The Cow Jumping Tradition
The Course Landaise is a form of bullfighting but instead of harming the cow, athletes dodge and leap over the cows. One needs courage, composure and agility to participate in this dangerous sport. Deaths of toreros or écarteurs, although rare, do happen occasionally.
The écarteurs are well-respected professionals but never earn enough to support themselves with the sport alone.
"I jumped, the cow caught both my legs ... and I fell down on my head and got knocked out, but so did the cow... no one had ever seen that, so that was a bit funnier, after the fact."
Nicolas Vergon-zeane
Kids are initiated to the sport at a young age, starting with a wooden bull but quickly switch to a young calf.
Injuries occur frequently at the Course Landaise.
