Cleveland Bay horses are critically rare, with a global purebred population estimated at around 900 to 1,000 individuals and fewer than 300 breeding females worldwide, making them one of the most endangered horse breeds and classified as 'Critical' by conservation organizations.
Cleveland Bay horses are not considered warmbloods; they are a distinct British breed historically developed as carriage and riding horses, known for their strength and traditional heavy harness use, differing from continental European warmblood sport horses.
Cleveland Bay horses have a calm, intelligent, and willing temperament; they are steady, dependable, and cooperative, making them excellent for riding, driving, and family use due to their gentle and reliable nature.
Cleveland Bay horses are endangered primarily due to very low genetic diversity caused by inbreeding, a small global population with fewer than 300 breeding females, health and fertility issues including infertility in mares, and declining demand as mechanisation reduced their traditional use.