The Legendary Fainting Goat

So now that RA Training has officially begun and we have announced our presence with authority, I suppose you may want to know a bit more about this animal to which you have pledged your life and allegiance.

The Fainting Goat is actually a famous animal found almost exclusively in the state of Tennessee. These goats have a condition called myotonia congenita that causes their muscles to freeze for about 10 seconds when they are startled. This freezing causes them to fall over, giving the impression they have fainted. While it looks odd and cannot possibly be comfortable, the actual "fainting" does not cause them pain or harm them in any way. Check out this video for a look at them in their live-action glory.

Also called Myotonic Goats, Tennessee Scare Goats, and Stiff-Leg Goats, this breed of goat is actually quite intelligent, friendly, easy to keep, and amusing. They are often raised as pets or show animals. There are several local farms that raise Fainting Goats, and you can see them in person at the annual Goats, Music, and More Festival in Lewisburg, TN on October 8, 9, 10th.

Two summers ago, we chose this unique animal as our area mascot due to its odd, yet fun characteristics. We found that the goats have many traits that we value in our Resident Assistants: they are rare, one of a kind, strong-minded, friendly, intelligent, determined, vigorous, adorable, and found only in Tennessee!

I hope that you are all proud to be Fainting Goats! Enjoy training and remember:

NO GOATS, NO GLORY!