Heaven’s remuda improved by one fine mare on February 8, leaving this planet one short, with the passing of Roxy (aka Whizzards Baby Doll), best known as horsewoman Stacy Westfall’s bareback and bridleless mount. She sustained traumatic injury after apparently becoming cast in her stall sometime during the night of Feb. 5. Roxy was treated for two days at Valley View Animal Hospital in Dover,Ohio, before being humanely euthanized on Feb. 8. Roxy was due to foal in early March, and although a C-section was performed, the little sorrel stud colt proved too weak to survive.
Roxy had a wide and varied career that included becoming the 2nd highest earning offspring of Whizard Jac, who was both NRHA futurity champion and USET champion. She won two All-American Quarter Horse Congress Championships and two Reserve Championships, the NRHA Futurity freestyle championship, and the Tulsa Reining Classic twice, to name just a few.
Roxy’s championship performance in the 2006 All American Quarter Horse Congress, with Stacy riding bareback and bridleless, went viral on the Internet and led to Roxy and Stacy appearing on the Ellen DeGeneres show. Roxy, ever the lady, gave Ellen a memorable ride before appearing before the live studio audience and accepting peppermints from Stacy.
Roxy leaves behind four offspring, all of whom were carried by recipient mares. She will be much missed by owner Greg Gessner, the Westfall family and everyone who valued watching the great trust and love shown between she and Stacy when they performed as one.
More information to follow in the next few days:(
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Very sad day in your barn and the horse world. Roxy and you have touched and inspired so many people.
I love your quote it holds true to so many blessings in our lives esp the people and animals we hold dear. I lost my horse of 17 yrs along w my mother and father last year and it was a tough time to see through the tears but my mom asked us not to cry… And that everytime we ride to move up in the saddle giving her room to ride along!! Roxy was an amazing animal and touched so many! May God bless you ALL through this difficult time and may you smile thru the tears….
So terribly sorry for your loss. I lost my mare and friend of 18 years after she was cast in her stall and received an injury to her front legs. We tried for 3 weeks to save her, but had to euthanize her in the end. She fought hard, but the pain was too great. She was very special. I have grieved for her for over two years, but find some comfort in knowing that others feel the same for their lost friends. I hope those who are reaching out to you are helping with this terrible loss. Knowing you are not alone gives great comfort.
You touched our hearts, made us smile and cry at the same time. You gave us all a memory to cherish forever. The two of you were a blessing to watch.
Ohhhhh Man of man!!! This is so sad!!!!!! Yeah…I’m crying because it is over….but, I will smile…in alittle bit~~
aAnyone who has ever seen you in person with Roxy could see the connection that you to had. Great horses come around only once in a lifetime. This was one of the greats! So sorry for your loss.
Hey Stacy…. I don’t think i’ve cried this hard in years. Hearing of Roxy’s passing, not only touched me on an emotional level; but on a level which evokes all of the feelings that we share with our horses. the bond, that is so sacred, and so special…
Having been able to meet you and Roxy a couple years ago; you inspired me, to become a better horsewoman; and look towards forming a close bond with my own filly, Wyndi. She and I finally reached that point over the weekend at Expo Pomona, and I thought of you and Roxy…. how much you two inspired me, to find that connection, and “ride with faith”.
My heart goes out to you and your family…. to all of those who lived for, and loved Roxy for who she was — an incredible mare, an incredible friend… and your family.
Much love to you from both Wyndi and I… I will always think of Roxy whenever we’re in the ring together. You’re in my heart, and my prayers. Take care, and godspeed!
– Barrie
Stacey,
How tragic… My sympathies to you and all who loved this AMAZING mare. She was simply THE most wonderful horse I have ever seen… an unbelievable loss.
Stacy, I’m so sorry for your loss. I think the fact that you are taking the time to read all of these messages is amazing. You and Roxy as a team were inspiring, showing a level of horsemanship, trust and respect that is so rare and beautiful. I hope you find some comfort in the messages people leave, and always remember the great things that are yours to cherish.horse
🙂
From one horse lover to another, my deepest condolences. Not only doe AQHA mourn your loss, I’m sure the whole horse world feels the emptiness.
I am so sorry for your loss – she was so beautiful and obviously loved by so many.
So sorry for your loss.. You were truly blessed to have such a wonderful partner and friend for a short time in your life..
My heart goes out to you. I still watch your bridleless videos and they are such an inspiration. God bless.
I am so sorry for your loss…and so happy you had that time with her. There’s not much more than can be said about such a sad turn of events.
When we were disheartened and frustrated by our search for our own land after buying and boarding a mustang in 2010, I watched the 2006 Championship video again and again, the dream of having my horse on my own land and building that kind of relationship sustained me through an emotionally and physically grueling journey.
In the end it was worth it. We’re here in Michigan on our own land, with our mustang, our boys’ pony, and two more mounts in our herd.
I don’t know how I would have made it through without the powerful inspiration Stacy and Roxy provided.
As I posted on Facebook, Roxy was the horse every rider dreams of…. My first thought was remembering she was due to foal soon. A double tragedy.
My condolences to those who have lost such a wonderful gift.
My heart goes out to all over the loss of Roxy and her baby boy. Just traggic. She will be missed and always remembered. Stacey and Roxy, what a team! Hugs!
Stacy – I am so sorry for your loss – what a bond you and Roxy shared. I was fortunate to see the 2 of you at the Kentucky Horse Park during the World Equestrian Games. I know the owners are heartbroken as well. I love your quote though – “Don’t cry because it is over, smile because it happened.” With all our pets, we have to remember the good times and the love & enjoyment they give us. Prayers for you all at this sad time.
So sorry to hear about Roxy and her foal. I used to youtube you two for hours and your performances always brought tears to my eyes. There is nothing as beautiful as the trust between a person and there horse. Prayers to you all as you remember Roxy’s life.
While I’m sorry she is gone, I’m glad she had been here with Stacy. I’m glad that together you showed a world of horsemen what is possible. She may be gone but with her, you touched the lives of more horses and people than you will ever know. Thank you Stacy for sharing your relationship with this horse.
Stacey, I have to say that I cried when I heard this. I know what it’s like to lose such a close companion, and it’s never easy. You two had such an amazing bond and have inspired me for the longest time. My deepest condolences,
Sage
It’s very rear that a bond between a horse and a person can get so close THANK GOD you got to have yours with such a special horse she will be missed
I’m so sorry for you, on loosing this wonderful mare. With my deepest sympathy & heartfelt regards.
What tragic news.I am so sad for you. Maybe she was just too special to remain on this earth and she was needed in Heaven.
Thank you for showing us what can be acheived.You and Roxy have inspired so many people and taken horesemanship to the next level.
NO WORDS can express the sorrow Stacy and the owners must be feeling..not too mention the rest of the entire equine community.. for the loss of such an outstanding mare/friend as ROXY…She was one of a kind and such a joy to everyone who had the privilege of seeing her perform..REST IN PEACE sweet and gentle lady…u will be missed..
So sorry to hear this sad news.I really enjoy watching the videos of the two of you.You belonged together.Prayers to you and your family.
Stacy and Greg: Roxy was the perfect horse and we are all better for knowing such a magnificent animal. God only lets us have the perfect ones for a short time and then he takes them back to his perfect world. Greg and i worked together and I feel so bad for both of you, because I know you loved her so. Memories is all we have now.
Having an equine partner of my own and one that isn’t nearly as connected to me as Roxy was to you, my whole heart goes out to you for your loss. If my horse isn’t in heaven when I get there, I’m not staying!
Stacey and family, words can not convey the saddness of how I feel for you and others connected by this great horse. I was there that night among the many others and we knew how special she was and how that ride impacted the world. Please know that she is running in heavens pastures and is watching over you all. She had a good ride…..sometimes the shorter rides are the most special ones…..Roxy has changed and influenced many lives of the horse world….we were blessed to be able to be a witness to a great one. We will never forget her.
Loved watching you & Roxy perform. So sorry for the loss of Roxy and for the loss of her great to be foal. She’s grazing on a great Remuda that is for sure.
No words. Just tears.
So sorry for your lost stacey! Prayers go out to you and your family! Such a great horses she will never be forgotten!!!
I am so sorry for the loss of Roxy. You enjoyed watching the two of you work together so beautifully. You are such a great inspiration and motivation Stacy and Roxy was so very lucky to share her time with you.
I was a law enforcer and saw people die. Tougher than that is having a horse die or have to be put down’
I am SO sorry for your loss
So sorry for the loss but a great gain for heaven. My prayers are with you Stacy and Greg
Lossing my life long (29 yrs) friend & companion 9/17/11 I can so relate to your lose. Will pray for you guys.
She will be missed
Roxy was an amazing horse. Praying for you! =)
[…] Westfall announced on her blog today that Whizzards Baby Doll, known to her friends as Roxy, has been euthanized due to a […]
I cry and my heart overwhelms with love everytime I watch your video of your bridleless ride. You and Roxy will forever remain a piece of my happy memories and I am sad for your loss. Suzanne C-L Ontario, Canada.
Very, very sorry to hear this news. My sympathies.
Watching you two is so inspiring and truly majestic. She is legendary and will always be remembered that way! It brings a heavy heart.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I love watching the videos of Roxy. She was a beautiful horse and well trained. I shared two videos of her on my FB page. prayers
u and roxy stunned us all with pride of both your ability,and now u have stunned us all again but in a sad sense,very sorry for your loss and great friend u had there..xx
I understand you may not read all these messages, after receiving so many. Watching the 2006 competition on youtube, the performance dedicated to your dad… I was moved to tears. The incredible trust and ability between yourself and your horse… Brought tears to my eyes. I am in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, and with all respect, say that I take my hat off to you both. The two of you have set a precedent of what so many other people can aspire to achieve. I thank you for doing what you do and bringing a horse with so much ability to the public eye. You have given the public something to aspire to achieve, a horse as intelligent and responsive, a bond so prescious between horse and rider. A mare and rider that are incredible in their ability together. Awe inspiring. I thank you and the wonderful mare so much, she was brought here as a gift, not only to her rider, to every spectator as well.
Thank you xx
Sophie, I am reading ALL of the comments. Thank you for your kind comments. Reading them really does help us (Jesse too) to remember the impact Roxy had on the world. Thanks for taking the time to write. Stacy
I have to say this is so sad. I understand how hard it is to have to make that kind of a decision, being a horse person my self. But it is sometime the best decision sometimes for them. RIP roxy. I have watched that video and it brought tears to my eyes when iceatched it.
Stacey, you and Roxy were an amazing team. I never got to see you two in person, but watched video of y’all at the Congress, your tribute to your Dad. No words can describe how my heart felt. Roxy will come to you in your dreams and you will ride and love on her and it will be your special place to meet. I lost a wonderful mare, Shonie Bars, in 1976, and we meet in my dreams. I am praying for you
family and friends to find some peace and comfort so your heart can rest. The memories you have with Roxy are so incredible and thank you for sharing yourself and her with the world.
my daughter has watched countless videos of you on Roxy and has been inspired to try new things. She touched the hearts of many people.
Sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss!! I hated to hear about this. =( It really saddens me. God bless you and Roxy!! Your in my thoughts and prayers!
VERY sorry to hear such sad news….Baby Doll and Staceys’ video was one of my favorites to watch. Will always be “inspirational”!
Hugs to Dolls’ family….friends….and to all those who loved her….
The pit of my stomach dropped when I heard the news this evening.. Truly saddened. My heart goes out to all..