The legs are short in relation to the body, but strong and well-muscled.[6] The legs have little or no feather, as the breed was developed partially for working in the heavy clay soils of its native country, where heavy feather led to increased disease prevalence.[7] They are hardy and long-lived horses, and docile in temperament.[6] In the early 20th century, when a breed standard was issued by the British Cleveland Bay Society for use in judging shows, a section was added on the movement of the horses, describing the desired action, especially at the trot.