Onwards and upwards for our oldest native breed

Good news for 2008, as one organisation reveals encouraging figures for an 'endangered' horse

The Cleveland Bay Horse Society (CBHS - Patron, HM The Queen) has released figures that confirm the completed registration during 2007 of 75 pure Cleveland Bay foals. The Cleveland Bay is Britain's oldest and only truly native breed of horse and is listed as a critically endangered rare breed by the Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST).

Growing interest Nigel Cowgill, Studbook Editor of the CBHS, explained: "The last two years have both recorded 75 foal registrations and the CBHS is delighted to have 150 foals registered in such a short space of time. This is very good news for the breed. Whilst these numbers are comparatively low and we are still dealing with a critically-endangered rare breed, they represent the growing interest in the horse. They are also a significant improvement on the breed average for the past 10 years."

Meeting the needs of today's riders Mr. Cowgill continued: "Prior to last year we had not seen registrations exceeding 70 for over a decade. However, recently there has been a steady upward trend in registrations. We are confident this will continue as the popularity of the breed grows, because of its versatility in meeting the needs of today's rider. 2007 has been a good year, with interest from the Japanese Imperial stud through its purchase of the stallion Botton Grove Brigand. The United States and Australian markets continue to thrive." British breeders report that there is currently a strong demand for Cleveland Bay horses, and the Society, with the help of the Horse Race Betting Levy Board, the RBST and its sponsor, Shaw and Co. Solicitors, will continue to encourage breeders to increase.

This is just an extract of the published article. To read the entire article purchase Horse Buyer Issue 6 March 08.

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