Clevelands Bay

The Cleveland Bay a warmblood horse whose lineage is uncertain owing to a lack of accurate records prior to 1884.

Since 1884 the introduction of other bloodlines was stopped and the breed became known as the only remaining Pure Breed of Warmblood horses in the world.

The original Cleveland Bay history extends as far back as medieval times being favored by hunters, soldiers and equine athletes.

The Cleveland Bay was mixed with others breeds to create a faster and more versatile horse for drawing carriages as roads and lanes were developed across England during the industrial revolution. The Australian Cleveland is lighter in the shoulders and neck than its predecessors.  It was imported directly from Britain as useful labourers in the developing Australian economy of the 18th and 19th centuries prior to mechanisation.   

In recent years this breed has been crossed with thoroughbreds with the goal of producing champion show jumpers. Cleveland Bay horses have gained international recognition for their success in dressage, show jumping and eventing.

Queen Elizabeth II has personally had a hand in this breed’s development by buying a colt in 1962 destined for export and making it available to breeders. Prince Philip also recently drove a team of pure-bred and part-bred Cleveland’s in equine competitions. Both these high profile actions have helped popularize this breed that has historical roots in British culture and folklore.

The Pure-Bred Cleveland Bay is a very intelligent attentive horse with a sensible temperament.

Cleveland Bays are large, hardy, long lived and are known to have tremendous stamina for work and competition. This breed is also known to be very bold and honest. They are also always bay in colour with black points and a black tail. Their action is level, free and with a long stride.