So I'm thinking about a Cleveland Bay..

[MandaleaCalico]

Wasn't too certain where to put this but figured I'd ask right at the source; breeders, right ?

My heart horse passed about 12 months ago and I've recently started thinking about a new one.

I want the next one to be a long term horse that I hope to take up the levels. Though, I'm hoping to start uni in 12 months (something I never thought I'd do !) so my main train of thought is towards a weanling or breeding my own that will be close to or ready to back when I finish.

I've been looking at a Cleveland Bay but they're exceptionally rare in Australia and I know nothing about them. I'm wanting to know what their temperament and whatnot is like and what sort of rider you would recommend for them ?

I've worked at warmblood/cob/connie/TB studs the last few years and am confident handling pretty much everything and am pretty confident in the saddle as well. I don't mind something with a bit of fizz; my old fella wasn't exactly the calmest thing in the paddock, even at 23. I'd be having fairly regular lessons and would hopefully keep horse with or close to said instructor.

The CB stud down the road is having an open day this weekend coming so will be going there, especially considering that's most likely where I'd buy from. They're very involved in promoting the breed and have only heard good things which is what peaked my interest.

I think my main reason for asking is that I expressed my interest in the look of an ID stallion to a seasoned horse person a little while ago and was told I'd never be good enough to handle a horse like that and I suppose it shot my confidence in my abilities to hell, so I'm hoping I may be on the right track !

 

[Adina]

There are some lovely CBs in Australia. Which stud is the one near to you? You will love them. Are you on facebook go to "International Cleveland Bay Sporthorse" group which will give you a lot of contacts. Also "Is this the Perfect Horse" will give you lots for thought.

 

[Adina]

If you go to Ferndale Springs facebook page you will find my favourite picture of a little girl, bareback on a CB stallion in the water. Enjoy.

 

[Rollin]

Mandalea,

I have 6 pure bred Cleveland Bays and two part-breds so I think you could call me a fan. I am now an OAP and quite a nervous rider, all mine are backed when old enough and I ride them all including my 16.3hh stallion.

I think generally the temperament is great BUT I did buy my first Clevelands and my stallion based on what I already knew of their breeding and temperament. I have come across a couple of CB's I would never give a home to and made a mental note to avoid those blood lines.

The CB has a reputation for being stubborn, often said on this forum. I will tell you from our own experience of backing at home, our Shagya Arabs are easier and quicker.

We have a five year old pure bred who was injured, took a while to get right and went through a phase of being quite difficult. It is as if suddenly she woke up one day and said "Oh I get it". She is proving to be a superb riding horse. They need time and patience and I think they are babies for longer than our Arabs.

Our other five year old was always a braver horse and was soon hacking out alone and coping with traffic.

Cleveland Bays are 'good doers' and really benefit from work and plenty of it. We have two young horses who will do some jumping at Club level this winter but we have started them all with some endurance training as it helps with their overall fitness and it is fun.

I hope that helps. Good luck.

 

[CBFan]

They are lovely loving characters - often with a sense of humour! They are so, so intelligent and like to 'do' things for you. They are good at most things and have huge stamina and athleticism once fit. Young CB's do take a long time to mature and build that stamina but once you have them going they will try their heart out for you.

As already said, there are some lovely CB's in Australia so I'm sure you'll be impressed

 

[Nudibranch]

Cant add much, I own one and she is a truly genuine horse who will do anything I ask, bar a severe needle phobia but thats not her breeding! Cracking horses.