How do Scottish Highland Cows Survive in the Cold?
posted on
January 25, 2026
On these bitter, freezing New Hampshire nights, I'm tucked under my cozy covers thinking, Thank goodness I'm not a cow. But then I remember: my cattle were designed for this nonsense.
Centuries ago in the Scottish Highlands, cattle didn't get pampered with heated barns and room service hay. They had to survive on grit, determination, and really good hair. Only the toughest made it, which is why they evolved with a fluffy inner coat and a lanolin-rich outer layer that sheds snow like a fancy waterproof parka. They're walking ice age relics with built-in winter gear.
Meet Curious Bleu: At fourteen years old, and 2,000 pounds of pure Highland magnificence, Bleu is a direct descendant of those hardy Scottish survivors. I've given him access to shelter. Does he use it? Nope. Even in howling wind and sideways snow, Bleu prefers hanging out with his bestie, Finn (a younger black Highland steer), either lounging on leftover hay circles or hanging out in the ravine behind my farmhouse, where it's a toasty 10 degrees warmer.
Both are treat fiends. Finn will sprint to the fence the second he spots a visitor with carrots or stale bread. Bleu, being the distinguished elder statesman, takes his sweet time but always shows up for the snack party.
Fun fact: When Bleu was just a day old, he ran off into the coyote-filled woods. I turned his adventure into a children's book called "A Curious Little Calf Named Bleu." Back in his celebrity days, young Bleu toured around to book readings. I did the talking and he signed copies with his hoof. Now he's retired from show business and spends his days giving cow-back rides to humans in exchange for carrots, brushing sessions, and—his personal favorite—butt scratches. (His massive horns just can't reach that spot!)
As long as Bleu and Finn have plenty of hay, water, and wind protection, they'll be fine. But on brutal nights like tonight, I still worry about them while snuggling under my warm blankets, grateful beyond measure that I'm not a bovine.
Carole Soule is co-owner of Miles Smith Farm, where she offers Ultimate Cow Experiences, including cow riding. She can be reached at carole@soulecoaching.com.
