Running Amongst Livestock

We are lucky to live in a great location to get out & run over fields and trails. Therefore, we are more than likely to encounter livestock. For those who are new to running in this environment it is useful to follow a few guidelines.

If you can already see any cattle or horses – do they have young? If so, it might be prudent to miss the field out & go round as the mothers will do anything to protect their young, making it dangerous to cross
If not, assess how aggressive the livestock are. Are they very curious, once one lifts its head normally the others follow. Some then go back to eating – they will generally be fine. Just walk through.
If they appear aggressive & start to run towards you, do not enter the field but find an alternative route.
You could be half way across of course, in this instance, it’s always good to look for alternative routes, perhaps around the side of the field where you could jump over any fences etc.
If you have a dog with you or are going through a field after someone else with a dog, be aware that this increases the risk of the livestock being agitated
Generally, it is good to slow to a walk & respect the livestock.
Adding a bit more time to your run is better than having an accident.