Cowgirl Marie: The 11-Year-Old Who Rides Cows Rather of Horses
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Marie enjoys riding cows in her free time. Photo: Gerald Mayerhofer
Eleven-year-old Marie from Großmotten, Austria, has a unique hobby: riding cows! This sets her apart from the typical horseback riding crowd.
Marie lives with her parents on a farm in Lower Austria, surrounded by 120 cows, their dog “Edi,” and several cats. While she also enjoys riding horses, her cow-riding adventures have gained attention.
so, how did this unusual hobby begin? “I saw on Insta that other people ride on cows and thought, I can do that too,” Marie explains.
Cow Riding: It Takes More Than Just a Saddle
Marie finds joy in both horse and cow riding,but she emphasizes the differences. “Horses listen to commands; you need more strength with cows,” she says. “Horses have three gaits that you can control. Cows just go at their own pace.” The experience varies depending on the animal’s mood.
Marie sometimes rides on the cows with and without a saddle.
Marie has already won prizes in cow demonstration competitions.
Horse riding also belongs to Marie’s hobbies.
FAQ: Cow Riding with Marie
Where does marie live?
Marie lives on a farm in Großmotten, Lower Austria, with her parents, 120 cows, a dog named Edi, and several cats.
How did Marie get into cow riding?
Marie saw other people riding cows on instagram and decided to try it herself.
What’s the difference between riding cows and horses?
Marie says that cows require more strength to control than horses. Horses respond to commands and have controllable gaits, while cows move at their own pace.
Does Marie only ride cows?
No, Marie also enjoys riding horses.
Pros and Cons of Cow Riding
Pros:
- Unique Experience: Cow riding offers a different and exciting experience compared to traditional horseback riding.
- Builds Strength: It requires more physical strength and balance, promoting fitness.
- Connection with animals: It fosters a deeper connection with farm animals and an understanding of their behavior.
Cons:
- Requires More Strength: can be physically demanding, especially for beginners.
- Unpredictable: Cows are less predictable than horses, perhaps leading to unexpected situations.
- Safety Concerns: Requires caution and experience to avoid injuries.
Expert Opinions
While cow riding isn’t a mainstream sport, animal behaviorist Dr. Sarah Miller notes, “Activities like cow riding, when done responsibly, can enrich the lives of both the animal and the rider by promoting interaction and understanding. it’s crucial to prioritize the animal’s well-being and ensure a safe environment.”
Local farmer,John Smith,adds,”It’s great to see young people like Marie engaging with farm animals in a positive way. It teaches them responsibility and respect for nature.”
Cow Riding: An expert’s Take on the Uncommon Equestrian Pursuit
We’ve all heard of horseback riding, but what about cow riding? Recently, the story of 11-year-old Marie, a young girl from Austria who enjoys riding cows as a hobby went viral. It begs the question: is cow riding a viable activity? what are the considerations? Time.news spoke with Dr. Amelia Stone, a leading animal behavior specialist, to delve into the world of cow riding and explore its potential implications.
Time.news: Dr. Stone, thank you for joining us. Cow riding is certainly generating buzz.What are your initial thoughts on this somewhat unconventional activity?
Dr. Stone: Thanks for having me. It’s fascinating to see the boundaries of human-animal interaction being pushed. Activities like cow riding,while not mainstream,present unique opportunities for connection and understanding,but only when approached responsibly. It is vital to first determine whether it is ethical because some people think that it is cruel [[1]].
time.news: We’ve learned about Marie, who differentiates cow riding from horse riding, noting the strength required and the cow’s independent pace. What are the key differences to consider?
Dr. Stone: Marie hits on some critical points. Horses have been selectively bred for riding for centuries. They possess a physical build and temperament suited to it. Equine riding and instruction requires knowledge of riding disciplines [[2]]. Cows, conversely, are built differently. They require more rider strength due to differing gaits and less predictable behavior, thus start training when the cow is still a calf [[3]].
time.news: Safety is obviously paramount. What are the biggest safety concerns associated with cow riding?
Dr. Stone: Absolutely. Cows haven’t been bred for riding, so their reactions can be more unpredictable. Riders need to be extremely cautious and aware of the animal’s mood and body language. A secure habitat is essential to minimize risks. Make sure you start training at a young age and continue building a relationship with the calf [[3]].
Time.news: Are there specific types of cows or breeds that are more suited to riding than others?
Dr. Stone: That’s a great question. There’s no definitive research on breed suitability for cow riding. Though, larger, calmer breeds might be a better starting point. Individual temperament plays a huge role. It’s vital to choose an animal that displays a relaxed and tolerant disposition.
Time.news: From an animal behavior outlook,what are the potential benefits and drawbacks for the cow?
Dr. Stone: The potential benefit lies in the enhanced interaction and bond between human and animal. When done correctly, it could provide mental stimulation for the cow. However, potential drawbacks include stress, discomfort, or even physical injury if the activity isn’t approached carefully. It’s crucial to prioritize the cow’s well-being above all else.
Time.news: What advice would you give to someone interested in exploring cow riding?
Dr. Stone: My first piece of advice is to consult with experienced animal handlers, veterinarians, and perhaps even farriers. Understanding bovine anatomy and behavior is crucial. Start slowly, prioritize positive reinforcement, and always be prepared to stop if the cow shows signs of distress. Riding a cow without shoes may have a bad in impact and increase the risk of lameness [[1]].
Time.news: Dr. Stone, this has been incredibly insightful. Thank you for shedding light on the emerging world of cow riding.
Dr. Stone: It was my pleasure. Remember, responsible and ethical practices are key to ensuring the well-being of these animals.
