Ahimsa’s Big Boys April 24, 2025 – Posted in: 2025

Oxen often have this stereotyped nature: “they’re scary, intimidating in size and uneasy in temperament”. When I first arrived at Ahimsa, I was unsure. I simply admired them from afar, appreciating their sizeable beauty, the grace in which they walked softly across the fields, their magnificent and huge horns, and simply the sheer size of their bodies. But inside I felt a fear, because to me, they were the unknown. I would speak to them whenever I walked past their field, but I felt a hesitancy from them. They didn’t want me around. A side eye glance or intense stare was the most they’d allow as an interaction. I felt a sadness in my heart as I watched them, gently grazing all the time but without the opportunity for interaction or fulfilling purpose in their day.

With the ever prevailing questions… what is my purpose? What am I doing here? Why am I here, on this earth right now and having this experience? And more importantly, what opportunities are in front of me where I can make a positive change on the world around me? For me the answer lies in a loving and spiritual perspective, with a goal that is centred around love. So over the first few months of watching the Big Boys from afar, I decided the best course of action… Love.

I approached with caution, because I was still feeling a little afraid, as I didn’t understand them. But each morning, as I would pass by their field, I would speak to them, and soon start to offer them something. At first I would throw in a carrot, which would land near their feet. They would eat, and then carry on as if I wasn’t there. But little by little, they became more aware of me. The edge of the fence line offered handfuls of lush grass that was just out of their reach. I pulled up a few handfuls and, with a soft voice, I’d call the name of whoever was standing close by. Slowly and with caution they started to approach. One by one, over some time, they became more comfortable to approach and take the handful of grass that I held out in front of them. It was progress.

With a changing of hands in the team came a time where I felt I needed to up the game. Progress was made over the weeks that had passed. We recognised each other and they would listen to my voice as I passed by. They were becoming more curious, and I was feeling even more keen to see their personalities. But still I felt hesitant to step over the safety barrier of the fence line. Until the day when former cowherd Iain was leaving, and with his final guidance and support… and a packet of digestive biscuits, I was able to have a close interaction with them. Within that, the fear melted away.

Each day following, I ventured into their field and spoke with them and offered them a biscuit or a veggie snack. We all started to feel at ease with each other. We set up a daytime grazing area for them through the woods, so each day I would call them through and herd them to the pasture again at night. They listened to me. I started to notice that the stereotypes of oxen were wrong. They are calm, respectful, and compliant, not like some of the sassy stubbornness we see in cows!

I thought it was time to start incorporating touch. A long process, which requires patience. Touch to them felt new after so long. They were jumpy, flinching each time as if I were an irritating fly landing on their backs. They’d walk away or swing their head in disapproval. But with time and grace, love and consistency, everything changed. Now I share a relationship with these beautiful and gentle souls where touch is accepted and enjoyed. Starting from just a gentle pat here and there, to now giving full massages, scratches, and brushing. Even the most sensitive boys, Dharma and Bala, have surrendered to the experience. Harry now follows me like an enthusiastic puppy, wanting all the attention for himself. Back scratches are definitely his favourite pastime.

There’s more progress to be had, but day by day I see and feel improvements in the relationship that I now so fondly share with these boys. The way they now reciprocate to me truly fills my heart with joy.
My goal now is to continue to softly allow them to feel and experience the love that we can offer them. I hope to keep inspiring others to accompany me and show the boys that everyone is here simply to love them.

Sophie Harding
(Apprentice from the Future Farmers Programme)