The Cleveland Bay is a horse breed that originated in England in the 17th century. Its name refers to both its bay colouring and the Cleveland district of Yorkshire. This well-muscled light draught horse has strong legs that are short in proportion to its body. The breed is bay in colour; some lines have a few lighter hairs in the mane and tail. Its ancestors were pack horses used in the Middle Ages, later crossed with Andalusian, Barb, Arabian and Thoroughbred horses. As its role shifted toward carriage and riding work, the Cleveland Bay became lighter in frame. It was brought to the United States in the early 19th century. After its population fell sharply following the Second World War, popularity began to return from the 1970s. The background states that about 550 Cleveland Bay horses existed worldwide in 2006.
Who it is for
The Cleveland Bay may interest readers looking for a horse breed with a history as a pack, carriage and riding horse. Its listed type is light draught horse.
What is good
- Strong, well-muscled build.
- Used as a carriage and riding horse.
- Bay colouring is characteristic of the breed.
What to know first
- About 550 existed worldwide in 2006.
- Population declined sharply after the Second World War.
Verdict
The Cleveland Bay is an English horse breed with a long history and a bay coat. Its past roles include pack, carriage and riding work, and its population faced a sharp decline after the Second World War.
