Cleveland Bay Breed Is Fit For A Queen

Cleveland Bay Breed Is Fit For A Queen LIVESTOCK Horses/Mules It’s likely you have never seen a Cleveland Bay horse unless you’ve seen them on television pulling the Queen of England’s carriage The Queen is one of a small number of horse breeders who own the 500 purebreds left in the world with 200 of them in North America The breed was common and owned by English peasants in the 1800’s but is now critically endangered They have a gentle nature and are worth preserving says Anna Cohen She and her husband are among the few producers of purebred breeders in the U S and own several purebred Cleveland Bay horses on their Round Hill Va heritage breeds farm Averaging 16 to 16 3 hands they are bigger than thoroughbreds and are large boned They are loyal level-headed and have a strong worth ethic “They do just about everything you ask of them They carried artillery into battle took families to church on Sunday and plowed fields ” Cohen says They are suitable for dressage and hunting and jumping sports Their easy going and loyal temperament made Cleveland Bay horses sought after as cavalry and artillery horses Many were taken to war – not many came back Cohen learned of the breed after they started to raise heritage animals They wanted to be part of saving the rare Cleveland Bay breed and purchased their first horses in 2003 “They are very hardy and easy keepers Ours were imported from Wales so they like rain They don’t like the heat ” Cohen says noting they do well with simple field shelters All are bay colored she says with black points – black legs black mane tail and forelock Small white markings on the forehead are acceptable They are known for their longer than standard-sized ears “They are thoughtful not like any horse I’ve ever met ” Cohen says “They are also a bit stubborn and clever Some people find them difficult to train Cleveland Bay horses need to be challenged and you have to make them think it’s their idea ” Thoroughbred owners like to breed them to their horses for the Cleveland Bay’s temperament level-headedness and sure-footedness Only a few purebred foals are born each year so they are quite valuable ranging in price from $5 000 to $20 000 depending on the breeder Cohen is treasurer and chair of marketing/advertising for the Cleveland Bay Horse Society of North America an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the breed Anyone interested in learning more about the breed should contact the society she says Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Cleveland Bay Horse Society P O Box 483 Goshen N H 03752 info@clevelandbay org; www clevelandbay org

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