Along with our famous Belted Galloway Cows, The Farm at Fearrington is also home to a charming herd of Tennessee Fainting Goats. Named for their muscular condition known as 'myotonic', the fainting goats do not truly "faint", but stiffen when startled.

The origin of the fainting goat is peculiar. The goats appear to have arrived in Marshall County, Tennessee in the early 1800's, courtesy of a reclusive and unnamed farm worker who was most likely from Nova Scotia. Before he left the area, he sold his goats - three does and a buck - to Dr. H.H. Mayberry, who bred them. Other names include:  Nervous Goats, Stiff-leg Goats and Wooden-leg Goats. (wikipedia.org).