That's because you've never ridden a cow, apparently.

Cows were used to pull plows for centuries. It's a better alternative than being served up at McDonald's. Nice jump!

My husband used to ride cows & pigs, but when he was 8 he got bucked off from a cow and broke his arm! He also got beat up by a rooster when he was 3, but that's another story :)!

The dairy cows we had in my youth were all friendly enough. While we never rode any of them (we had 3 horses). I do recall all of the kids laying over the top of a cow while it was being milked. They were like the sofas in the barn!

They really don't have the legs for jumping though.

I had the best massage last night

I admire the girl for her patience etc, I sure hope she gets her horse soon, she sure deserves one. I would like to hear more about her when she gets a horse she is so good to that cow she will be wonderful with a horse!

Liz, I guess you haven't heard about the cow jumping over the moon. Believe me, this looks like one pampered cow; and if a cow doesn't feel like jumping, she won't. Certainly beats being served up as T-bone.

I've seen steers ridden in cattle yards because they don't spook the cows and vice verse. It's apparent the two have a strong bond. Can't find anything wrong with it.

Delicious!

shut the f*&$ up liz u idiot its a great story just cause ur a cow dont be haten!!!!

To bad, you don't know what your missing!!!

Where there is a will there is a whey.

When my Mom was a girl her family had a horse, a mule and a cow. My uncle rode the horse, my aunt rode to mule and my mom rode the cow! Sometime you have to make do with what you have!

DON'T LET ANYONE STEAL YOUR DREAMS!

I hand raise at least two calves a year. My Lulu is now a grown cow and loves neck rubs and will come out of the feild to get one from me... and yes, many cows jump easily. My hubby used to ride the beef cows as a child back to the barn at night, then sleep snuggled up with them. We charish every animal we own not just for their meat. When you get that special one, you get great things in return. A horse would be extreemly lucky to be owned by that young lady!

As opposed to treating a horse like a horse?

Lord Cthulka..... I don't know why you found it necessary to write such an inappropriate comment about Liz. Sorry that you have such a small mind that you can't stay on track with the STORY. Why would you even make such a degenerated comment about Liz, whom you don't even know? Certainly no person deserves to have a comment such as yours even said about them, let alone on the internet where everyone can read it. I wouldn't have wasted my time seeing as it is off the subject, but come on.... have some decency. But then, by your comment, it's pretty obvious you don't know the meaning of the word. I'm not interested in any further discussion as it's impossible to have an intelligent one with a person who doesn't have common decency.

Interesting thought. What exactly is treating anything "like a horse"? Does that mean don't give it carrots? Don't ride it? It is ok to eat it though, right? I don't recall any bible stories about horses being created for riding only. My Dad ate horse in France during WWII.

Maybe you have it all wrong. Horses are for eating, cows are for riding.

cow puncher- Clever.

But..."Where there's a will there's usually a bunch of greedy relatives."

Liz: I do see where you are coming from. e.g. If the cow is forced to behave like a horse, it may uncomfortable for the cow.

In my experience, I have seen animals to behave out-of-the-mold. Like cats that behave more like dogs, and attack parakeets. To my way of thinking, if the cow seems happy with the arrangement, then why not.

The Media tends to embellish stories in order to grab reader attention. But if even 50% of this "udderly" adorable story is true, it's still an entertaining read.

People ride cows all the time, hint hint bullriding?

I used to ride a cow about 3 times each week, until I filed for divorce.

I rode a Hereford cow for 8 years because my Dad wouldn't let me have a horse, English saddle and Bridle, Best horse I ever had.

wow, Mae, you must be from the city....cows hop fences all the time where I'm at, if they're too sturdy to push over. They pretty much won't do what they don't want to do. Maybe our cows are tougher here. She's getting a better life than she would as a beef cow (she appears to be at least half Hereford, good beef). Can't you just be amused at the oddity of it without being hateful?

I agree with Sonata's Adela. Where I am from the cows can hop fences like they are nothing (it gets very annoying). Personally I found this article hysterical :-) We used to sit on the old feeder cows that were nice enough, but I can't imagine riding one!

I have to say--I grew up around cattle and--yes, they can jump. When they are bound to feed lots they get fat--much like me to the couch. Go cow!

Mae, are you sure about that? I have been around cows all my life and have seen plenty of jumpers. I had two that fences were no problem for them at all.

AHH...."the cow jumped over the moon"... just kidding yes a cow will jump over anything, if it wants to, especiallly if it's a male and see a female on the other side!

cows can actually jump higher than most horses. that is why the fence at the stockyards and sale barns are 6 ft. high.

Ive seen cows jump over many fences, like many others have said, they just have to want to. Cows are very stubborn animals, and do what they want when they want to. They are very much like teenagers, I think thats why this girl could train the cow, she was persistant. I used to ride cows all the time on my grandparents farm, they just have to like you enough to tollerate you on there backs. =)

Oh yes, this story is allllll about what the girls wants Mae :-0

The story is beautiful. The cow seems happy. The girls seems happy. She treats that cow really well, the cow gets exercise and no hamburgers today......everyone wins!

Isn't it delightful when people make judgments based on little more than their own prejudices? Cows and bulls and oxen are all cattle. Typically, it is oxen that are used as draft animals--but people ride them, especially in Northern European countries. There is very little difference between a cow and an ox--well, oxen are usually male, usually a bit bigger (specific species are preferred), and are trained to pull things (and to be ridden). But, really, cattle are cattle.

Cattle can jump--they don't do it all the time, like kangaroos, but then horses don't either. Still, they can--and it doesn't really bother them to do so every now and again. You know, when you come in and say things that prove little more than your own lack of knowledge, I kind of wonder why you bothered to post at all.

Actually cows were not made to jump with weight on them. Yes cows jump but not usually with 130+ pounds on their back.Those of you who claim"Oh she must be from the city" are ignorant. You are not taking into consideration that the anatomy of this animal is not suited to this job and that Mae is actually correct. This animal will most likely get hurt and have to be put down. Read up on animal anatomy first and then get back to this post.

Are you serious? LOL Apparently you've never seen a cow jump a 6 foot fence while standing next to it. I'd like to see a horse do that. And, I know what I'm talking about we raise and train horses....I doubt the cows anatomy was built to go thru a meat cutter either, but it does.

Sorry--"species" should be "breeds." I was looking at the wrong article when I typed that (I look things up just to make sure I'm right--it's a habit others should look into).

Yes, Britt--people ride cows. It is horses that don't have the anatomy to be ridden--they have the delicate legs and their backs can be fragile. Of course, we ride them anyway.

Cows, donkeys, and oxen can all be ridden--and a young cow can jump. An older one might get hurt, but an older one probably wouldn't try. Have a great day.

If she has to be put down then it's time for supper!

Oh please...the cow is being treated better than probably your chilren are!

Shows how much you know. I had a steer and a cow who regularly jumped out of their pasture. Yes I was them jump, they did not go through the fence or under it. I think it is amazing what she has done.

Mae, did you not read the whole article? The cow has learned the commands and obeys WHEN SHE WANTS TO. If she doesn't want to do it, she doesn't, and her owner accepts that and doesn't try to force her into something she doesn't want to do.

The cow is happy and well-cared for, the girl is happy, and there are plenty of cases of real animal cruelty that need attention... and this is not one of them.

I Love this story. A Great Young Lady and A Great Cow. We need to hear a lot more good stories about the Great Youth all over the WORLD..... Instead of what we usually see and hear

Obvious that Mae 228--- has never been around animals much. All animals are much stronger than humans and very determined if they want something on the other side of any fence. Mae is to used to seeing those pics of milk cows and forgets that cows have survived just as all other species have... by being tough and strong. The girl is having fun and I say go for it.

Good job Mae on making urself look silly.

At Britt: I'm wondering, what were cows "made" for, and who "made" them????

Mae, your marriage is probably in terrible shape, right?

.

Mae, you are getting a beating here, but well deserved in my eyes (as well as others here). If you don't know what you're talking about, just be quiet instead of making a fool of yourself.

Regina Mayer's parents are fully knowledgeable on what cattle are able to withstand so don't cry when you realize that the rest of their herd are either going to be used for either the milk in your refrigerator or the burgers on your grill. "Sparing" one for their daughter's enjoyment is not hurting the cow in the least. Farmers are always making certain their livelihood is healthy which is their job. I would also have to say that if anything that would hurt Luna, Regina is 100% Luna's "caregiver and friend, would not allow it to happen.

I have to say that the care and dedication this girl is placing on this animal makes me one to say Regina is ready for a horse, the care and the necessities of horse ownership!

This is in Germany -- Putzhammer is a very real German last name

Mailman- I am thinking the same thing...

To all the IDIOTS who have a problem with this story, it is not for little minds...

The magical quality of youth. What a great little story. The best in life is free and it's always about a relationship with man or beast. A cow named Luna, jumped over the moon, on a warm afternoon, in the month of June. Fantastic.

Cute story. Nice to see a child doing something besides sitting in front of the TV or Computer. YOU GO GIRL!!

Wow, I am very impressed that this girl found a way to have her dream in spite of being denied a horse. This proves what a little determination can do! The cow is fine--no wonder all the other cows envy it! She would make a top-notch horse trainer if she can accomplish these things with an animal that is so head-strong by nature. Some training stable had better offer her a job while she is young and her price is low. I can identify with her--my parents didn't like horses and I would have done the same thing, if a cow had been available. It's no fun to be a horse crazy kid. I ended up training horses for our neighbor, who sold them for some very good money.

Amen to that! Our children of todays society have become antirely too lazy. This is an awsome story!

I love to hear about people bonding with animals that would otherwise end up on the dinner table. It makes you realize that they are living, thinking, feeling creatures of God that need a bit of love and understanding as we all do. :)

I love this story!!! It's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it!!! For all the people who think this is ridiculous and not true, I just imagine while your sitting at your computer bashing some young girl for her hard work and effort, your children are sitting at a computer game, or watching tv....I love this story!!!

"We got cows"

Some parents just don't want their kids to go "horse-crazy"...it does become an obsession with some, myself included. However what they don't understand is kids who have a large animal in their life (horse, pony, cow, llama) tend to do better in school and be more grounded when the hormones start rolling...this isn't so in every case but in a large proportion of them. Or else maybe they've experienced or been witnesses to a bad injury resulting from a horse wreck and are trying to protect her from that.

No, she's a Laufener, not a Hamburger.

Ahahaha... very funny.

What a wonderful story!! I too rode a hereford as a child on the farm!!! She was a wonderful creature named Mary! The heads turned when we rode down the side of the road! I'm sure when Regina gets a horse to ride Luna will always hold a special place in her heart and live the rest of her life bearing beautiful calves!

So did I!!! I was around 10 or 11. LOL- great memories, pretending I had a horse. For those of you who never set foot on a farm or cared for large animals, I can tell you, it takes a LOT of coaxing and bribery, but after numerous treats, and once they trust you, a cow will follow you around like a pet dog. This cow in the story is one pampered pet! My 'horse' grew into a gentle milk cow, and even years later, when as a teenage girl, I had long abandoned the pretending-my-cow-is-a-horse thing, this cow would still sidle up to me so I could pet her nose. And, you bet a cow can jump! IF they want to; otherwise fuggettabboutit!

oh Pul-LEEEESE. Cows get hurt at rodeos? Try maybe bulls, and that is very rare, and they are cared for very carefully if that happens, they are regarded as stars and athletes. They live a very good and cossetted life. And Doworkryans, same to you....when's the last time you read about a COW killing a person?? Please, both of you, spend some time in the country and learn a bit.

Sonata, I think what Lucy was saying is that riders get hurt at rodeos, not the bovines. And bullriders DO get hurt, but riding this cow is a long way from riding a bucking bull at a rodeo. I used to ride cows on my family's farm as a kid, and had a blast, but since they are so much wider than a horse it wasn't very comfortable for very long. The cows didn't seem to mind.

Sonata's, Have you ever been to a rodeo? Have you ever watched calf roping? The ones being roped are not all bulls and yes they sometimes get hurt severely.

Papabran: have you ever been to a rodeo yourself? it is very very rare that a calf gets hurt. Rodeo livestock are treated better than most children in the world.

Yeah they always tie a rope around your balls and put a guy on your back and then shove an electronic cattle prod in your butt at my school. I always cheer for the bulls at the rodeo. I bet the guy riding the bull could buck pretty good if you did all that to him too.

Cows are never injected with "chemicals" and sent to the butcher shop. They are fattened up then sent to a slaughterhouse to help feed the world. Good luck naming any chemicals they're injected with.

Doworkryans, that cow isn't anymore apt to kill her than a horse is. Get real and spend sometime with cows and horses so you know what you are talking about.

Obviously you're city-folk, lol, and have been around neither horses nor cattle. She's much safer and in less danger of being hurt by that heifer than your average Shetland Pony. Cows are much less flighty and excitable than any riding horses, and have a much more even temperament. Having been raised around both, I'd trust a cow that's been handled that frequently over a horse any day. If cattle were handled as regularly as most riding horses, they'd be as tame and loyal as a dog...

I believe you are thinking of bulls. Quite different.

Cows can definitely be ridden - especially milkers. I used to ride one when I was little cause I was never allowed a horse. Heck, when I was two yrs old I rode the family Doberman, putting a "bit" (his leash) in his mouth. Sure he chewed up all the leashes but he let me do it anyway! When we got rid of the milk cow we had some raised for beef, them things will follow you around like a lost puppy. Around and around the field. Can't say I have the same good feelings about sheep though. Rotten ram!

Doworkryans, sounds to me like you're trying to say that riding a cow is more dangerous than riding a horse! she could just as easily get hurt or trampled by a horse as well (where the heck is your logic in this debate!?) not only that, she's having a great time....she's able to be a kid, she's not harming or hurting anyone. I think you're focusing on the wrong thing. I'd be more afraid of YOU turning on me, and killing me than a cow. Especially in this day and age where you're hearing about protests, civil unrest, terrorists, dictators, and last but certainly not in the least nuclear/oil spills/natural disasters.

We need more stories like this. We need 1/2 full things to look forward to.

It makes me sad that you can't see the beauty in this. (I'm also sad to say that Liz & Mae are kind of in your boat as well with your dreary, droll and narrow minds. I'd abandon ship quick!)

Scotties Rule, this is insane. If you keep that up that Doberman will kill you! Dobermans are not like horses and you can not treat them as such! That Doberman will turn on you someday and chew you up and it will only take a split second! Just kidding. I know exactly what you mean. When I didn't give my ram the sweetfeed fast enough when I was trying to lead him out of the neighbors yard the other day (oh, yeah, they love me), I turned my back for a split second and he hit me dead center of my pattoot and knocked me about twenty feet. I now have a blue bum! This was a sweet story and nothing butt!

Haha! Cow's don't attack and trample people!

Obviously you have not been to Austria or Germany. Everyone out in the farm has a horse, so possibly her friends ride along on their horses??

"Male cow" doesn't work. Basically it says "he she." You'd call that male a bull. All bovine have horns regardless of gender. On most dairy farms, the horns are removed when the animals are quite young, as it's a lot safer. Bulls are dangerous with or without horns (just because of size alone), because their temperment can change in a second and one had best respect that. Cows will let you know when they're unhappy or scared, but typically don't attack.

you thought wrong... bulls and heffers(cows) can both have horns. that depends on their bloodline.

Only "male" cows have horns! Ah, city folk are funny!

That animated movie "Barnyard" -----all cows do not have udders.

There now you learned two things today.

There are such things known as polled cows/bulls. These animals do not have horns. It is a component of DNA. Seems pretty obvious that most people on here have no clue about horses/cows whatever and would probably do better keeping their mouths/keyboards shut. Also wink....a heifer is a young female bovine that has not yet had a calf. Once she has a calf she will be known as a cow.

If that cow was a male, you'd know it... his junk would be bigger then your arm hanging down...

Story's great. I'm a huge animal lover and have always thought cows and horses sweet.

I see it's the glory article for the country set. Just looking for that opportunity to say, "city folk." Now my question is- did you spit your tobacky in the spittoon or just on the ground? Wearing the customary bib over-alls and sleeping with your cousin? How many teeth DO you have in your head?

Don't need to be nasty while giving insight to others.

Anyway, great story. I'm a city girl who has spent plenty of time in the country and on friends' farms. And beside that, I'm well read. Is that relevant? Hope you can fit thru the barn door with your inflated heads. :)

All cattle can and do have horns unless they have been poled (the root is dug out after birth) or have been bred to be hornless. Stay in the city, the country can be hazardous for folks like you.

Wow, Saying "City Folk" is a lot different than all the nasty comments you just made. I didn't know saying "City Folk" was being nasty. To answer your questions though; I don't chew tobacco although I do sometimes wear bib-overalls. I have never slept with my cousin but I am missing one of my molars. We produce our own meat, milk, and eggs. We make our own butter and cheese. I guess we would fit the term "Country Folk".

I'm not sure what you mean by "glory article", but I did like the story and if the use of the term "City Folk" insults you then I suggest you get a stronger backbone.

Fishinron: It's polled, not poled. Polled means having the horns bred out. It's great not to have to dehorn (that's when the horn is cut off, or dug out); most of my cattle are polled. And that cow appears to be a Simmental, not a Hereford. Shouldn't make fun of city folk; it's rude. Or, keep_it_cool -- you shouldn't make fun of country folk. We all can't know everything.

Guys and Gals, take some classes and learn something. Cows have horns also.

rf-random number. It's the flippant attitude of it, don't be obtuse. You assume that someone doesn't know someomething about a cow vs a bull makes them a city folk- therefore, you capitalize on some stereotype. So I just had to point out some of the other stereotypes out there. Kinda like if I were to call people, country bumpkins.

Hey, don't get so defensive. This was the big day for you guys. You got to shine and puff out your chest all proud like with the snide comments. I thought it would be appropriate to join in the fun on the same level!

This is a wonderful story and I can see many many people commenting do not know much about cattle. They can jump, many get hurt in rodeos, cows can turn on you as some are just plain nasty, depends on the breed but many cows have horns, they can be ridden. I could go on and on but all and all this little gal had incentive to ride and made the most of what she had. I was just surprised how many negative remarks were made on something that was enlightening for a change.

Donna... I don't believe you birthed me, I don't need your reprimand for a sarcastically written post. No thanks mom!!!

Certain breeds of cattle are born with horn buds which grow into horns. Both male and female cattle will develop horns. Other breeds are polled which means that they are not born with horn buds and never will grow horns. Horn buds are not usually dug out to prevent horns from growing. One method is to use a hot iron to stop the growth of horn tissue. The procedure is done in the first month or two of life and is quick and bloodless. There are several different names for identifying cattle. There are bulls, cows, heifers, and steers. Bulls are intact males while steers are males that have been castrated. Heifers are young females that have not yet given birth and cows are females that have had a calf.

I for one think this is stupid. Cattle are not made to be ridden, they are nothing like a horse. They also are not a 'jumping' animal. Yes, they can jump in certain situations. This is just idiotic.

'Polled' cattle are not born without horns, they're 'de-budded' - the horns, on both the male and female cattle are burned off when they're quite young. And you're certainly right about the Charolais - they're a handful, no matter how you look at them! LOL

We lived at a farm and got free rent for taking care of the critters. There was one Charlois - big! and boy, was she mean! She also created more manure than you can imagine. She calfed while we took care of her and I would have to shake my pitchfork at her and holler "Do you want your baby to lay in all this sh--?" so she'd let me in the stall to clean it.

Sherri-3267666, "polled" cattle ARE born without horns, only horned cattle have to be disbudded. Most breeds of cattle are not polled.

It's true, polled cattle are without horns, whether they are heifers, cows, bulls or steers. Now, back to the topic at hand, because it isn't about us, the readers: this young lady did the right thing by leading her heifer early. Once calves trust a person, they'll try about anything. I have to say, as cows get older, they are harder to work with, especially when they're in heat, so she won't be much fun for long. If Luna is still enjoying going for rides and even jumping fences (God forbid she figures out she can do it at her leisure), then there is no issue for us to debate. Once the family decides to start breeding her, she'll likely be a good mother and won't run over the family trying to give her calves shots. THAT's when cows become dangerous.

Her udder is visible in two of the pictures. They don't grow larger until the cow is older/pregnant. (Usually synonymous, but I'm not absolutely sure.) Six months seems a bit young to have started getting on her back; but, beef cows are much sturdier and stockier than horses, so if other ranchers (do they call them ranchers over there?) aren't commenting on it, it must be safe for the cow.

this is a Heifer not a cow, A heifer is a female that has not had a calf. after a heifer is bred, she will start to have her udders drop so she can produce milk. after the first calf her udders will be very visible, and she will be classified a cow. until then her udders will be up tight against her underside.

Thanks for the clarification & correction. Too early to be bugging local rancher friends for terminology/opinions; they're busy.

Ok, so I'm sitting here half laughing, half sad, that so many people are concerned about the size of this animal's teats. If the cow could read, she would start to develop body image issues from all this hen-pecking and criticism of her udders. Perhaps she'll develop an eating disorder now and have unprotected, random sex with wild bulls, trying to seek approval she isn't getting here from you.

Toooooooo much time on some hands around here...

ROFL!!! A truly mooving comment!

Yes, keep it cool, based on both your comments you have WAY TOO MUCH TIME ON YOUR HANDS.

So? At least we aren't trading insults and calling names. Life's too short not to have a little fun.

I didn't say I didn'thave too much time on my hands. :) But you two certainly are defensive! lol Thanks Scottie, gonna become a fan? And Terry, I AM having fun!! Thanks for taking some of that time to comment, it truly makes my day. At least I know you're in the same boat as me.

Anyway, when I read the story, I thought it was a cute, fluffy story.... sorry I'm not taking it nearly as seriously as you guys. The size of the teat matters, got it. I personally wasn't going to get that emotionally invested in this article, but you can obsess about cow boobs all day, it's your right. Viva la teaties!!!

Actually, keep_it_cool, I thought Scotties Rule was fussing at both of us. Your comment had me almost in teras, imagining a cow going to a plastic surgeon, or trying on Victoria's Secret bras. I appreciate humor, particularly when so much of the news is depressing. I also loved the sight of a very German freulein riding a fence-jumping cow. I spent almost five years over there, and met a number of farm-bred ladies. It's probably good that I'm happily married, or I might have brought one home. They are frequently, shall we say, generously proportioned.

Sorry Terry, coming in to NV, I gets gloved up and sometimes throw a wild punch. BUT... of course, I don't take things toooo seriously usually. Now that I've calmed down from my mad rage, I am getting the context. :)

Did you know they make an ice cream out there called Skinny Cow? It's only starting, I tell you.

Damn, well I don't have more time on my hands today unfortunately, but I might tomorrow!!

This paticular heifer will never have a very big udder in that she's a beef breed. Beef cattle don't give as much milk as a dairy breed obviously and vice versa when it comes to beef. Ahhhh genetics