Posted: 25th September 2013 | Back to news feed
Cleveland Bay breeder and talented artist, Heather Warburton, has become so concerned about the plight of the breed which remains on the Rare Breed Survival Trust’s ‘Critical’ list, that she has set herself a major challenge in the hope that the interest generated will raise awareness of this endangered British breed of horse.
The Cleveland Bay is Britain’s oldest breed of horse and is in danger of becoming extinct. With less than 250 pure-bred Cleveland Bay mares of breeding age left throughout the world, registrations over the past few years have shrunk to record low levels with only 24 foals born worldwide last year.
Heather’s challenge is to paint 30 pictures of Cleveland Bay horses within a 30 day period and at the time of writing this release, she is working on painting number seven, with 23 days to go.
From a chat on Facebook, Heather’s idea was born and at the end of the challenge she plans to hold a gallery weekend to sell these paintings plus others she has done previously, to raise money for her local Air Ambulance, a vital lifeline to people living in the countryside and especially those who ride.
Said Heather: “I always dreamed of being an artist, living in a hill cottage, but marriage, work and children came along and I only found time to paint intermittently.”
“I taught myself by copying from artists like David Shepherd and Stubbs and now I use You Tube and spend hours watching different painters online. I am having a sabbatical from work and helping with my grandchildren so I now have time to enjoy painting.”
“I hope that by painting these wonderful horses, I can portray their character and beauty, and provide an understanding of the great passion that owners of Clevelands feel for these horses.”
“They are very special and have great personalities with years of Yorkshire grit bred into them. Their numbers are now dwindling so low, it is very concerning. With the economic problems at the moment, lots of breeders are struggling out there, but this truly is a British breed worth saving.”
To follow Heather’s progress, please visit her page at:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cleveland-Bay-Awareness-30-bays-in-30-days-painting-challenger/636258206404486 and please ‘Like’ and ‘Share’ to raise as much awareness as possible.
Further information on the breed can be found at www.clevelandbay.com
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