The search is on for Cleveland Bay mares
Breeder implores owners to consider putting resting horses in foal, in a bid to boost numbers of the endangered breed
ANYONE with a Cleveland Bay mare in a paddock doing nothing is urged to contact breeder Bruce Langley-Mckim.
Mr Langley-McKim, who runs Thorpeley Stud in Market Harborough, is promoting a positive breeding programme and encouraging owners to consider putting their mares in foal.
As well as being an advocate of the Suffolk horse and Cleveland Bay, Mr Langley-Mckim is also a side-saddle enthusiast and was involved in a campaign to get people to look for unused saddles.
“We asked people if they had a side-saddle in the attic, now we’re asking if they have a Cleveland Bay mare in their paddock or stables,” he told H&H.
There are 64 breeding Cleveland Bay mares in the UK, meaning it is one of the most endangered native equine breeds. Of 25 foals born last year, only 10 were fillies.
But Mr Langley-Mckim says owners may be able to reverse the trend of falling numbers.
“One woman who got in touch had a mare on a little farm at the back of a housing estate. It turned out to be pure-bred and a good example of the breed,” he said.
“People think no one wants them so they don’t breed them. There used to be a demand for the Cleveland, then Irish horses took over and pushed them out. It’s like Skoda cars; when I was a kid no one wanted them, now everyone’s driving one.
“Cleveland Bays are on the critical list and it’s all guns blazing to save them using quality mares and stallions to get the supply and increase the demand.
“They’re viable as hunters and competition horses. They can do pretty much everything. I’m really fond of them and wouldn’t want them to become extinct because of a lack of use and ignorance.”
Lorraine Chapman of the Cleveland Bay Horse Society agreed, telling H&H: “They come in all sizes from 15hh to 18hh and can do anything from hacking to showjumping and dressage.
“When people have them, they like them and tend to keep them.
“We’d encourage people to consider putting their mares in foal, and if they join the society there’s financial help available.”
Tom Blunt, field officer for the Rare Breed Survival Trust, said he thought the drive is a positive move, but should be approached with caution.
“It would be irresponsible to breed and have lots of foals but no one to buy them,” he said. “There has to be a plan and demand for them. Promoting breeding has to go hand-in-hand with promoting the breed’s benefits and uses.
“I think people have more choice these days and often go for something else, but it’s also that they’re not aware of these breeds. So while it’s positive to encourage people to breed from their mares, we have to encourage more people to see the benefits of the breed.
“We also have to make sure that if they are going to put their mares in foal it’s with a pedigree, proven Cleveland Bay stallion.”