoga environment
The Perfect Setting:
Our field at Itchen Valley Country Park provides the ideal backdrop for outdoor yoga. With 16 consecutive Green Flag Awards, it's recognized as one of Hampshire's finest outdoor spaces. The gently rolling meadows, mature trees, and peaceful atmosphere create an instant sense of tranquility.
How It Works
For First-Time Instructors:
1. Book Your Session: Choose a Monday-Friday afternoon slot (4:00pm-5:30pm) between May and September. We recommend booking at least 2 days in advance.
2. Pre-Session Briefing: For your first alpaca yoga session, we'll meet 15 minutes early to discuss how our alpacas behave, what to expect, and how to manage interactions during practice.
3. Setup Time: Arrive early to set up your space. We recommend arranging mats in a loose formation rather than tight rows – this allows alpacas to move naturally between students.
4. During Your Session: Our handler remains present during your first session. We'll manage the alpacas' movement and energy, allowing you to focus entirely on teaching.
5. Student Interaction: We typically allow 15-20 minutes at the beginning or end for students to meet, photograph, and interact with individual alpacas.
For Returning Instructors:
Once you've run your first session and feel confident, subsequent bookings can operate more independently. Many instructors develop a rhythm with our herd and prefer minimal handler presence, though we're always available if needed.
What to Tell Your Students:
What to Bring:
- Yoga mat (essential – the ground is natural grass)
- Layers of clothing (weather can change)
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen in summer months
- Camera or phone for photos
What to Expect:
- Alpacas will wander freely during practice
- Some may investigate mats, sniff students, or simply graze nearby
- Gentle interruptions are part of the charm – embrace them!
- Weather-dependent outdoor practice (we'll contact you if conditions are unsuitable)
- Parking costs £3.50 for 2 hours at Itchen Valley Country Park
Pricing & Booking
Field Hire Rate:
£150 per 1.5 hour session
This rate includes everything listed above: private field access, free-roaming alpacas, handler supervision for first sessions, and access to all facilities.
Suitable For:
- Groups of 8-20 participants (optimal for the space and alpaca interaction)
- All yoga styles and experience levels
- Wellness retreats and workshops
- Corporate wellness events
- Special celebrations (hen parties, birthdays, etc.)
For groups larger than 20 people, please contact us to discuss options. We can sometimes accommodate larger groups with advance notice.
Your Pricing Strategy:
Most instructors charge £25-40 per person for alpaca yoga, making this a profitable offering. For example:
- 15 students × £30 each = £450 revenue
- £150 field hire cost
- = £300 profit for 1.5 hours
Availability:
Season: May 1st through September 30th
Days: Monday through Friday only
Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Booking Notice: Minimum 2 days advance booking required
Why afternoon slots? The 4pm time ensures the grass is dry from any morning dew or light rain, providing the best experience for your students. Our alpacas are also most relaxed and social during afternoon hours.
Making It a Success
Marketing Your Alpaca Yoga Session:
Key Selling Points:
- Unique experience unavailable elsewhere
- Beautiful Hampshire countryside location
- Award-winning venue (Itchen Valley's Green Flag status)
- Perfect for social media content
- Suitable for all levels
Social Media Tips:
- Share photos from sessions (with student permission)
- Use hashtags: #AlpacaYoga #OutdoorYoga #HampshireYoga
- Tag us @HenstingAlpacas for potential shares
- Create Instagram Reels showing student reactions
Class Planning Tips:
- Keep sequences simple: Students will be distracted (in the best way!) by alpacas
- Embrace interruptions: If an alpaca investigates someone's mat, use it as a mindfulness teaching moment
- Include grounding poses: Seated and supine poses allow better alpaca interaction than standing sequences
- Plan for photos: Build in time at start or end for interaction and photography
- Have a backup plan: Weather-dependent, so consider indoor alternatives if needed
Meet Our Alpaca Herd
Our alpacas are specifically chosen and trained for their calm, friendly temperaments. They're accustomed to people and genuinely enjoy gentle interaction. Each has their own personality – some are curious and will investigate mats and students, while others prefer to graze peacefully nearby, creating a serene atmosphere.
All our alpacas are:
- Regularly health-checked and vaccinated
- Gentle and accustomed to human interaction
- Supervised during all sessions
- Free to roam naturally within the field
Location & Facilities
Itchen Valley Country Park
We're based within Itchen Valley Country Park, one of Hampshire's premier outdoor destinations. Located just minutes from Winchester and Southampton, we're easily accessible for students across Hampshire and beyond.
Address: Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton SO30 3HQ
Facilities:
- Large car park (£3.50 for 2 hours)
- Clean toilet facilities
- Café nearby for post-session refreshments
- Beautiful walking trails if students want to extend their visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous experience teaching outdoor yoga?
No previous outdoor or alpaca yoga experience is required. We provide full guidance for your first session and help you understand how to manage the unique aspects of alpaca interaction during practice.
What happens if it rains?
We monitor weather forecasts closely. If conditions are unsuitable (heavy rain, very strong winds, or waterlogged grass), we'll contact you to reschedule. Light drizzle can actually create a lovely atmosphere, and our alpacas don't mind!
Are the alpacas safe?
Absolutely. Alpacas are naturally gentle animals with a calm temperament. They don't bite, kick, or charge. Our herd is specifically selected for their friendly nature and is accustomed to being around people. We always have a handler present to manage interactions.
Will alpacas disrupt the class?
Alpacas will naturally wander through your class space, occasionally investigating mats or students. This is part of the experience! Most instructors find these gentle interruptions add charm and encourage students to practice non-attachment and presence. You'll learn to work with their natural rhythms.
How many alpacas will be present?
Typically 6-8 alpacas roam freely in the field during your session. The exact number varies depending on our herd's needs on any given day, but we always ensure enough alpacas for meaningful interaction without overwhelming students.
Can students touch or pet the alpacas?
Yes! We build in time for direct interaction before or after the yoga practice. During the session, students are welcome to gently touch any alpaca that approaches them. We teach proper interaction techniques during the pre-session briefing.
What if a student is nervous around animals?
Our alpacas are very gentle and non-threatening. We recommend students inform you in advance if they're nervous, and we can ensure they set up their mat in an area where alpacas are less likely to approach closely. Most nervous students warm up quickly once they see how calm and gentle our herd is.
Can I run multiple sessions per week?
Yes! Many instructors book weekly slots throughout the season. Please contact us to discuss regular booking arrangements and potential rates for frequent users.
Do you offer weekend slots?
Currently, our field hire is available Monday-Friday only, as weekends are reserved for our public alpaca walking experiences. However, we occasionally accommodate private groups on weekends – contact us to inquire about availability.
What's your cancellation policy?
We require 48 hours notice for cancellations. Weather-related cancellations (initiated by us due to unsafe conditions) receive a full refund or free rescheduling. Student cancellations with 48+ hours notice can be rescheduled once at no charge.
Can I bring my own photographer?
Absolutely! Many instructors bring a photographer to capture content for marketing. Please let us know in advance so we can coordinate access and timing.
Is the field suitable for all abilities?
The field is naturally grassy and relatively flat, though it is an outdoor natural environment. Students with mobility considerations should be comfortable practicing on uneven natural ground. Mats provide cushioning, but the surface isn't as even as a studio floor.
Ready to Create Something Special?
Alpaca yoga isn't just a trend – it's a powerful way to deepen your students' practice while creating joyful, memorable experiences they'll treasure. Our field hire service makes it simple to offer this unique wellness experience without the complexity of managing animals yourself.
Book your alpaca yoga session today and discover why instructors across Hampshire are making this a regular part of their offerings.
View full field hire details and availability →
Have questions about bringing your yoga practice to our alpaca field? Contact us at info@alpacas-hampshire.co.uk or call during business hours. We're here to help make your alpaca yoga vision a reality.