From the Equine Journal - August 2008

By Sarah Evans Moore

 

My whole life I've endeavored to learn anything and everything that had to do with horses. Growing up, one of my most favorite books was "The Encyclopedia of the Horse." I had completely forgotten about this book until a few weeks ago when I stumbled upon it on a shelf. I couldn't help but smile thinking of the many hours I poured over the evolution, variety of breeds, and description of the modern horse in society. I probably hadn't seen this book in at least 15 years. I laughed out loud when I flipped to the page that was still dog-eared from one of those "study sessions." I had folded over the Cleveland Bay page! Even as a child I obviously found an affinity with the marvelous Cleveland Bay breed.

At that time in childhood, owning a horse was only a dream. Fast-forward 15 years, and I am proud to report that I not only own a horse, but I'm also proud to say that I event. Eventing is my most favorite equestrian discipline, as it is so demanding in its versatility. The success of a horse and rider requires an intense and consistent connection.

I had immediate success with the first horse I leased; I won every event I entered my first year. This, obviously, only helped to encourage my love for eventing. Despite my initial success, there were several failed attempts with young thoroughbreds that did not result in winning record I initially enjoyed. After many frustrating years, I set out to find a new horse with experience to handle the rigors of eventing.

My initial search was not for a Cleveland Bay; I was open to any breed that would be a safe, fun, and competitive mount. A friend who trained at my barn kept winning on a very handsome dappled bay named Idlehour McHenry. It was hard not to be impressed with Henry. After finding out he was a Cleveland Bay, I immediately called his breeder. She didn't have anything that fit the bill, so I expanded my search based on her recommendations and some Internet research. I discovered Bella Donna Farm in West Virginia.

I decided to take a visit. I drove myself to West Virginia to try out a few of the Clevelands for sale. The farm was stunning, and I knew at the very least I'd have a fun day at a lovely locale. I've never been to a farm where every single horse was as well mannered as here. I started to wonder-what was in the food?! I kept asking the helpful girls to bring more horses out, and each one was better behaved than the next. I was hooked! I knew I would come home with one of them. I bombarded the girls with questions, and all answers ultimately led to the same explanation: "It's a Cleveland!"

My ultimate goal was to find a horse with show experience. I needed something to help build my confidence back up from those young thoroughbreds. I smiled the entire drive home from West Virginia with a deposit on a beautiful, barely broke, half-sister to Henry. Even though she had such limited training, I've never felt more comfortable and safe on a horse.

Nearly 10 months later, I've created a stronger bond with my mare, now named BayBerry, than any other horse I've had. I wanted to event again, and after a successful winter of training, we set our sights on the May Daze Horse Trials at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Certainly the show nerves were in full force, but BayBerry was so genuine, so diligent, and keen that I was sure we would have an enjoyable show. I had the best dressage test of my life, scoring a 23! An unlucky rail in show jumping dropped us to fourth, but I can say with conviction that I've never had more fun, felt more successful, and been more comfortable at a horse show.

I attribute much of my enjoyment with BayBerry to the fact that she's just an all around nice horse. I do however feel strongly that the Cleveland Bay side has molded her character. I've continued reading about the breed, and am glad that I happened upon the page I dog-eared so many years ago. What I fantasized about, as a child was ultimately what I would fall in love with as an adult!

Sarah Evans Moore is a financial advisor outside of Cleveland, Ohio. She and BayBerry train out of the eventing farm, Blue Ridge Farm in North Ridgeville, Ohio. To find out more about Cleveland Bays visit the Cleveland Bay Horse Society of North America's website at http://clevelandbay.org/ , email info@clevelandbay.org or contact CBHSNA at PO Box 483, Goshen, NH 03752 603-863-5193.