Yeah. I've been brought up in the country. Ever since we played as kids i've never been fearful of cows. Don't get me wrong i respect them and take a wide bert (when with a dog), but they will always follow and you must show them who's boss in this situation because frankly there is often no alternative and they'll surround you otherwise. Not a situation you want to happen!
Horses are even worse that cows. I really hate them. I've had one charge my dog as a puppy. He'd slipped his collar and i thought he was gonna be crushed. Luckily he ran (as oposed to laying on his stomach with his legs up - his usual style) otherwise he'd be dead.