Today, Les Haudères hosted the annual Combat de Génissons, or cow fighting competition between the heifers in the valley.  To an outsider, like me, it can look a bit brutal as the cows circle each other, sometimes pawing the ground, before pushing and shoving each other, with their horns perilously close to the opposition’s eyes.  But it’s a natural, instinctive thing that they do, to assert their dominance, and I’ve never (in 5 years of watching these combats) ever seen any of the animals injured in any way.  It also seems to be a bit of social occasion, to meet up with friends and have a drink.  Though the owner of the winning cow is a very proud farmer indeed !

This combat went on for at least 20 minutes, with Fleurette (no. 17) eventually winning this battle.

The backdrop to the arena.