Chapter VII. 



CLEVELAND BAYS. 



We have no authentic data regarding the origin of the Cleveland 

 breed, but give what seems to be the most probable of the many theo- 

 ries advanced. Professor Low says : 



" It has been formed by the same means as the Huuter, namely, by the progressive 

 mixture of the blood of the Race Horse with the original breeds of the country." 



A later writer regards it as an offshoot from the old Scandinavian 

 horse, improved by careful breeding under the different climatic condi- 

 tions of England. By others he is thought to be a lineal descendant of 

 the old war horse in ages past. We think it probable that a gradual 

 use of horses of higher breeding on heavy mares of the larger English 

 breeds, combined with marked skill and care in handling, has finally 

 resulted in the formation of this excellent breed. Certain it is, that 

 about the beginning of the present century, the horses of Cleveland 

 were in great demand, and their breeding was carried on with system 

 and success ; for a time they gradually declined in public favor, and 

 indeed were threatened with total extinction, but during later years the 

 breed has again advanced in favor, and, thanks to the efforts of the 

 American Cleveland Bay Society (R. P. Stericker, of Springfield, 111., 

 secretary), is once more widely and favorably known. The name of the 

 breed is taken from the district of Cleveland, in Yorkshire, England, 

 where it was first known, and the term bay was added to indicate the 

 prevailing color. 



DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 



Color, invariably a bright bay, either light or dark, with black mane and tail, black 

 points, and usually a small white spot between "bulbs" of the heel. In size they are 

 medium, individuals standing from sixteen hands to sixteen hands three inches in height, 

 and weighing from 1,100 to 1,300 Ibs. The head is of fair size, with a face of kindly 

 expression and intelligent cast ; neck finely arched and well set on to long, sloping 

 shoulders; back short ; loins even and powerful ; hips of good length and legs straight, 

 close knit, and free from long hairs at the fetlock. 



The Cleveland Bay is a general purpose horse, heavy enough for all ordinary farm 

 work, and active, stylish and with ample speed for either wagon or carriage use. In 

 breeding he transmits color, bone, style, kind and docile disposition, and general char- 

 acteristics to a marked degree ; he is easy to handle, and for use in grading on the pony 

 mares of the great Southwest, we doubt if his superior can be found, or indeed his 

 equal. Royalty and Lord Derby (see illustrations), both prize winners are excellent 

 representatives of the breed, and fully bear out the oroverbial good judgment of their 

 respective importers 



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