Horses and Mules commonly kick toward their hindquarters, while cow's kick forward and out to the side Cows also have a tendency to kick toward a side with pain from inflammation or injuries.

Can cows kick straight back?

With either hind leg she can strike straight backwards to about upper thigh height, strike directly forward to her belly line, forward also in an outward arc, or forward and then back in a rough quarter circle sweep, which is the one capable of doing the most damage since it is the least expected.

Can horses kick sideways?

A horse can kick up or sideways with one leg, often called “cow-kicking.” Sometimes they will kick backward with one leg, and if it connects with a person it will connect at their leg level. They can kick the highest, at stomach, chest or head level on an adult person, when they engage both hind legs together.