Cleveland Bay Horse

The Cleveland Bay horse has its origins laid down in the north eastern part of England, where as far back as medieval times there has always been a race of bay horses.

This bay was known as the Chapman’s Horse before it was crossed with some Andalusian horse and Barb horse stallions in the 17th century. This cross bred proved to be a fine coach horse and was named the Cleveland Bay horse there after.

Later on the Cleveland Bay horse was crossed with a hand full of Thoroughbred horses which produced a lighter, faster version of the Bay which was called the Yorkshire Coach Horse which became a whole new breed in 1886.

Sadly though, with the arrival of cars and other forms of motorized transport the Yorkshire Coach Horse died out with many of the other carriage pulling breeds.

The last Yorkshire Coach Horse died in 1936. Cleveland Bay horses are all bay as their name suggests and stand from about 16 to 16.2 hands. They are slim and fit in build with a noble and trusting head and a good short back.