Last updated: 3 July 2026

Horse breeds

Cleveland Bay

An old English horse breed, usually bay, with strength and riding horse quality.

Origin
England
Character
gentle and willing
For beginners
Yes, suitable
Cleveland Bay

Origin

The Cleveland Bay originally comes from England. An old English horse breed, usually bay, with strength and riding horse quality. Historically important for harness, hunting and sport horse breeding.

Appearance and character

In-app indicators

Dressage
Jumping
Own mind
Sweet
People-oriented

These are simplified app indicators, not fixed breed laws. Every horse is different.

Good for beginners?

With a gentle, people-oriented character, the Cleveland Bay is often a suitable choice for beginner riders, always with good guidance.

Did you know?

The name refers to the Cleveland area and the typical bay color.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Cleveland Bay come from?

The Cleveland Bay originally comes from England. An old English horse breed, usually bay, with strength and riding horse quality.

What is the character of the Cleveland Bay?

An old English horse breed, usually bay, with strength and riding horse quality. Historically important for harness, hunting and sport horse breeding.

Is the Cleveland Bay good for beginners?

With a gentle, people-oriented character, the Cleveland Bay is often a suitable choice for beginner riders, always with good guidance.

Can I mix the Cleveland Bay with another breed?

Yes. In the HorseJournal Breed Mixer you pick the Cleveland Bay and a second breed, and the app creates your own dream breed with a name, a trilingual profile and an illustration.

Breed Mixer

Mix the Cleveland Bay with another breed

Pick two real breeds and HorseJournal creates your own dream breed. Below are two examples of a cross with the Cleveland Bay. In the app you name your dream breed yourself, get the full trilingual profile, save it to your horse and make your own share card.

Cross of the Cleveland Bay with the Arabian
Cleveland Bay × Arabian
Cross of the Cleveland Bay with the Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob
Cleveland Bay × Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob