July 20, 2006

Bay Haven Farm's Tregoyd Journeyman

The critically endangered Cleveland Bay breed will be on show at the Kentucky Horse Park this month in an effort to promote the breed and educate the public.

On the "Rare Breed Survival Trust," the Cleveland Bay is listed alongside endangered species such as the Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard and Giant Panda.

One of these rare horses, a stallion named Tregoyd Journeyman, nicknamed Joe, will make several public appearances at the Kentucky Horse Park during BreyerFest, from July 28 - 30.

He is one of only two Quality Approved Cleveland Bay stallions in the US.

John Nicholson, Executive Director of the park observed, "A large component of bringing any breed or species back from the brink of extinction is education. The public needs to know the attributes of an animal and why it is so important that it be cherished and preserved for future generations. That's why we're so proud that this magnificent Cleveland Bay will be visiting our park during BreyerFest.

"We appreciate the breeding efforts of the horse's owners and we applaud the folks at BreyerFest for making it possible for our visitors to see an endangered breed. As a result of seeing and touching this horse in person, it is our hope that the public will come away from BreyerFest with an interest in contributing to the survival of the breed.

Tregoyd Journeyman

Joe's owner, Anna Cohen, said, "The best thing about bringing Joe to the KHP is that the public will get to know a Cleveland Bay. They truly are wonderful in their photos, but the whole package is completed when one is able to spend time with a Cleveland Bay. They are strong, powerful, graceful, kind, sensitive and thoughtful. It is their temperament that will win hearts all day long. Yet, they are in such danger. Their population is very small."

Unfortunately, despite its history and qualities, the Cleveland Bay's numbers have dwindled to a mere 550 horses world-wide, with only 220 mares of breeding age. The 2005 foal crop only netted 21 fillies and 25 colts born. Part of that effort to save it from extinction is in the hands of Bay Haven Farm in Virginia, which is working to restore the breed. They imported Joe, a multiple champion and reserve champion, to the US, where he is playing a key role in the revitalization of the Cleveland Bay in North America.