Intro
The oldest breed of horse from Britain originally from the Cleveland area of North East England. The church was principally responsible for keeping the bloodlines and the Cleveland bay type.
Origins
Originally bred as pack horses in the Yorkshire Dales and they were locally called Chapman horses. Towards the end of the 17th century an influx of Barb stallions were bred into the Chapman horses bloodlines. The result was a powerful animal often used under harness as well as for pack animals.
In the 18th century the breed grew in size (partially due to better fodder) which increased the scope of the Cleveland Bay’s use as agricultural horses.
Features
16-16.2 hands
Highly versatile
Sound and even tempered
Action is free and long in stride
Physique
Head is bold and well carried on the neck
Eyes are large and well set
Legs are muscular with large knees and hocks
Body is deep and wide with deeply muscled shoulders
Feet are one of the most important characteristic, they must be blue in color, large and sound
Traditional Colors:
Must be bay with black points
Temperament
Strong character
Intelligent
Hardy with intense stamana
Use
Police horse
Show horse
Driving horse
General riding horse
Helpful Links
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Cleveland Bay Horse Society
Cleveland Bay Horse Society of North America
Cleveland bay Horse Society of Australasia Inc.
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