This rare and beautiful breed comes from northeastern England in an area called Cleveland. The traditional coloring of the breed along with their origin gave them their name, the Cleveland Bay. They are one of Englands oldest horse breeds. In the Middle Ages, their ancestors, also bay in coloring, were used as general-purpose horses. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth, the first, they were popular for pulling the coaches. In the first world war, they were used as artillery horses. Their jobs have also included carrying goods, ploughing the elds, hunting and taking the family to church. The Cleveland Bay Horse Society was formed in 1884 to help preserve and promote the breed. As with many horse breeds, when trains and vehicles became popular, the breed numbers dropped drastically. By the early 1960’s there were very few stallions left in England. Queen Elizabeth the II helped to save the breed and purchased a Cleveland bay colt that she made available as a public sire. Average height is 16.0h-16.2hh They are, of course, Bay in color. They should have black points, such as black legs and a black mane and tail. Although they are still listed as critically endangered, there is much hope for the future of this ancient and versatile breed.  Today they can be found around the world in a variety of different disciplines.