Rancho Bulakenyo — 35 Years of Passion

Rancho Bulakenyo

“What lies behind us

and what lies before us are small matters

compared to what lies within us.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Rancho Bulakenyo —

35 Years of Passion

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here are times in our lives when it’s important to turn around and look back to remember from where we’ve come, and to take stock of how much we have accomplished. For the Cruz family of Rancho Bulakenyo, this is one of those times, and a necessary step as they move toward the next generation. This year the ranch, located in Los Osos, California, is celebrating 35 years of breeding straight Egyptian Arabians. Not your average straight Egyptian Arabians, but those that have made an enduring impact on the breed in the United States and around the world.

The framework for the early program was the work of Dr. Felino Cruz, a selftaught expert on pedigrees and traits who’s been gifted with an uncanny eye. The program’s foundation is a recipe of Babson and Nazeer through the legendary sire lines of *Ansata Ibn Halima and *Morafic, with a seasoning of outcrosses back to Anter, Mashhour, *Ibn Hafiza, and *Tuhotmos, whom the Cruz family was honored to own. These lines enriched the quality of horses born of the program, many of whom went on to create breeding dynasties of their own. But one can’t speak of the success of the ranch without naming the spark that lit the Rancho Bulakenyo beacon — a flea-bitten mare named RDM Maar Hala (El Hilal x Maar Jumana). She was the doctor’s first straight Egyptian horse, and no one could have predicted what an impact she would have. Say the name Maar Hala to straight Egyptian breeders and enthusiasts anywhere in the world, and they will likely start a volley of superlatives, 2 ▪ RANCHO BULAKENYO ▪ WORLD

Above and previous page: *Asala Hafid Nahman (DF Malik Jamil x Asra Milahaa), a two-year-old colt imported from Germany for Rancho Bulakenyo’s next generation.

knowing that the grey beauty Maar Hala reigns supreme as the mare who produced nothing but champion foals, including Rancho Bulakenyo’s sire and 1983 U.S. National Top Ten Futurity Colt El Halimaar by *Ansata Ibn Halima. She was also the dam of halter champion and dominant herd sire ET Crown Prince by The Egyptian Prince. Much has been said and written about this exquisite matron with a knack for passing on her extreme type, impossibly huge, dark eyes, and smooth bodies. More on Maar Hala later.

The 1999 stallion Jabbaar El Halimaar MH (El Halimaar x Sanaata by Ansata El Sherif ).

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Rancho Bulakenyo The Very Beginning

“My Dad came from nothing,” says Jody Cruz. “He was from the Bulacan Province in the Philippines, and came to this country in the 1940s with an extraordinary brain and intelligence to do his medical residency in Syracuse, New York.”

The young man with courage and determination to succeed in a new country half a world away from his birthplace became an anesthesiologist, and cultivated a successful practice in the heart of California. He doted on his son Jody, who reciprocated by following his father into medicine. And in his desire to give all he did not have growing up, he nurtured in his son a powerful love and respect for horses — specifically straight Egyptian Arabians.

The result is a breeding enterprise with worldwide influence that now reaches back to the Philippines and beyond — to Australia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Its name — Rancho Bulakenyo — is reminiscent of Dr. Felino Cruz’s humblest of beginnings in Bulacan.

“In the early years we were lucky,” says Jody. “My dad was lucky enough to buy Maar Hala and she ended up being AHW’s all-time leading Egyptian dam of champions, a title she has held since 1989.

“I was a spoiled doctor’s kid. I was horse crazy and interested at first in hunter/ jumpers.” But Jody loved all breeds of horses, so when his father proposed they get more involved in breeding, in particular Arabians, Jody was all for it.

“We were in Northern California, close to Lacey’s Arabian Ranch. So *Serafix was the first bloodline we were drawn to; at the time, we couldn’t get many straight Egyptians.”

That would change as soon as Jody’s father zeroed in on and decided to feed his passion.

“He was never a horseman per se,” explains Jody, “but he likes the endeavor, the challenge, and the functions involved with horse breeding. And he has been clever at going after the right horses.”

Has he ever. One of his biggest talents was being able to obtain horses that were considered unobtainable. Jody says his father did this simply by befriending people, and with a laugh Jody remarks, “You might say that Dad is, for lack of a better word, a schmoozer.”

“He was able to buy some amazing horses,” recalls Jody. “He bought a ‘barren’ mare named Bint Nabilahh (*Morafic x *Nabilahh). He bought her for nearly nothing, and when she arrived she was pregnant by Shaikh Al Badi. We then bred her to our stallion El Halimaar and she produced a filly named Maar Bilahh who kind of won the world over.”

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This page, top: *Simeon Shavvot (Imperial Madaar x Simeon Soosa), the 1998 stallion Jody Cruz co-owns with Polly Schaefer and Jay Chollak of Eastern Star Arabians.

This page, bottom row: Left: The 2008 colt Kaliph MH (Imperial Al Kamar x Binte Aziza MH).

Center: The 2009 filly Noor Al Sahra (Imperial Al Kamar x Kirbys Shadow by Sahar El Pharo), owned by Christine Emmert.

Right: The 2009 colt Khaled Al Kamar MH (Imperial Al Kamar x Kachina MH by El Halimaar).

Judith and Don Forbis were among the Cruz family’s early mentors. “They were the first ones we went to because we were interested in breeding to *Ansata Ibn Halima (Nazeer x Halima),” says Jody. The relationship between the families and the horses has only strengthened with time and with the blood of Ibn Halima becoming such an influence in the horses the Cruz family has bred. Adds Jody, “We wouldn’t be here without Ansata.”

Rancho Bulakenyo Today Judith Forbis remembers the Cruzes as intent students of straight Egyptian breeding.

“Dr. Felino Cruz and his son, Jody, frequently attended the Ansata seminars,” she says. “Dr. Cruz was an avid fan of *Ansata Ibn Halima and was dedicated to breeding ‘the Halima look.’ Felino never swerved. The intensification of this bloodline persisted in his program and eventually he passed the reins of breeding the horses to Jody. And Jody took hold of them with a firm hand and secure knowledge of having grown up with the classic Arabian as his model.

The classic beauty of Maar Hala and her son El Halimaar was a joy for me to behold. They had ‘the Halima look’ — not only in themselves as individuals, but they passed it to the generations who carry on their legacy. It is the breed’s good fortune to have patient breeders who believe in their dream — no matter the fad or style of the day — no matter the trials and tribulations. I will be forever grateful for Felino’s and Jody’s support of the Pyramid Society in its formative and later years, and for remaining steadfast in creating and sharing their dream with breeders around the world.”

Another longtime friend and fellow breeder is Betty Gail Skinner of Hidden Springs Arabians, in Newton, Mississippi. “We started going to the Event in 1988 and Jody and I became real big buddies and have been friends ever since,” she says. “Jody is dedicated to his breeding program, and he has convictions of what he wants to breed. When he gets it in his mind to do something he gives it all he’s got.”

Jody and Arabian trainer Steve Diamond

The 1987 stallion Imperial Al Kamar (El Hilal x Imperial Sonbesjul by Hossny).

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Rancho Bulakenyo important breeding program and elevate it to one of the most influential contemporary straight Egyptian programs today?”

“We started breeding horses with Jody about eight years ago,” says Jeff Barth of Qadar Arabians, Weyauwega, Wisconsin.

“We first bred to El Halimaar, then to Richter MH, and now to Imperial Al Kamar.

“What appeals to me about Jody’s program are the pedigrees and the excellent conformation that runs through his whole herd, the attitudes, dispositions, high tail carriages, and big, dark eyes. It’s all there: the Arabian type, the snortiness. When you want them to be quiet and docile they are, when you want them to turn it on, you have all the Arabian you can handle.

“Jody’s been instrumental in guiding us,” says Jeff. “Thank God for the breed that he’s willing to share his 35-plus years of knowledge. The breed comes first, his program comes second.”

“Jody has amazing horses,” says Polly Schaefer, who co-owns *Simeon Shavvot (Imperial Madaar x Simeon Soosa) with Jody. “In today’s industry we have a tendency to breed just for the head. But his mares have such good structure and bone, they’re bold-moving mares with great tail carriage, and they’re very pretty. When he added Al Kamar to his program he took it to the next level. Who would have known that this 22-year-old gentleman from the Northeast would retire in sunny California and sire such beautiful foals?

“A horse from Rancho Bulakenyo is going to add a lot to any breeding program.

Similar to Ansata or Imperial Egyptian Stud, Jody’s program will make a significant impact on the breed as a whole.”

“Among the many friendships the Arabian horse has inspired over the years, Jody Cruz is one that I greatly value to this day,” says Karen Kasper. “We first met in 1988, when Jody and his father commissioned me to sculpt a portrait bronze of their beloved foundation mare, RDM Maar Hala. I was immediately impressed by Jody’s deep passion for his horses, his dedication to the program, and his talented eye as a breeder. While he continues to be a serious student of the Arabian horse, he has proven himself to be a steward of the breed, and the leadership he has demonstrated in the Egyptian Arabian horse community is admired by everyone.”

Rancho Bulakenyo horses now live all over the world, and are extremely popular in Australia. Simeon Stud owner Marion Richmond has known Jody, his wife Karen Fong, and his father for many years, and the horses for many foaling seasons. “From Jody, I have two mare families. When I first saw Maar Hala, she was a young mare, before the Cruzes bought her. She was almost my ideal, perfect horse. I bought and leased mares from Dr. Cruz, striving to re-create her, and that is why I have

EMMERT PHOTO

have known each other since they were kids.

“The first time I met Jody was in 1973 at Nationals in Oklahoma City,” Steve says.

“He was with his mom and dad and I was showing with Tom and Rhita McNair of Gleannloch Farms. We love reminiscing about great horses we’ve known.

“Jody’s father had a tremendous, uncanny eye for a horse. His work and research in the beginning has served the Cruzes well over the years.

“Although Jody started out at the top with his breeding program, he has been able to successfully take it to the next level,” notes Steve. “If you already have outstanding mares, it is hard to keep improving. Jody has done that, and has always been passionate about it.

“Jody loved El Halimaar — that horse was his heart. He’s passionate about what he does, knows what he wants, and always has a plan — he’s also not afraid to take a chance once in a while.”

“I first met Felino and Jody in the mid-80s when I managed Somerset Farms in Santa Ynez,” says Janice Bush of Kehilan Arabians, Fort Worth, Texas. “At that time we immediately struck up what would turn into a lasting friendship and business association. Felino always had something interesting in mind to talk over and Jody was a ‘sponge,’ taking in everything from everyone. He also asked more questions than anyone could imagine! Who knew that later in life he would take an already

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Right: SF Moon Maiden (Nabiel x Kachina Moon), an important broodmare for Rancho Bulakenyo.

Bottom row, left to right: The 1994 stallion Richter MH (El Halimaar x Fasarra by *Farazdac), bred

by Rancho Bulakenyo, owned by Al Khaled Farm, Saudi Arabia, and pictured here winning Senior Champion Stallion at the 2007 Egyptian Event Europe.

The 1995 stallion Haliluyah MH (El Halimaar x RDM Maar Hala).

RDM Maar Hala (El Hilal x Maar Jumana), pictured in 1989 with Dr. Felino Cruz.

RDM Maar Hala and Dr. Jody Cruz.

The foundress of an important female line Nafairtiti (*Morafic x *Bint Maisa El Saghira by Nazeer).

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Rancho Bulakenyo two families tracing to her today. I have three MB Mayal (El Halimaar x Imperial Maysama) daughters, and of course I bred *Simeon Shai who traces to RDM Maar Hala.

“I have a *Simeon Shai daughter, Australian National Reserve Champion Simeon Shuala (*Simeon Shai x Ramses Tinah) who has winning progeny in South Africa, New Zealand, and Egypt and has really been an amazing producer, and I kept two daughters of hers.

“Jody is one of the few seriously dedicated breeders in the world,” adds Marion. “Some people breed the latest National Champion because it’s the fashion, but Jody plugs along and breeds horses with good limbs, good construction, and good movement and that’s something that we have in common.”

“I have the privilege of calling Jody Cruz a dear friend,” says Aussie Helen Hardwick of Al Sahrae Arabians in New South Wales. “I trust and respect him immensely — both as a person and as a breeder, and I value his honesty when I ask his thoughts and opinions. I have three horses purchased directly from Jody and a fourth of Jody’s breeding. His love, commitment, and knowledge of the straight Egyptian Arabian horse is truly astounding.”

Back on American soil, Susan Gilbert, who owns Sumerlan Arabians near Houston, is a convert to straight

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Egyptians, after going with a friend to an Arabian sale in 1997. She went home with an El Halimaar daughter. “MB Maymaara (El Halimaar x Imperial Maysama) kept following me around. She kept bumping me on the shoulder. I ended up buying her that day with my American Express card!”

Since then, Susan has joined the ranks of Maar Hala fans, and the grey mare’s blood runs thick throughout her herd.

Susan Fox, of Equinox Arabians in Eatonton, Georgia, is on board with Maar Hala as well. “One of the best decisions that we made when we began Equinox Arabians was the purchase of Bint Maar Hala by Shaikh Al Badi. “‘Bint soon rewarded us with our very first foal, Marrakesh EQ. Marrakesh has matured into a gorgeous mare who possesses and passes forward the Maar Hala regality, as well as the charisma, type, trot, big movement, and tail carriage that is trademark of the Rancho Bulakenyo breeding program.”

Arabian breeder and judge Doug Dahmen’s relationship with the Cruz family is deeper than most. Jody is his personal physician, and watched over him through a recent lifesaving surgery.

“They are really genuine people, wonderful people. Dr. Felino is a gentle man and has always been very friendly and warm and Jody is the same way.” Plus, he says, “They have great taste in horses and obviously the passion has passed on from

Jody’s father to him. It’ s easy to recognize a great horse, another thing to breed it.

They’ve established not only theirs, but several other breeding programs through Maar Hala’s sons.”

So impressed has Doug been over the years with Rancho Bulakenyo that he takes people there to offer them an example of what an ongoing breeding program should be. He loves hearing their comments. “When they see Jody’s mares, they remark about how they have never seen Egyptian mares like his. They have a distinct elegance about them — not only pretty, but as a group, they carry great movement. They use themselves so well. They’ve got really good necks and arch their necks. So it’s been a pleasure when I have visitors here from other places.

“Jody is constantly infusing new blood and is always looking, and always has his eye out for what he feels would add to his group of horses. You are either a step ahead always or two steps behind. And this is where Jody is now — always thinking and planning ahead.”

The Next Generation Rancho Bulakenyo’s next generation arrived in February this year in the form of a handsome, solid bay colt. He wasn’t foaled at the ranch, but instead, imported — from Germany.

“I found him in a classified ad,” admits

Jody, “and bred by a very small breeder.”

And so far not many people have been clued in about the new addition. In fact, Jody says his breeding services were only made available to a limited number of existing clients in 2011, and that first book closed quickly.

The coming two-year-old’s name is *Asala Hafid Nahman (DF Malik Jamil x Asra Milahaa). The striking solid bay is a sharp contrast to the Cruzes’ predominantly grey herd.

“I didn’t tell many people about *Nahman, and only just started letting the word out. He is so different from anything we have. He is a combination Nagel and Ansata breeding so I don’t think there is any stallion in the country with his breeding. He has a gorgeous face, and flashy movement with exotic type. He is a really charismatic colt. That is an aspect I am hoping to strengthen in the program.

So many of our country’s nice stallions have been exported. It’s nice to have something new come into our country.”

Jody and Karen plan to test two of their best straight Egyptian mares on *Nahman: Kachina MH (El Halimaar x SF Moon Maiden) and Binte Aziza MH (Richter MH x Bint Aziza Princess). And later the plan is to breed “all our stars to him” says Jody.

Also waiting in the wings to take their place in the next generation are a pair of bay colts Jody bred by Imperial Al Kamar Above: The 2005 mare Sahara Moon MH (Jabbaar El Halimaar MH x SF Moon Maiden).

Bottom row, from left to right: The 1998 mare Binte Aziza MH (Richter MH x Bintaziza Princess by Abenhetep).

The 1999 mare Kachina MH (El Halimaar x SF Moon Maiden by Nabiel).

The 2000 mare Tamaara MH (El Halimaar x MB Sahammena by Tammen).

The 2007 filly Staar Of Egypt MH (Imperial Mistaar x Nehaya MH by Richter MH).

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Rancho Bulakenyo (El Hilal x Imperial Sonbesjul) out of two of his top mares — Kaliph MH out of Binte Aziza MH and Khaled Al Kamar MH out of Kachina MH. “Two years ago I purchased Al Kamar from the Imperial Egyptian Stud when they retired. This year I bred 14 of my mares to him, including the geriatrics, and everyone settled, including all of his outside mares. He is still potent for his years, and he’s even been to Cal Poly University for quarantine to have his semen shipped overseas.”

And in partnership with Eastern Star Arabians, Rancho Bulakenyo imported from Australia the big grey 11-yearold stallion *Simeon Shavvot (Imperial Madaar x Simeon Soosa). “He is really interesting,” observes Jody. He is by the Imperial Madheen son Imperial Madaar and out of Simeon Soosa, a Simeon Sadik daughter. “And Simeon Sadik is by Asfour as is her dam Simeon Simona, who recently passed away. And she was out of 27 Ibn Galal-V, who was Marion Richmond’s most successful foundation mare.

“We have him here this year and we bred some of our Maar Hala bred mares.

Then next spring he’ s going to Eastern Star.” Jody doesn’t hesitate to start listing what it is he likes about this import: “*Shavvot has a beautiful front end and a high-set neck. He has big eyes, great nostrils, great ears, a really sculpted face, and of course that pedigree.”

Today Dr. Felino Cruz is 88, and lives

Right: Jabbaar El Halimaar MH.

close to Jody and Karen. They are very involved in caring for him as he struggles with some age-related health problems. The baton, for the most part, has already been passed, as well as the family’s secrets for success. “We’ve always stuck with what we like and bred the very best horses we could,” declares Jody. “We study the pedigrees and try very hard to go and see the horses in person.” But in the end, he says, “I hope I will be half as lucky as my Dad has been with the horses.”

And for anyone who appreciates the magic that is made at Rancho Bulakenyo, the odds of that happening, would be a very safe bet indeed.

Center: Rancho Bulakenyo’s farrier, Brian Giangrande, is now the proud breeder and owner of the straight Egyptian filly pictured far left, sired by Imperial Al Kamar and out of WF Amethyst by MB Mayal.

Top right: Rancho Bulakenyo’s foreman Joaquin Leon with a 2009 colt by Imperial Al Kamar.

Bottom right: Candace Cotter, Rancho Bulakenyo’s stallion manager and Cal Poly University’s Equine Center manager.

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unveiling of …

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Announcing the

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CONGRATULATIONS to the following astute breeders who have chosen *Nahman: Jeff and Judy Barth**. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Qadar Arabians Ken and Marty Counts . . . . . . . . . . . . . Counts Arabians Norman Davis/David Geckle**. . . . . . . . . . Lionsgate Egyptian Stud Deena Edwards** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Enchanted Farms Arabians Debra and David Geiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dara Meadows Farm Susan Gilbert** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sumerlan Arabians Polly Schaefer/Jay Chollak** . . . . . . . . . . Eastern Star Arabians Bob and Sue Miars** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miars Arabians Betty Gail Skinner/Trish McGehee** . . . . . Hidden Springs Arabians **indicates multiple breedings OWNED BY

RANCHO BULAKENYO · JODY AND KAREN CRUZ · richtermh@aol.com · www.RanchoBulakenyo.com 11 ▪ RANCHO BULAKENYO ▪ WORLD

Proud sire of the 2009 Egyptian Event Most Classic Head and Two-Year-Old Futurity Winner Jabbaar B Doll.

(El Halimaar x Sanaata by Ansata El Sherif ) 1999 grey stallion

Rancho Bulakenyo will be offering a limited number of embryos from our select group of mares.

OWNED BY

RANCHO BULAKENYO · JODY AND KAREN CRUZ · richtermh@aol.com · www.RanchoBulakenyo.com 12 ▪ RANCHO BULAKENYO ▪ WORLD

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An extraordinary import from the famed Simeon Stud.

CO-OWNED BY

RANCHO BULAKENYO AND EASTERN STAR ARABIANS www.RanchoBulakenyo.com · www.EasternStarArabians.com 13 ▪ RANCHO BULAKENYO ▪ WORLD

CAPPY JACKSON PHOTO

Imperial Amir Kamar

( I m pe r i a l A l K a m a r x I m pe r i a l Fa l a a h b y I m pe r i a l I m d a l ) 2 0 0 1 c h e s t n u t s ta l l i o n

Amir combines some of the best Imperial lines through his sire and dam, blending exotic beauty, type, substance, and movement.

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Sire of Champions!

Inquiries invited on our stunning 2009 Imperial Amir Kamar foals and our upcoming 2010 foals.

Starr Adlai

(Imperial Amir Kamar x ESA Laila Nile

by Ansata Nile Nadir), 2009 colt

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Starr Ali Yatim

(Imperial Amir Kamar x Imperial Baazirah by Imperial Baarez), 2009 colt

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ESA Aminaah

(Imperial Amir Kamar x Imperial Baazirah by Imperial Baarez) 2009 Egyptian Event Champion Futurity Finals Straight Egyptian Yearling Fillies 1/1 - 4/15/08 (18 in class)

ESA Anishah (not pictured) (Imperial Amir Kamar x ESA Faraasha by Imperial Baarez) 2009 Egyptian Event Reserve Champion Filly and Champion Futurity Finals Straight Egyptian Yearling Fillies 4/16 - 12/31/08 (22 in class) OWNED BY

EASTERN STAR ARABIANS 路 POLLY SCHAEFER AND DR. JOSEPH CHOLLAK 458A DERHAMMER ROAD, HARVEYS LAKE, PA 18618 路 570.574.4999 路 E-MAIL: POLLY@EASTERNSTARARABIANS.COM WWW.EASTERNSTARARABIANS.COM

Expecting 2010 foals sired by Kamar out of the following mares: Aana Shahlima (Ansata Halim Shah x Aanisa Mirwan) AZ Angelique (Abenhetep x Aziza Princess) Bint El Halimaar MH (El Halimaar x Mumtaz Ree) Binte Aziza MH (Richter MH x Bint Aziza Princess) EAI Hasimmah (Imperial Immarouf x Bint Haseenah) Just My Imagination (*Orashan x Glorieta Bint Abu) Kachina MH (El Halimaar x SF Moon Maiden) Maara El Jamaal MH (*Dakar El Jamaal x Binte Aziza MH) Sahara Moon MH (Jabbaar El Halimaar MH x SF Moon Maiden) Shaleela (MFA Mareekh Amir x MFA Bint Maar Ree) Shalpasha Najib (AK Najib Pasha x Shalimaar) Tamaara MH (El Halimaar x MB Sahammena) Zandai Daliyah (Imperial Imdal x Ansata Zaafina) ( E l H i l a l x I m p e r i a l S o n b e s j u l b y H o s s n y ) 1 9 8 7 g r e y s t a l l i o n Zandai Jiradah (Zandai Ibn Omar x MFA Tassiadeh) Kamar’s book is now closed, but he remains available to Rancho Bulakenyo clients.

International Frozen Semen available worldwide.

OWNED BY

RANCHO BULAKENYO · JODY AND KAREN CRUZ 2755 LOS OSOS VALLEY ROAD, LOS OSOS, CA 93402 · 805.773.7440 · richtermh@aol.com · www.RanchoBulakenyo.com

Designed and produced by Arabian Horse World · 12/09