How to Train a Cow to be Ridden

Start with a calf so it is easier to teach.

Build a relationship with the calf. You want the calf to feel comfortable around you, and you also want to be comfortable around it. This means getting it eating out of your hand and getting used to you touching and petting it. This may take several weeks, so be patient, yet consistent. This is also a good time to halter-train the calf, and teaching him to stand tied.

As you get the animal used to your touch and your trust, try putting a little pressure on the animal's back each time, by pushing down with your hand, then progressing to planting your arms and chest on the animal's back so your legs are off the ground. Do this briefly, but repeat every time, make sure to give the calf praise every time that it calms down.

Once the animal is used to your weight on his back, you can now climb on. The animal may try to jump around a bit or move away from you, but you also need to persist until he learns that you are not trying to hurt him.

When the calf starts getting used to you being on its back, take it out to a small enclosed area.

Make some reins by putting a halter on him and attaching the end of the lead to the halter.

To train the animal to respond to the reins. Have him face a wall or fence, and climb on his back. Pull left or right on the reins and he will have to go either way you tell him because he can't go forward.

Continue to practice. This will take quite a bit of time to get from the initial training to actually riding the cow.