People do ride cattle, but the practice is uncommon for practical transportation. It is often associated with specialized contexts like sport or novelty. Horses became the primary riding animal due to their speed, endurance, and physical conformation. However, cattle have occasionally been trained for riding in certain regions and specific situations. While the public perception is that cattle are completely unrideable, some can be mounted with significant effort and selection, though they are fundamentally ill-suited for the role.
Why Cows Are Not Ideal Mounts
The primary reasons cattle are not widely used for riding are rooted in their anatomical structure, which differs significantly from horses. A major limitation is the bovine spinal column, which is more rigid and less suited for supporting concentrated weight than the equine spine. This difference can make riding uncomfortable for both the animal and the rider. Horses were selectively bred for centuries to have a strong back capable of carrying a rider, a trait cattle lack since they were historically bred for meat, dairy, or draft work.
Cattle also possess a different gait and lack the speed and stamina necessary for efficient travel. Their movement is generally slower, and they are prone to a clumsy trot, making long-distance riding impractical. Their wide body structure can be difficult for a rider to comfortably straddle. Additionally, their hooves are less durable than those of a horse, wearing down quickly on hard surfaces and potentially leading to lameness.
While some cattle can be trained, their temperament and responsiveness differ from horses. Cattle are more placid and stubborn, making them less reactive to the subtle cues riders use to guide a horse. Their behavioral instinct is generally to inspect objects rather than spooking and fleeing. However, their sheer size and power make them challenging to control under saddle, demanding patience and specialized training techniques.
Cultural and Sporting Examples of Cattle Riding
Despite these practical limitations, people have historically and currently ridden cattle in various capacities, particularly when utility was more important than speed. The most common historical example is the use of oxen, which are steers trained to pull heavy loads in carts or plows. These animals were sometimes ridden for short distances, demonstrating the feasibility of the practice for slow, draft-focused work.
In the modern era, the most visible form of cattle riding occurs in rodeo sports, specifically bull riding and steer riding. Bull riding is a professional sport where a rider attempts to stay mounted on a bucking bull for eight seconds; the animal’s bucking ability is a key component of the score. Steer riding is a youth event, often using animals weighing between 500 and 1,000 pounds, serving as an introductory step to the challenge of bull riding.
Beyond organized sport, some individuals in rural areas occasionally train steers or cows for personal enjoyment or novelty. These animals, often chosen for their calmer temperaments, can be taught to walk and jump, behaving similarly to a horse in a recreational setting. These instances of casual riding are typically short-lived and require significant dedication from the owner. This highlights that riding cattle is possible, but remains a specialized and non-traditional pursuit.