Stan Sigman Dies
Horseman Stan Sigman died December 21, 2020.
The racing breeder and owner is a partner and the chairman of Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico.
Sigman grew up in the Texas Panhandle, and rose to the top of the business world as the CEO and president of Cingular Wireless and AT&T and is regarded as a visionary in the wireless technology field, among countless other business accomplishments.
In 2017, Sigman was part of the ownership group that purchased Ruidoso Downs in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and he has served as its chairman.
The Sigman family operate their ranch under the name “Namgis,” which is their last name spelled backwards, and breed and own racing Quarter Horses. He co-owned champion and millionaire Kiss My Hocks, as well as stallion Bucks Hancock Dude. They bred NFR barrel horse Namgis D 33, aka “Chongo,” ridden by Emily Miller-Beisel.
COVID-19 closes Ztrans routes in Ruidoso
Ztrans officials expected the public transit routes in Ruidoso to reopen Dec. 28 after suspending routes in response to COVID-19 exposure among drivers.
The company announced transit routes in Ruidoso would close Dec. 16 when a driver tested positive for the virus.
Joe Hardin, director of Ztrans, said the six drivers who run the Ruidoso routes were asked to self-quarantine for the required 14 days after being in the same room as the driver who tested positive. Due to the exposure of the rest of the team, and in compliance with state requirements, all Ztrans Ruidoso routes have been cancelled and will remain closed through December 28, 2020, a news release from the company read.
Christmas Thanks for Your Courage and Passion
Christmas Thanks for Your Courage and Passion AQHA Executive Vice President Craig Huffhines shares how the western way of life shines through brightly with courage, passion and innovation during this unprecedented time. As a reminder, our offices will be closed beginning at 4 p.m. Central on December 23 through December 25, and January 1 to allow employees to spend time with their families during the holidays.
By AQHA Executive Vice President Craig Huffhines
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays AQHA family! 2020 marked the 80th anniversary of the American Quarter Horse Association. We were all looking forward to celebrating this landmark year in our traditional western heritage fashion. However, the worldwide pandemic upended the traditional routines and plans we all had hoped for. While it disrupted our daily lives, separated many of us from our loved ones and friends, and perhaps changed our habits entirely, it
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91-year-old Rey Marquez giving an exercise rider a leg up on one of his horses
It s been a difficult year all around, but there are still a few bright spots out there in the world – you just have to know where to look.
This week, we found that feel-good story down in New Mexico. At the age of 91, trainer Rey Marquez saddled his first winner of 2020 at Zia Park on Dec. 3. It was his 13th starter of the year.
It was “just” a $10,000 maiden claiming race on a Thursday, but truly it was more than that. It was a rare moment of joy bursting forth from this challenging year, both for Marquez himself and all those who know him.