Dr. Felino Cruz, Founder Of Rancho Bulakenyo Passes Away
By Susan Gilbert
At the request of the Cruz family, it is with great sadness that I inform the Arabian horse community that we have lost Dr. Felino Cruz, original founder of Rancho Bulakenyo located in Los Osos , California .
The historical framework for the breeding program was a lifelong passion with Dr. Felino Cruz, who was an ardent, self-taught student of the breed combining Babson and Nazeer through the legendary sire lines of *Ansata Ibn Halima and *Morafic, with seasoning outcrosses back to Anter, Mashhour, *Ibn Hafiza, and *Tuhotmos. Many of these lineages went on to create breeding dynasties of their own El Halimaar, Prince Ibn Shaikh, Halim El Mansour, Haliluyah MH and ET Crown Prince, all out of RDM Maar Hala. Among the many Arabians bred by Dr. Felino Cruz .. breeders will historically remember Bint Naborrah, Maartrabbi, Ibn Metrabbi, Abraxas Halimaar, Abraxas-Moonstruk, Kachina MH, Sahara Moon MH and Moon Storm MH to name but a handful.
El Halimaar
But there are additional famous individuals owned by Dr. Felino Cruz and incorporated into the Rancho Bulakenyo program, some of which included AK Shalia, Illaila, Shahira, Bint Romanaa, Nafairtiti, Moon Mystique, Hadassa, Bint Nabilahh, Norra, Maar Bilahh, Bint Hamamaa, Bint Bint Hamamaa, Aziza Princess, Bint Maar Hala, SF Moon Maiden and treasured ancestors of MFA Bint Maar Ree; many of these lineages continue today at Rancho Bulakenyo or within breeding programs across the world .. each program marking generations of commitment by Dr. Cruz.
Dr. Cruz is the highest example to all of us .. that one can begin with nothing but courage and determination to succeed in a new country half a world away from his birthplace country of the Philippines .. yet with profound passion and belief one can create a breeding dynasty which lays foundational support for others to follow in path. His is a story of encouragement to all of us.
Last fall, I was blessed with a very special moment with Dr. Cruz. Even though I was told that he only had moments of clarity now and then .. we shared a vibrant conversation where I was able to thank him personally for each precious stallion and mare that he had so unselfishly shared with the world. It is a memory that is held very close to my heart today .. that there was that special moment in time where I got to say 'thank you' to him for his dedication as a breeder.
Monday, April 5, 2010
8:30 AM Viewing at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 2050 Palisades Ave. , Los Osos , CA 93402 .
10:00 AM Mass
11:30 AM Burial at Los Osos Memorial Park , 2260 Los Osos Valley Road , Los Osos , CA 93402 .
12:30 PM (to follow) Reception at Rancho Bulakenyo, 2405 Paradise Lane , Los Osos , CA 93402 .
RSVP appreciated. Jody Cruz (805)704-0391. RichterMH@aol.com
