Clevelands Bay

The Cleveland Bay history is uncertain as historical records were not kept. It is certain that it originated around the Cleveland area in North East England from stock used over the centuries by farmers, hunters, soldiers and equine athletes alike.

The Cleveland Bay history extends as far back as medieval times.

This bred was mixed with others to produce faster and more versatile horses for carriages as roads and lanes were developed across England. The modern Cleveland is somewhat lighter in the shoulders and neck than its predecessors due to recent breeding.

More recently it has been mixed with thoroughbreds to produce first rate show jumpers. Cleveland’s have achieved international recognition in dressage, show jumping and eventing.

Queen Elizabeth II has personally had a hand in this breed’s development by buying a colt in 1962 destined for export and making it available to breeders. Prince Philip also drove a team of pure-bred and part-bred Cleveland’s for many years. Both these actions have popularized this breed with deep historical roots in British culture.

The Pure-Bred Cleveland Bay is a very intelligent powerful horse with a sensible temperament.

Cleveland Bay’s have plenty of bone and substance, are hardy, long lived and are known to have tremendous stamina. Characteristically this breed is very bold and honest. They are also always bay in colour with black points. Their action is level, free and long striding.