374 THE COMPLETE GRAZIER. BOOK HI. 



the Cleveland Bay Stud Book (Vol. I., 1884). From 1851 to 1867 

 the breed was in a flourishing condition, but after the latter date the 

 pure breed began gradually to decrease in numbers, partly on account 

 of Clydesdale and Shire Horses coming more into favour, and partly 

 on account of the heavy drain caused by a largely increased foreign 

 trade. Heavy cart-horses, too, brought abnormal prices, owing to the 

 rapid increase of mining operations, as well as of general trade through- 

 out the north of England ; and the suicidal policy of coupling Cleve- 

 land mares with carting sires was not infrequently adopted. Since the 

 establishment of the Cleveland Bay Horse Society, interest in the 

 breed has revived, and the volume of foreign trade has increased. 



The great merit of the Cleveland Bay, is, according to Mr. G. 

 Holmes, of Beverley, that he is not tainted with either Black or Blood 

 that is Black, or what is called Cart Horse, and Blood or Thorough- 

 bred, in fact it is a separate and distinct breed. 1 



There is, however, a mixed breed in other parts of Yorkshire, 

 obtained by crosses with black and blood horses ; but, for the general 

 purposes of farming, they are not equal to the original stock. 



The Yorkshire Coach Horse has, according to the Stud Book of the 

 breed, been a source of great profit to the Yorkshire breeder, it being 

 an animal that needs only to be seen to be admired, to be used to be 

 appreciated. Its breeding ground is almost exclusively confined to the 

 North and East Ridings of Yorkshire. In the North Riding, especially 

 in the Cleveland mining district, a big strong kind still exists, reared 

 chiefly by the small farmers. These horses are admirably adapted to 

 their purpose, for tillage and haulage, and occasionally, if the owner 

 be of a sporting turn, for service in the hunting field. Nor has the 

 more-favoured agricultural country of the East Riding failed to produce 

 its quota, from the Driffield, Beverley, Howden, and Holderness 

 districts. For generations have these horses and mares, of a superior 

 style and character, been brought to meet the London and Continental 



1 That the Cleveland Bays have enthusiastic admirers is shown by the following lines 

 from the "Whitby Gazette," March 29, 1879 : 



"Where Cleveland Hills in vernal charms are seen, 

 Clothed witb the velvet of unfading green, 

 The noblest stock of England's far-famed steeds 

 With lavish care the thriving larmer breeds. 

 By sires for lleetness, and for courage known, 

 From mares for strength, and symmetry, and bone ; 

 Bred for power, and all unstained with whiti-, 

 Black-legged and bay, just as the ruby's bright. 



All things that live have parallel, save one, 



The Cleveland Horse : he alone has none 



Horse may with horse contend, the- swift, the fleet, 



As noble rivals on the course may meet. 



Some for their shape, and symmetry, we prize, 



Others for strength surpassing some for size, 



lint in the noble Cleveland are combined 



All the rare qualities that grace his kind, 



Beauty in his strength, courage and wind, and speed, 



And more than all, he claims a stainless breed. 



