Horse
Pronunciation:
ˈklēv-lənd bā
Breed Description:
The Cleveland Bay breed of horse is the oldest of the native British breeds, and has been bred in northern England since the Middle Ages. They are used primarily as carriage horses, and sometimes for riding. They are well-suited for field and show hunters and dressage. The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace has Cleveland Bays. Cleveland Bays are typically strong, hardy, long-lived, and easygoing. The hindquarters of the Cleveland Bay breed of horse are powerful, their bodies wide and deep, and their head is large with a Roman nose. The Cleveland Bay breed of horse is always bay in color, with no white allowed except a star. Horses are expected to have black points, including black lower legs. Legs that are bay or red below the knees and hocks do not disqualify a horse from the registry, but are considered "faulty" in color. The purebred Cleveland Bay has nearly disappeared, as was used to cross with other breeds for so many years. It is now considered critically rare, with only about 500 purebreds in the world.
Temperament:
The Cleveland Bay breed of horse is known for being calm and equable, even good-natured.
Height:
The Cleveland Bay breed of horse stands about 16 to 17 hands high.
Weight:
The Cleveland Bay breed of horse weighs 1,225 to 1,500 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Cleveland Bay breed of horse has no known breed-specific health problems.
Life Expectancy:
The Cleveland Bay breed of horse is known for being long-lived.
Grooming:
The Cleveland Bay breed of horse requires regular grooming. It should be shod, and its hooves must be trimmed every few months.
Origin:
The Cleveland Bay is Britain's oldest breed of horse. Originating in northern Yorkshire, the Cleveland Bay breed of horse is thought to have been developed by breeding local bay mares -- typically pack horses used to trade goods (known locally as the Chapman horse because "chapmen" was the term for the peddlers and salesmen) -- with Barb and Andalusian stallions.
