Now cows can be added to the list.
Free-riding cowgirl Hannah Simpson (16) rides Lilac most days on the family's Otatara farm, on the outskirts of Invercargill.
The 5-year-old Brown Swiss milking cow, standing an estimated 14 hands high, was placid, Hannah's mother Deirdre said.
A child could sit on her and she was content to be led around, she said.
''She is so placid, so gentle, so loveable, and so good around children. She has got life membership at the farm.''
Lilac has lived at the Simpson farm since she was born and Hannah has been riding her for the past four years.
Asked why a cow was her animal of choice, rather than the usual horse or donkey, she said Lilac was available.
''We didn't have a horse, and I wanted to ride ... So I just jumped on and she just trotted off.''
So how will someone know if a cow is the right cow to ride?
If you simply ''jumped on'', the cow would let you know, Hannah said.
''Some cows are more placid and adaptable for riding. They have to have the right temperament. They will either buck or not.''
Apparently, Lilac either walks or trots - there is no cantering.
''Lilac is always very lazy and tries to save energy, so she doesn't canter,'' Hannah said.
''But she does like to go to new places and explore.''
Honey, the family's Jersey-cross cow, had a different temperament, and enjoyed a good canter around the farm, Hannah said.
''Honey is quite speedy, which I like,'' she added.
Hannah's brother, Timothy (14), has been riding almost as long as Hannah, so it is not unusual for the siblings to each ride a cow around the farm.
Even though Sammy the horse arrived almost a month ago, Lilac and Honey need not worry about being put out to pasture.
''I prefer riding the cows. The horse is still learning to be ridden and still learning to canter. The cows are much more relaxed,'' Hannah said.
- Janette Gellatly
