We have ridden horses through the Costa Rican mountains and mules through the Grand Canyon. So, I figured the best way to celebrate my mom’s visit, Mother’s Day, and her upcoming birthday was to ride some cows through the Swiss countryside!

Is that a baby inside?

Six Jersey/Holstein cows were all set and ready to go when we arrived at this 100% organic farm. The farm owner told us to go ahead and pick out our cows. Mom chose the closest one, Umbra, who was three weeks from delivering a calf and wider than she was high! I chose the cow standing right next to Mom’s, Colli, just because she was convenient.

First the farmer explained that we were going to lead the cows in order to get to know them before we mounted up. The only thing we really needed to know was that a 1500lb cow is going to do what she wants, no matter what we thought! As we walked down the road we had to move over every time a car wanted to pass. The looks on the driver’s faces were priceless! As they passed, I tried to give each one a variation on the same basic expression: I can’t believe I am doing this either! No translation needed there.

After about half an hour, we climbed aboard and headed into the countryside. It was a comedy of errors as everyone struggled to steer their mount and avoid fountains of manure and urine.

Ladies' Day Out

Sometime later, we walked up to a grove of trees and were told to get off the cows. We tied them to the trees, gave them some hay, and then enjoyed a lunch snack in the middle of the woods. Everything on the table was organic and made from products grown on the farm.

During our lunch, several of the cows had laid down to chew their cud. The farmer said to just hop right on! Don’t forget that this heifer is pregnant, as you watch Mom rise to glory! (click here)

After lunch we continued through the countryside for about an hour and half, stopping to let the cows take a short break in the Rhine River!

There was only a small altercation with the visiting swan.

After the day was finished, we “un-saddled” the cows and then they just walked around the farm, doing what they pleased. Thankfully, we didn’t get a chance to ride this guy.

Water Buffalos

It was definitely a unique experience, watching my mom struggle with a one-ton, pregnant, ornery cow!

Mom & Umbra