Cleveland Bay Horse Breed 

Country of Origin: The Cleveland Bay horse is one of Britain’s oldest indigenous breeds. 

Blood Type: The Cleveland Bay horse breed is in the warmblood group. 

History: The Cleveland Bay developed from the Chapman Horse. The Chapman horse was called so because it was the preferred means of transport for traveling salesmen (chapmen) in mediaeval times. Barb and Andalusian blood were brought to north east England to cross with the Chapman horses. The Cleveland Bay developed with clean legs (no feathering) which made them ideal for working in the heavy clay. The Cleveland Bay horses made fine coach horses with their active paces and great stamina. In 1884 the Cleveland Bay studbook was opened and then closed in 1936 but with the help of the Royal Family, the Cleveland Bay horses still exist today.

The Cleveland Bay was crossed with the Thoroughbred to produce the Yorkshire Coach Horse which is a lighter, faster horse. 

Height: The Cleveland Bay horses are big and stand 16.2HH. 

Colors: The Cleveland Bay is a bay horse with black points. 

Description: The Cleveland Bay has excellent ground covering action. They are a large powerful horse of quality with a Spanish type head and a muscular, arched neck; muscular chest and shoulders; a deep, wide body, muscular loins, and powerful hindquarters. The tail is well set-on and the legs are clean, muscular, and with good bone. The Cleveland Bay has straight, free action.

Temperament: The Cleveland Bay horse is remarkably calm and sensible but energetic when required.  

Uses: The Cleveland Bay horses make very good heavyweight hunters and are well suited to work in harness or under saddle. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh drove a team of Cleveland Bays in four-in-hand events for many years and the royal stables use the Cleveland Bays as carriage horses. When crossed with the Thoroughbred, The Cleveland Bay makes an excellent show jumper.