A sad and beautiful reminder, Rest in Peace Roxy, you are remembered.

I received a special gift today.

Unexpected.

Touching.

Stacy's gift, Roxy's tail hair made into a bracelet.

Stacy’s gift, Roxy’s tail hair made into a bracelet.

I have nothing more to say except thank-you to Greg Gessner (owner of Roxy and Jac) and Lisa Austin (owner of Crazy4PonyTails). When I wear my new bracelet, I will remember an old friend and very special memories.

It is hard to believe it has been two years that you have been gone Roxy.

41 Comments

  1. Anne on February 17, 2014 at 9:38 pm

    Stacy, What happened to Roxy?

  2. Anne on February 17, 2014 at 9:24 pm

    Sarah Knight, I am so sorry for your loss but would that loved one really want you to sacrifice the joy of riding and experiencing a possible another relationship with a horse that you two had? Don’t deny yourself, your loved one wouldn’t want that of you. Please ride again and post that you have. That will make us all very very happy.

  3. Annette Armstrong on February 13, 2014 at 6:37 pm

    I lost my horse Jan 31, 2010. His name was Pete, he was my best friend a 30 year Prayer was answered when I got him in Sept of 07. I don’t think there is a day that goes by that I don’t think of him. I feel your pain Stacy. God Bless! Annette

  4. Linda Murphy on February 13, 2014 at 10:38 am

    Still have the video of the two of you. You not only honored your father but Roxy did too. Your a great trainer and she was a great horse.( Priceless)

  5. HELENA on February 12, 2014 at 12:44 pm

    I NEVER EVER EVER BELIEVED YHAT I WOULD BE SO AFEECTED BY ROXYS DEATH, STACY, MAY GOD, AND HIS SON JESUS BLESS AND KEEP HIS ARMS AROUND YOU ALWAYS……….

  6. Michelle on February 9, 2014 at 4:51 pm

    Any video with you and Roxy preforming gives me goosebumps. You surely must miss her.

  7. Linda on February 9, 2014 at 4:20 pm

    so happy you got this beautiful bracelet in memory of Roxy

  8. Amber Mathewson on February 9, 2014 at 2:28 pm

    What a lovely momento of such a special horse. I am so thankful that we were able to meet her at Quarterfest. She will always be Montana’s hero horse. Lots of love from the Mathewsons in South Africa.

  9. coffeetime74 on February 9, 2014 at 10:31 am

    This has just made me cry…what a beautiful gift as a reminder of a beautiful and amazing horse that you were lucky enough to have with such pleasure in you life..bless you both and RIP beautiful Roxy xx

  10. S A Garrison on February 9, 2014 at 9:43 am

    Years do not diminish the loss. I too have a bracelet from my special boy, Shad. He never made one single mistake w/me or with the young riders that were in his care after our journey was done. I miss him dearly. Keep the wonderful memories, Stacy.

  11. Tracey Merrett on February 9, 2014 at 8:46 am

    When I feel that one has been taken too soon – I remember a line from a movie (Steel Magnolias) where the heroin says, “I’d rather have 20 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special” Trust me when I say that I know Roxy had her special time with you.

  12. Kathi Rowell on February 9, 2014 at 8:12 am

    You and Roxy are so blessed to have had that time together with a love that many never find. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  13. Kasey on February 9, 2014 at 8:02 am

    Oh that is just beautiful Stacey ! What a lovely way to remember her and have her with you always.

  14. charlene roberts on February 9, 2014 at 7:58 am

    this brings tears to my eyes for you and me I lost a wonderful horse 3 yrs ago too! my heart stills goes out to you all! rest in peace in the beauiful fields in heaven!

  15. Kristin Dunklee on February 9, 2014 at 7:20 am

    Beautiful, until you meet again:)

  16. Lisa Halbert on February 9, 2014 at 7:07 am

    We will always be amazed by you & Roxy (and Vaquero). I have all of your videos, so between those and You Tube I can relive those relationships and get choked up (like I do still seeing Secretariat footage) My vet clinic saved tail hair from by beloved rescue STB The Duck when I lost him to cancer on Jan 3rd. I was very touched when two key chains arrived. I don’t wear jewelry so it was fitting for us.

  17. Nikki Bieber on February 9, 2014 at 4:47 am

    just brought BIG tears back in my eyes.
    BIG hugs Stacy. You were an awesome Team.
    What a Special gift!

  18. Rebecca lees on February 9, 2014 at 4:31 am

    It is so hard to loose such a good friend I lost my mare the same day as Roxy I had maddy for 12 years I got her at 6 months of age . It broke my heart to loose her to colic I know how you feel as it does still hurt and miss her dearly .

  19. Gitte Ogendal Garcia on February 9, 2014 at 4:25 am

    Hi Stacy. A pretty bracelet is always a wonderful memory of that special horse that you´ll always miss. I lost my 23 year old mare 2½ years ago, and learned myself how to braid and made a bracelet with a silver heart on it, that I always wear when I ride her son at either clinics or shows. That way his mother is always with us and it gives a lot of strength. I miss her every day, just like I´m sure you´ll always miss Roxie, and seeing that video brings tears to my eyes – one more time. Best of luck to you and Jac. Looking forward to seeing the two of you in the arena.

    • karen on February 9, 2014 at 6:30 pm

      Hi Gitte great that you made a bracelet how did you finish the ends and where did you get the ends. I have also loved and lost it is so special to actually build your own bracelet.

      • Gitte Ogendal Garcia on February 12, 2014 at 2:24 am

        Hi Karen, you use two kinds of superglue to finish the ends. One is a gel that you use to glue on the silver clasp that I used. You use regular superglue when you finish your braid and you can actually shape the end a bit. Look at websites selling jewellry that you make yourself to find endpieces or different clasps. I´m in Denmark so I can´t refer you to any 🙂 It was very special to make the bracelet myself and it is a treasure to have.

  20. Janette on February 9, 2014 at 3:11 am

    Here in Australia the Waler horse ( war horse) is legendary (justifiably so). I have been breeding and training Waler horses for ten years now, and yes they are incredible horses. The Australian Light Horse is remembered for one of the great cavalry charges of all time. I did believe it was the special quality of the Waler horse that made the difference. I now realize it was the bravery of the men that rode and believed in their wonderful horses that made the Australian horse the legend it is today. Yes the horses are special, but it takes a special kind of person to recognize and support each horse to reach their full potential. A lot of potentially brilliant horses are restricted by their handlers fear and lack of knowledge etc. I hope you get my point.

    • Janette on February 10, 2014 at 7:33 am

      Just in case your not sure, yes I am comparing you with our legendary horseman. It frightens me to think what might have become of your brilliant horses had they not found you. You have that something special that gets the best out of any horse. Words just totally fail to express how it must feel to lose a soul mate like Roxy. My heart bleeds for you.

  21. Maureen Blafas on February 8, 2014 at 11:55 pm

    This is a beautiful momento but no matter what, Roxy will always be a part of your heart and live forever in glorious memories.

  22. Lindsay on February 8, 2014 at 10:49 pm

    Thats a great gift … Hope you love it !

  23. Terrie Solomon on February 8, 2014 at 10:16 pm

    What a great gift, one genuinely from the heart. My horse Stormy left me 27 years ago about this time of year also, she didn’t win any reining classes but I could ride her anywhere at all and I could go bridleless and spent many hours bareback and in halters and sometimes even just a thin piece of braided yarn in her mouth (that was for my mom who was not impressed with that trail ride, (lol)
    I had her pleasure for close to 20 years, and her son for 30, he was not quite so quiet but he was sure fun to jump. I feel your closeness when I watch the videos and wish for that exuberance again. Enjoy your bracelet it is beautiful!!! 🙂 🙂

  24. qhorsenut on February 8, 2014 at 9:51 pm

    I lost my mare “Georgia Little Too” aka Lady on March 26, 2013. She was my partner for 20 years. I was so devastated I didn’t think to save any mane or tail hair before my husband buried her 🙁
    I have lots of photos and video and I remember her everyday when I walk in the barn.
    What a beautiful remembrance of Roxy that you can take everywhere you go

  25. Christine on February 8, 2014 at 9:46 pm

    Tears for both of you.It has been a year since I lost my heart horse,suddenly and unexpectedly.We werent famous,but we were partners with such an easy loving relationship.Rest in peace,Roxy–she will live in your heart forever.

  26. Evanlyn Cooper on February 8, 2014 at 9:42 pm

    What an Amazing horse! Stacy Westfall is my idol! I only dream of being able to ride half as well as you do!

  27. Dancing Crow on February 8, 2014 at 9:41 pm

    She was your gift from Heaven ,no matter how long or short,be grateful, till you meet again,, God in charge <3

  28. Katelyn on February 8, 2014 at 9:41 pm

    We only see the performance. The work, that went in to preparing for it must have been immense, and the love you have for each other shined through. She was so willing, the two of you make it look so easy and graceful. She shows everyone who watches these performances how much she loves you.

    • Stacy on February 9, 2014 at 2:21 pm

      Katelyn-I think that is why this simple black and white video breaks me down more than the the Live Like You Were Dyin ride…it reminds me more of the personal memories.

  29. irisvillagegirl on February 8, 2014 at 9:40 pm

    So beautiful! I can’t even imagine how much you miss her. But now you have a little bit of her for always!

  30. Pat LaCroix on February 8, 2014 at 9:38 pm

    You were so blessed to have such a horse in your life! Most times, we only have that “one special” horse that touches us… makes us laugh, makes us cry, frustrates the heck out of us… but nevertheless… touches us in remarkable ways. You had her such a short time, but many what you did with that time was nothing short of miraculous. Revel in the memories, but move on… Jac needs you to move on with him..

  31. Dave Hayes on February 8, 2014 at 9:37 pm

    sorry for your lose.

  32. Sarah Knight on February 8, 2014 at 9:33 pm

    I lost my ” baby ” Carbon June 7, 2011. Just 2 months after losing my mother to heart disease. I have 3 other horse’s. Just can’t get back into the swing of them since losing him. I still cry daily. I feel guilty for not giving my other 3 the attention they need. Oh, they are taken care of, food, water, vaccinations, regular hoof trimming and worming. Just not the same. Wish I could get out of this slump. Have been riding since I was 4 years old. I’m 52 now and haven’t been back on since 2011. Maybe oneday !!!

    • Rebecca on February 10, 2014 at 11:30 am

      Sarah, I went through something very similar three years ago. I had an accident on a horse that nearly took my life. Even though the horse that hurt me wasn’t mine, I had a very hard time even looking at my other horses. They looked over the fence from me wondering why I hadn’t brought them a treat or wrapped my arms around them. My husband brought one of them to the porch where I sat during my recovery and tears welled up in my eyes and I asked him to take him away. The horse walked slowly away with his head down. A couple of months later, my husband was away and unable to do chores. I was faced with going to the barn. I gathered feed and walked out to the pen to feed them. Most of the horses stayed away from me, which I was grateful, but my young horse that I had started before the accident blocked my way from leaving the pen. I was angry, however he was persistent, he lowered his head as if to say shout, yell, kick the fence, do whatever you need to do but please leave her knowing that I need you. Horses have a way of knowing what you need, unlike any other animal. Soon, I developed a plan to help me get back on a horse. The plan involved diet, exercise and a steady, but increasing exposure to the horses. The hardest part was sitting in the saddle again. I shook, cried, was very nervous, but finally I was able to sit in the saddle for one minute. The next day, my trainer led the horse around the round pen one lap. I got off and threw up. The next day another lap. I was sick, but kept my composure. I set a goal of riding in one event at our local horse show. It was a walk/trot class. I was so proud as we lined up and felt a sense of elation as I realized my goal. My horse and I received second place. I am 55 years old and am just now starting to lope. Please know that you have much more to lose staying away than you do joining up with your horse again. I would be happy to help you do it.

  33. Paige Macfarland on February 8, 2014 at 9:31 pm

    Very nice. Special gift

  34. Rhonda on February 8, 2014 at 9:30 pm

    Beautiful … the love you two had for each other really shined through in your performances!

  35. Rae Lynn Boyer on February 8, 2014 at 9:29 pm

    Wow. That video just breaks my heart. I can only imagine how it makes you feel. <3

  36. Amanda on February 8, 2014 at 9:27 pm

    Some horses leave indelible hoofprints on our hearts. This is a lovely, tangible reminder of the relationship the two of you had. I’m glad you have it.

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