Q&A for How to Train a Cow to be Ridden

She might, but if she is trained right and the stranger is told and shown how to ride the cow, it shouldn't happen.

You could start training him now by getting him accustomed to having weight on his back, basically turning him into a pack-steer. But, he won't be ready to actually ride until he's about two-years-old. At least before then you can gradually get him used to having a saddle on his back.

How big or tall are the jumps? If they're too tall, start off with a log on the ground, and get her to step over that, then progressively get to higher jumps. The problem is that you're starting her off at the deep end, so it's no wonder she'd sooner go around them then over them. Start at the shallow end, and work your way up.

Try alfalfa cubes, bread, carrots and fruit/other veggies.

You may start training at 3 months, but don't get on until they are about 11 or 12 months old.

You need to start training around 3 months old, but because they are so young and because adjusting takes some time, don't actually ride them until they are around 11-13 months old.

It depends on you, and the animal. Some animals may take a month or so to train, others a bit longer. If you push the cow to learn as quickly as possible, you might get nowhere. But if you take your time and act like you have all the time in the world to train a cow, you could have it halter-broke in no time.

Maybe they want to try riding a different animal, or maybe they already have a cow and want to make the most of it.

If a machine makes noise that are sudden, loud, and abrupt, a cow will most likely be scared.

Buy a big halter that fits and get a loop from a horse's halter. Tie a string onto it and tie them together.

Any breed is desirable. It just depends on the animal's temperament. Every cow is different with different temperaments, but breed is not an issue with which is best for riding; that's like asking which breed of horse is best for dressage, ranching, or polo. It's a non-issue. As long as the cow has a good temperament, and has been "broke" to the halter and being around people, she'll be good to start training for riding.

You can ride them with a saddle, but it is very hard to find a saddle that will fit a cow. It is most common to ride bareback or with just a saddle pad.

No. Please don't do this. Not only will it mess up the balance of the animal (and you), it will upset the animal.

If she is trained and gentle, then yes, you can ride her. If she is older than five years old, she may be a little harder to train.

Just give her something to eat. A pile of hay will work, or you can have someone stand there and give her snacks. Graham crackers are my cow's personal favorite.

No, it isn't. You just probably need to make a bond and have them get used to you. It might take longer, but anything is possible with a little work.

Wear a helmet and be completely sure he is trained. It really shouldn't hurt that bad if you fall.

You don't necessarily have to, but it wouldn't be a bad idea.

Yes, because a steer is a cow. A steer is a castrated (fixed) bull.

It should be at least 1 1/2 - 2 years old, or it may not be strong enough.

Of course you can! Any breed or gender of cow can be taught to be ridden, but it must be strong enough for you to ride it.

Cows cannot bite because they do not have top teeth, only bottom teeth.

There is no sure way that the calf will never be afraid of some noises, but noise exposure can help. Get it used to having other people or animals around talking, clapping, stomping, etc. Your calf may always be afraid of mechanical noises and such, but if you leave a noisemaker such as wind chimes or get them used to the noise of a truck/car starting and running by feeding or walking them near one, that may help as well.

Devon cows might be good, as they are really gentle. I have a couple Devon cows and they are tame.

Check the weight of your animal before riding if you are raising and training a calf. Cattle can carry about 50% of their bodyweight. Most adult cattle are capable of carrying an adult human.

Their is not a particular breed that is best. However, certain breeds have a calmer temperament and tolerate handling much better. Some people have had great success riding longhorns and Scottish highlanders, while dairy breeds are usually preferred for draft cattle. Any individual cow with a good temperament should be able to be trained to ride.

Feed them apples and carrots so that they anticipate you coming. Try to be calm and quit, and talk to them if they can't see you.