Close encounter with a gentle giant

THERE is something captivating about power in nature – from majestic eagles and high-speed tuna to tank-like rhinos and formidable anacondas.

But you don’t always need to look overseas for examples – I just look over the hedge at the end of my west Dartmoor garden.

For several weeks a herd of cows in the neighbouring field has been joined by an impressive bull, a huge reddish-brown beast – a Devon variety of some kind I would guess, but I’m no expert in cattle breeds.

Thick necked and heavy shouldered, these muscle-bound animals are mightily impressive. Showstoppers in the livestock ring at agricultural events and head-turners when spotted in fields.

The other day the cows were being moved from one field to another. I had headed out for an after-work run and found myself alongside a familiar local face who was helping guide them up the lane.

The impatient cattle had got a bit ahead and disappeared round a bend in the road, and we both jogged to catch up with them. They had found their way down a side entrance to another field and were noisily introducing themselves to the other cows over the gate.

Somehow they needed ushering back out into the road and sent in the correct direction.

I offered to help, and was handed a flexible plastic stick to guide them and told to make sure they headed uphill once they reached the road. Meanwhile she bravely squeezed in behind the herd and sent them on their way towards me.

Well, I’m no cattle drover, but with arms spread and a few words of encouragement I was pleased that the cows heeded my instructions and headed the right way. I’ve seen the film City Slickers so I felt qualified for the job. In fact watching that film was my only qualification, as I have never herded cows before.

Only it wasn’t just cows. I looked to my right to see that last in line was the massive bull, and he trundled along past as good as gold, with the expert behind coaxing him by, along with a little calf.

It was a wonderful sight, and there is nothing like getting that close to a prime beef bull – with no safety fence between you and it – to realise just what enormously powerful creatures they are.

One of the wonders of agricultural shows is seeing young farm hands leading these enormous and docile beasts around the ring. This glorious animal was also a gentle giant, lumbering past on up the road, where the farmer was waiting with gate open to receive them.

Helping out, if only in a very small way, rather made my day.