Humans love to find new ways to settle down and relax. Who doesn’t enjoy a bit of cuddling? We cuddle our kids, our loved ones, and our pets. But what about going to a farm and cuddling up with a giant farm animal? In particular, getting all cozy next to a cow? Well, some are saying that cow cuddling is the latest and hottest health trend sweeping the nation.
Of course, some of the ‘science’ is established We love animals and being around safe animals, like cows, can actually reduce our stress. You might think this is strange or awkward, but it’s not the strangest of all the different therapies that have come out. Like goat and cat yoga. Who can remember back to that phenomenon?
You might not be able to get a 1,000-pound cow to do some yoga, but they’re saying cuddling the beast might help your mental health. One particular place that allows for cow cuddling is in upstate New York. It’s called Mountain Horse Farm and part of their package is called “The Horse and Cow Experience” which allows people to spend quality time with large animals.
It’s more than just cuddling, as spending some quiet time take care of animals can relieve stress as well. You can pet the animals, brush their air. But the website for Mountain Horse Farm shares more information about cow cuddling you might not have known. They are warmer and have a slower heartbeat than we do, which is what makes cuddling them so relaxing.
The “Science” Behind Cow Cuddling
Bonding with nature is a good, proven way of reducing stress. Being around animals, enjoying the shade under a tree, it all works to our advantage! Mountain Horse Farms says that they believe cows and horses have a special ability to communicate with humans. They understand our feelings of happiness, anxiety, and sadness and can help us relax.
Sort of like how your dog or cat will know if you’re down and will try to comfort you. They say the same is true for cows and horses. They are well-loved animals and if we come with a cool, calm attitude, they will respond in kind. But not everyone thinks this is a good idea. Cows and horses weren’t bred or designed to cuddle with humans.
While it might bring a relaxing, calm state to our mood and help us mentally, it’s not necessarily a good idea. These are massive beasts we’re talking about and if they suddenly get spooked, it can be dangerous. Mario Becker is an animal behavior expert. He says cows are escape animals and don’t like to be cuddled.
Either way, you can try this new experience for yourself to see if you like it. The 90-minute Horse and Cow Experience package at Mountain Horse Farms is $300 and includes the whole package of activities. But, if you’re just down to cuddle a cow for about an hour, you’ll pay around $75 for the experience.
