About the Breed
As its name suggests, the Cleveland Bay emanates from the Cleveland area of northeast England.
The Pure-Bred Cleveland Bay is a very intelligent horse with a sensible temperament. They possess a strong character which, if mishandled can be ruined. They have plenty of bone and substance, are hardy, long lived and have tremendous stamina.
Characteristically the breed is very bold and honest. They are always bay in color, their action is level, free and long striding. They are an established breed and so breed true to type. They are extremely prepotent, meaning their quality and traits are passed on to their progeny. This makes them an ideal out-cross, especially with Thoroughbreds.
Perhaps the Cleveland's greatest advantage is its versatility. Early Clevelands were versatile pack and harness horses. The present day Cleveland is equally versatile in relation to the modern equine disciplines. As carriage and driving horses they remain unsurpassed. For this purpose a good number are kept at the Royal Mews in the U.K.. Teams of Clevelands have competed in FEI driving trials. Many are driven as singles and in pairs purely for pleasure.
They make ideal heavy weight hunters, but also possess the necessary quickness for eventing, and can be exhibited in the show ring either as in-hand, ridden or working hunters. As sound active horses with substance, stamina and a good, sane temperament they make excellent police horses. The ability to break a Cleveland Bay to saddle and harness makes this breed invaluable to all round enthusiasts to whom quality and versatility are important!
Currently the breed is still critically rare, with only about 500 purebreds in the world and less than 200 in North America.
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