Until you have had a previous unsettling encounter with either Cows or Horses, i always give them a wide birth, as they can be so unpredictable.
I even go out of my way, to find another route to avoid coming into contact with them, simply because i know i could not out run them in a dangerous situation.
I also know that in the past, if i had stopped in my tracks and faced them head on, i would not be here today.
Many years ago, i had to cross a field full of young bullocks, and they were in such a frisky excited mood, that if i had been foolish enough to stand my ground, they would have trampled all over me.
To this day, i still do not know what made them gallop at speed towards me, and as i entered the field, they were a considerable distance away, but i aroused their curiosity, and they went ballistic.
Cows with young calfs, young Bullocks, and Horses all need due respect, and if one just enters a field or area of land with crazing cattle, do not startle them, or make any unnecessary noise.
Usually they just acknowledge your presence, and go on eating or minding their own business.
If you alarm them, or allow your pet dog to bark annoyingly at them, then there is a possibility of distressing them, with the inevitable consequences.