Anxiety no. 1 - will there be cows?

I have an aversion to cows - well bullocks, cows, or anything that looks bovine really. I find it especially alarming when I come cross them blocking my way as I can only recall stories of people being trampled to death by them. Perhaps its irrational - after all, if they were truly dangerous they wouldn't be allowed in fields with footpaths .... would they? My instinct is not to take the risk, even if the alternative is to climb over barbed wire to get away from them. 

But what will I do if I have people with me? I have been told that the way to tackle it is to stand with your arms wide and to make yourself look as big as possible. Not sure how that helps but hopefully it's advice I won't need.