Before milking the cows, we have to retrieve them from the paddock outside. They stream into the barn in a flood of chaotic energy, and it's my partner's and my job to direct them back into their individual stalls. This was an intimidating task when I first began. It's hard to assume authority over a 1400 lb. animal that looms over you. However, as I began to milk more, I started recognizing the cows' different personalities and to best motivate each of them to listen. For example, Rocket, a wavy haired beauty, is often very sweet and only too eager to go back inside. Padme, however, likes to pretend that she doesn't know where her stall is, so it's best lead her there directly.
One important lesson I've learned is that even if you're not 100% confident handling the cattle as they stream in, it's best to act like you are. The cows will be more likely to listen if you appear self assured and undaunted by their presence rather than rattled. This is especially important for someone of my stature considering that I already don't appear to be an very imposing figure!
While milking the cows, it would be advantageous to be tall because long limbs are often needed to reach around the cow it she's being kicky and/or uncooperative. It would also be advantageous to have more weight to lean into the cow to keep her steady as I work with her. Often times, however, if you act like you know what you're doing, the cow doesn't put up much of a fuss about being milked, thus making the previously mentioned attributed unnecessary.
Although being short and small can sometimes been perceived as a disadvantage, there are certainly ways to do the same tasks as a larger person, and equally well. Just keep pushing forward!