In the early 1800's a strangely dressed man named Tinsley appeared in Marshall County Tennessee with four goats and a sacred cow. When he left he took his cow, leaving his goats behind. The goats were sold to Dr. H.H. Mayberry who recognized their unique traits and kept and bred them.

This unique genetic trait is called Myotonia which causes the goat to stiffen up and fall over if startled or surprised. It does not hurt the goat and the effect only lasts for 10-15 seconds and goes away.

Myotonic goats are known as Fainting, Nervous, Stiff Leg, Wooden Leg, and Tennessee Scare Goats. We refer to them as Myotonics or Fainters.

Some say the original four goats were black/white, today fainting goats come in many colors.

One dominant feature is bulgy or "bug" eyes, which makes them distinguishable from other breeds.

Fainting goats are easy to raise, easy kidders and are excellent mothers. They are easy to contain as their Myotonia prevents them from being able to jump fences.