Tide's End Farm

Most people know that Cleveland Bay Horses are tall, dark and handsome. Some even know about their links to British nobility. Unfortunately, because Cleveland Bays are indeed rare, too few people have had the opportunity to meet and really get to know this unique breed. With limited and sometimes inaccurate information available, misconceptions abound. Below are three of the most common myths with facts to "demystify" each:

Myth 1
- Cleveland Bays are draft horses that are big, and clunky with no decent movement...

In reality these big boned equines cover ground quite nicely and have a dynamic presence that immediately draws the spectator's eye. Cleveland Bays have strong hindquarters that propel them forward with just enough action to get great engagement. Clevelands also are very competitive in the show ring for all the same reasons and more that their partbreds counterparts have excelled in the ring for decades.

Myth 2
- They are a horse used only for driving...

Cleveland Bays do make excellent driving horses. At one time prior to mechanization they were considered the premier coach horse. Today they are still sought after by competitive driving enthusiasts. But it would be a mistake to label this very versatile and talented horse as solely a driving horse. Their talents reach beyond the driving circles and they usually draw a crowd in doing so.. They are also highly successful in jumping, eventing, dressage, field hunting and Clevelands make pleasurable riding mount.

Myth 3
- If its big and solid bay, its probably a Cleveland...

Many people claim to have a Cleveland Bay at their barn. Unfortunately, the numbers don't add up. Not all big bay horses with the signature large ears are the real thing. Worse, many partbred Cleveland Bays are referred to as "Clevelands". Beware of this in horse classifieds. Finding a purebred to own may become a challenge. Trained, mature purebred adults are hard to find. People do tend to hold on to them and even untrained youngsters are in limited supply. Thankfully most of those holding on to them understand the breed's endangered status and the need, therefore, to breed more purebreds..

If owning rather than breeding excites you, partbred Cleveland Bays are somewhat easier to find. They often look and act much like their Cleveland Bay parent, while allowing the very best of the other breed to come through to make a wonderful cross. But again, the only way to be SURE it's a partbred Cleveland is to look at the registration papers.

There is a movement to call all the partbreds Cleveland Bay Sporthorses, which is certainly fitting, however, currently the offspring from any breed or grade mare bred to a licensed Cleveland Bay stallion is able to register that horse as a Cleveland Bay partbred. The studbook for pure and partbreds is held in England by the Cleveland Bay Horse Society. The CBHS recognizes an Australian society and the support group here in the United Stated is the Cleveland Bay Society of North America.

This critically endangered equine, though small in numbers, is consistently growing again in popularity. It is amazing to hear the commonalities of experience when people discuss breeding, training and competing the Cleveland Bay. To know a Cleveland Bay is to love one: Take an outstanding temperament, a clever and sound mind and combine it with athletic ability; pour in a little bit of willfulness along with self confidence and you have started to scratch the surface of these all-bay horses.

Owners around the world love these horses and are trying to preserve them as they enrich their lives. For a horse that was down to only four stallions in the world, in the 1960's the current numbers show that indeed breeding practices are working. There are around 150 purebred Cleveland Bays in North America. That shows wonderful growth and dedication by American breeders.

If you have a chance, take the time to ride one. Feel the powerful, yet sensitive horse beneath you that is keen to work with you in earned mutual respect. You'll discover they are kind and clever, with a huge heart.

If these descriptions pique your interest, contact the CBHSNA for more information, or browse www.clevelandbay.org, for latest news, sales and listings of breeders and farms near you. Once you get to know them, you can't help but fall in love with the Cleveland Bay Horse.