Cows play a different role in a land down under
With his hands clutching tightly to the rope wrapped around its neck, an Aussie says his prayers as he clasps as tight as he can to the back of a pissed off cow.
Mt.Compass is infamous for hosting one of Australia’s most ridiculous events, the country’s only cow race. On the 21st of January, local men grab as hard as they can as they charge across the town football grounds, straddling dairy heifers. Three “urgers” , guys trying to get the cow to move in a straight direction, guide the rider. Whoever stays on the longest wins.
How does a tradition like this start?
Back in 1974 a worker on a stud farm just outside Mt.Compass was running his usual schedule. He called Bet, his 12 year old Guernsey house cow, for the daily milking. The cow came sprinting at full speed from across the farm, and imagination was sparked.
The pure foot power of a milking cow was all that needed to inspire the need to ride one. So that same year, a committee was formed, and the community gathered to watch local men race down a stretch of 40 yard of the back of their bovine counterparts. Ever since it started, the event has been used as a means of fund-raising to better their city.
Program
Beyond the actual race, which is often saved for last, there are many other cow themed events to fill your time. Classics including the dung fling, milk loading race, rubber boot marathon, and the milk chug, are sure to boggle the mind and tingle the senses.
Tip
Mt.Compass is a town in the Fleurieu Peninsula, along the A13 south of Adelaide and north of Victor Harbor. If you visit from May to October, chances are you’ll be able to see South Right whales from the shore.
Want to learn more about Australia? Try a map!
