Showing Then

The Cleveland Bay has a long and distinguished history in the show ring, dating back to the 19th century when agricultural fairs and county shows first showcased the breed’s strength and elegance. Originally valued for its role as a versatile farm and carriage horse, the Cleveland Bay became a symbol of rural pride, with in-hand classes emphasising conformation and soundness. By the Victorian era, ridden and driving classes highlighted its stamina and style, securing its place among Britain’s most celebrated native breeds. Today, showing remains central to preserving this rare horse, linking modern exhibitors to a tradition that spans more than two centuries.

Showing Now

Showing is vital to the survival and promotion of the Cleveland Bay, one of Britain’s rarest native horse breeds. With numbers still critically low, the show ring provides a platform to showcase the breed’s distinctive qualities—strength, soundness, and versatility—to a wider audience. It helps maintain strict breed standards through expert judging, guiding responsible breeding decisions. Beyond competition, showing raises public awareness, attracts new enthusiasts, and reinforces the breed’s cultural heritage.

For breeders and owners, success in the ring can secure valuable stud opportunities, ensuring the Cleveland Bay remains relevant in modern equestrian disciplines while preserving its historic identity.

Cleveland Bay horses can compete in a variety of classes that highlight both their heritage and versatility. These include breed-specific in-hand and ridden classes, which focus on conformation, movement, and adherence to the breed standard. They also excel in hunter classes, where their strength, stamina, and balanced paces make them ideal for the hunting field. In addition, Cleveland Bays are popular in driving classes, reflecting their traditional role as carriage horses, and can feature in wider equestrian disciplines such as working hunter and sport horse sections, showcasing their

adaptability in modern competition.