Believe it or not, people are now shelling out $300 for two people to spend 90 minutes cuddling, brushing and playing with cows. The wellness trend is simply called cow cuddling, and it’s the most recent addition to animal-centric holistic health offers, like goat yoga.
If you’re still reeling from sticker shock it might be because you’re from the Midwest and used to petting cows on nearby farms as they hang their heads over the fence — for free. But though the dough you’ll need to drop might seem high, the health treatment is in fact rooted in at least some science. Here’s why people are dropping serious cash on cow cuddling.
What is cow cuddling?
First of all, cow cuddling is just what it sounds like, though not all you’ll do is cuddle the cows. A cow cuddling experience, as previously mentioned, also includes other activities like petting the cows and playing with them, and no, they won’t put you to work milking them while you’re there. Sessions tend to be monitored and facilitated by a licensed counselor (more on that in a minute) and an equine specialist.
Are there health benefits to cow cuddling?
Actually, yes, and the health benefits that experts claim cow cuddling provides might make it a good alternative for people who just can’t get into meditation. One of the many benefits to meditation is the ability to slow down your heart rate, which can work wonders for alleviating or even banishing anxiety. Cow cuddling can do the same thing, according to Mountain Horse Farm, a wellness retreat that offers this experience.
“Cows have a body temperature that is slightly higher than humans and their heart rate is lower than ours,” the retreat explains on their website. “Cuddling up with a cow, feeling that lower heart rate and higher body temperature, is very relaxing.”
Think of it as therapy that doesn’t require you to say a word. “They will pick up on what’s going on inside and sense if you are happy, sad, feel lost, anxious or are excited and they will respond to that without judgement, ego or agenda,” the Mountain Horse Farm website explains. They’re sensitive, intuitive creatures, they explain, which makes them perfect for sensing your emotions and responding to your subtle body language.
Where can I try cow cuddling?
If you happen to live in NYC, you can try cow cuddling and get out of the hectic city all in one go. Mountain Horse Farm (mentioned above) in update New York offers the experience as we outlined, and as described, a 90-minute session for two will cost you $300.
