Cleveland Bay: Horse Breed Profile

established.
Britain equipped its cavalry with Cleveland Bays before the First World War but many horses were lost during the war. Britain established an initiative to encourage the breeding of these horses to replenish their numbers. With increased mechanization and the Great Depression the breeds popularity and numbers dropped again
Queen Elizabeth II purchased a stallion Mulgrave Supreme who was one of just four purebred stallions left in the UK by 1962. In doing so she saved the breed helping to gradually replenish its numbers. Interest in these horses gradually increased and they were used in international driving competitions and as riding horses. Cleveland Bays and crosses proved to be highly talented jumpers and while interest in the breed has returned its numbers are still minimal.
Cleveland Bay Horse Size
This is a larger breed typically standing between 16 and 16 2 hands high. They usually weigh between 1200 and 1500 thanks to their thick bone structure and significant muscling.
Breeding and Uses
This breed is still extremely rare with only 500 to 800 of these horses living today. The breed is often crossed with Thoroughbreds to create sporty athletic horses that are ideal for show jumping and hunting.
Today the Cleveland Bay serves in the Royal Mews in London pulling coaches for special events. The future of this breed depends on the work of breeders who are dedicated to preserving the Cleveland Bay.