Society is anxious to safeguard the future of the Cleveland Bay

The future of the breed is at risk because of declining birth rate numbers. There are currently less than 250 pure bred Cleveland Bay mares of breeding age throughout the world keeping this ancient breed alive and only 40 foals have been born this year.

The current economic situation is adding to the concerns of breeders, says the CBHS, and the increasing difficulties in marketing foals and youngsters is leading to a "breeding blocking" situation.

Friends of the Society do not have to own a Cleveland Bay horse to join the group but would be asked to make an annual contribution of 15. In return they will receive a newsletter three times a year updating them on the Society's activities and how their help has been used.

The funds could help the Society conserve more stallion semen and enable embryo freezing for the future.

The contributions could also help with marketing and promoting the breed.

The Cleveland Bay, which originated in Yorkshire, is listed as critically endangered by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

"They are part of Yorkshire's heritage and it's an extremely worthy cause," said Danny Welch, a long time supporter of the breed. "We need to be able to spread the word more and encourage some breeding programmes."

He has been involved with Cleveland Bay horses for nearly 50 years and is deputy chairman of the CBHS.

His father David started breeding them in 1962 when he farmed at Knaresborough.

"They were at a critical stage then and dad started breeding them and he sold a few as coach horses to the Royal Mews," said Danny.

The Queen's grandfather King George V was a Cleveland Bay enthusiast and Her Majesty has continued to support the breed, keeping a number of pure and part bred Cleveland Bays at the Royal Mews. She is also patron of the Society.

Now retired from working in forestry management, Danny still keeps three brood mares and is passionate about saving this breed.

The horse world has changed hugely during his lifetime and this is one of the problems, says Danny. "When I was about 20 everybody who had horses had farms or smallholdings and everything was farm based. The farmers would produce a couple of foals every year. There are fewer farms now and people tend to have one riding horse which they keep at livery and the opportunities for breeding have been reduced."

Cleveland Bays have a well recorded history; the stud book goes back to 1884 and they have a unique quality, according to Danny.

"They are gentle and kind, they can become your best friend. They don't need a lot of pampering and you can turn them out in the show – mine are quite happy digging around out there."

For more information about the Cleveland Bay Horse Society, and to become a Friend, go to www.clevelandbay.com or call 01423 546168/541000.