Bucephalos P
May 2, 2000
Urgel III by Curiosa XXII
Bucephalos's Photo Gallery
"While living in Italy, I was searching for another Cartujano stallion of the oldest breeding to fill a spot left empty when I sold my wonderful Andalusian stallion, Luminoso to Cindy Meens of Storm King Ranch along with my mare. I had had a Terry-bred and Domecq-trained Cartujano stallion during the years I lived in Spain so I knew exactly what I wanted in another horse/partner. I looked in Spain, in France, in Germany, even there in Italy to no avail. Nothing caught my eye or my heart. The bloodline had to come first, it always tells in future generations, it is the foundation. Temperament was critical as well, as I will not breed and pass on a poor temperament. Movement was my third criteria in choosing a horse. He had to have classical form and power, not just flash. He had to excel in all three areas for me to make the trip to see him. Needless to say, I made few actual trips to see a horse as there were few who could pass all three tests.
"One evening, I was browsing the Web, when my eye was struck by one horse standing out from the crowd, Urgel III. His lines were unsurpassable, the very ones I was seeking. From comments by others his temperament was the kindest. His movement was to die for. And there, below him on the stallion page, was MY HORSE! I knew him the instant I saw him and e-mailed my husband his picture at work to say I had found him at long last!!!!! I didn’t pick up the phone to contact Rancho Andalucia as I wasn’t sure then that we were moving back to the States. I hesitated for several weeks until we flew back to Texas. I call Christa to say that I wanted to come out and see Bucephalos, then…the crushing blow, Christa is a kind voice said she was so sorry but he had left for his new home four days ago! I was heart-broken but I had to go out and see Urgel.
"Dieter met us and introduced us to their wonderful stallion, Urgel, who reminded me so much of my boy in Spain many years ago. I knew that I had just missed my soul-mate. Christa arrived and we toured the facility. As I was introduced to her mares, she asked which one I liked best. Without hesitation, I said, “Curiosa!”. They were all lovely but Curiosa was the prototypical Cartujano mare. She was surprised as most visitors had chosen another lovely mare, but I insisted that it was Curiosa who spoke of Andalucia to me.
"Resigned to losing Bucephalos, I asked Christa if she knew of any others available. She did not but would check for me. Weeks passed, I started to settle back into our ranch in the Texas Hill Country, but my mind kept returning to Bucephalos and mourning his loss. One day out of the blue I receive a call from Cynthia Vasques, of Bel Terra Baroque Horses, she leaves a message saying something about owning Bucephalos. It seems that Cynthia has too many stallions and, after talking to Christa about me, is willing to sell me Bucephalos! My joy could hardly be contained! She proceeded to do; the videos of him, the pre-purchase and repro exams and finally, several months later he arrives at the trainer’s!
"He comes quietly out to the trailer (after four long days of travel in icy storms) and proceeds to totally impress the trainer with his calm demeanor. He has since won the hearts of all with his sweetness, beauty, incredible movement and willing attitude! I could not have asked for a better match and look forward to many wonderful years with this Spanish Treasure!
"Many deep and heartfelt thanks to Christa and Dieter, the wonderful, thoughtful and dedicated breeders of Bucephalos and to his owner, Cynthia Vasques, for his further training and for being willing to part with this magnificent stallion. I hope that I can do him justice in the coming years as we attend clinics, shows, parades and exhibitions as his training progresses. Bucephalos will bring all that is the best of Spain to the breeding barn. Look for him at Cortijo Al-Andaluz soon!"
Cortijo Al-Andaluz
Lee Caffey