Tidal Crest Farm

05/16/2026

It’s kidding season here at the farm! Two lovely Nigerian Dwarf doelings!

05/02/2026

A little pre-breakfast fun with the “littles”

03/30/2026

Some background info on the Cleveland Bay

Cleveland Bay horses were selected for strength, speed, soundness, and stamina, qualities needed for long distance transport, farm work, and riding over rough terrain.

Developed in Yorkshire, England from a foundation of native horses with some addition, the Cleveland Bay takes its name from the local Vale of Cleveland and its “Bay” color (reddish brown with black points).

Cleveland Bays are always bay in color with no white markings except an occasional small star. They stand 16-17 hands and weigh 1,200-1,500 pounds. They have well-muscled hindquarters, sloping shoulders, and dense bone. Sound, durable feet are characteristic, as is a calm disposition.

Two hundred years of pure breeding created a genetically consistent breed, unique among medium weight breeds known as warmbloods, which have extensive Thoroughbred blood. This distinction gives it excellent hybrid vigor in a cross and Cleveland Bay stallions are often bred to Thoroughbred mares to produce sport horses, combining the best qualities of each.

The breed became rare in the 1900s when mechanization eliminated demand for farm, coach, and road horses. The growing market for sport horses proved problematic because lighter and faster Cleveland Bay crossbreds had more value than purebreds. Crossbreeding nearly caused the purebreed to become extinct. By 1960, only six purebred Cleveland Bay stallions remained alive. The British royal family and others helped conserve the breed.

The breed was imported to the U. S. in the early 1800s. The Cleveland Bay Society of America was founded in 1885, with over 2,000 horses registered by 1907. Buffalo Bill Cody drove a hitch of four Cleveland Bay stallions in his Wild West Show. The breed’s fortunes waxed and waned, however, and the society became dormant. It was reestablished in 1985 and the numbers of horses and breeders in North America are increasing.

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03/20/2026

The Queen Who Saved a Breed: Cleveland Bay Horses and Royal Legacy

In the early 1960s, one of Britain’s oldest and most treasured horse breeds stood on the brink of extinction. At that critical moment, Queen Elizabeth II stepped in—ensuring the survival of the remarkable Cleveland Bay horse.

Her Majesty’s connection to the breed ran deep. Her grandfather, King George V, had bred Cleveland Bays, and in true royal tradition, the Queen acted when the breed faced its darkest hour. In 1961, she purchased a purebred Cleveland Bay c**t named Mulgrave Supreme, who had originally been destined for export. This decision proved pivotal. Not only did she preserve valuable bloodlines, but she also used Mulgrave Supreme as a stud, helping to rebuild the breed’s population and reputation.

A Proud and Historic Breed

The Cleveland Bay originated in Yorkshire, England, making it the oldest native horse breed in Britain. Developed from sturdy local horses, it was later refined with influences from Galloway, Andalusian, and possibly Arabian bloodlines. The result was a horse admired for its:

Strength

Speed

Soundness

Stamina

These qualities made the Cleveland Bay highly valued as a coach horse, farm worker, and general-purpose mount.

Decline in the Modern Era

Despite its versatility, the breed faced a dramatic decline in the 20th century. The rise of mechanization reduced the need for traditional working horses, while the growing sport horse market favored lighter, faster crossbreeds. As a result, many breeders began crossing Cleveland Bay mares with other breeds to remain economically viable.

This shift nearly erased the purebred Cleveland Bay. By 1960, only six purebred stallions remained in existence—a dangerously low number that placed the breed on the edge of extinction.

Royal Intervention and Recovery

The intervention of Queen Elizabeth II, alongside efforts from the British royal family and a handful of dedicated breeders, marked a turning point. Her commitment not only preserved the breed genetically but also renewed public interest and prestige.

Thanks to these conservation efforts, the Cleveland Bay has slowly recovered. Today, there are approximately 1,000 Cleveland Bay horses worldwide, including around 180 purebreds in North America.

A Lasting Legacy

The story of the Cleveland Bay is one of resilience, heritage, and timely intervention. Without the Queen’s dedication and foresight, this historic breed might have been lost forever.

Her actions serve as a powerful reminder of how individual commitment—especially at the right moment—can safeguard an entire legacy.

02/15/2026

02/15/2026

Even the cats are done with all of this snow!

01/27/2026

This guy loves to pose! Cleveland Bay stallion Bellavista Knox Park still enjoying the snowy weather… at least one of us is 🙈

01/22/2026

These are the first guinea fowl we’ve had that venture outside in the snow 🙄

01/21/2026

A quiet night working on dental care 😍

01/21/2026

Purebred Cleveland Bay stallion, Bellavista Knox Park enjoying our latest snow fall