A TEENAGER whose parents refused to buy her horse is over the moo-n — after teaching a cow to showjump.
Regina Mayer has spent hours training dairy animal Luna and can now ride her with equine ease.
Not only do the unusual pair regularly go on long rides through the German countryside, they also hurdle over makeshift jumps created with beer crates and painted logs.
Regina, who lives in Laufen, southern Germany, said of Luna: "She thinks she's a horse."
The pals started off with gentle walks after the animal was born on the Mayers' farm two years ago.
Gradually the brown-and-white beast became more accustomed to human contact and riding equipment.
And six months later, Regina was able to sit in her saddle for the first time.
Now, Luna understands commands such as 'go', 'stand' and 'gallop' — if she feels like it.
SHOWJUMPING bovine Luna trained by German teen Regina Mayer
Regina said of her first ride: "She was really well behaved and walked normally. But after a couple of metres she wanted me to get off. You could see that she got a bit peeved."
The 15-year-old, who rides Luna every day, added: "It's a lot of work, but I enjoy it. When she wants to do something she does it, when she doesn't, she doesn't.
"And she is often very headstrong but can also be really adorable."
Regina said Luna's stubborn streak meant teaching her pony tricks wasn't always easy.
But the persistent teenager took the bull by the horns and taught Luna to behave after seeking tips from a cow expert in Switzerland.
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