Horse Breeds - Cleveland Bay Horse

The Cleveland Bay horse originated in the Cleveland area of the North Riding of Yorkshire and is the only British clean legged breed of horse. It was originally used as a pack horse. It carried the coal, ore and iron from the moors down to the coast. When the horses returned they would be carrying fish, salt and other commodities. These horses were liked because they were clean legged, hardy and sturdy. The farmers in the area used the Cleveland Bay horse because the clay soils of the area would not stick to their legs. They were used for all purposes including plowing, pulling carts, hay making, and ridden by children to school.

When the tractor became popular the Cleveland Bay horses became almost extinct. The horse was placed on the Rare Breed Survival Trust Register at Category 1. The Queen bought Mulgrave Supreme, a pure breed Cleveland Bay, to prevent him from being exported to America. This lovely breed of horse was thus preserved and was maintained for use as carriage horses in the Royal Mews.

Horsemen throughout the world have recognised the potential of this hard working and even-tempered horse. It has been exported to many places including Australia, America, Japan and South America to improve native stock. Japan has used the Cleveland Bay horse for many years for their carriage horses.

The Cleveland Bay horse has been the ideal cross for producing competition and hunting horses all over the world. Currently there are some pure bred Cleveland Bay horses that have competed in many disciplines. There have been many part bred Cleveland Bay horses that have competed in dressage, eventing and show jumping for Britain. The part bred horse is also been successful in competitions in New Zealand, Australia and America.

This is a beautiful horse that can be used for many purposes and is well respected as a good work horse. The Cleveland Bay is an even tempered, sturdy and well bred horse.

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