Heaven’s remuda improved by one fine mare on February 8, leaving this planet one short, with the passing of Roxy (aka Whizards 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.
Many will best remember Roxy from a video that went viral on the Internet in which Stacy rode her with no bridle or saddle, winning the Freestyle Reining Championship at the 2006 American Quarter Horse Congress. The performance, coming less than a month after Stacy’s father passed away, touched an appreciative audience worldwide. One person quite moved by the ride was TV personality Ellen DeGeneres, who invited Stacy and Roxy to appear on her show. Roxy, ever the lady, gave Ellen a memorable ride, and charmed the live studio audience by coaxing peppermints from Stacy. 
Roxy first came to Stacy and her husband, Jesse, for training as a two-year-old. “I was the first one to ride her,” Stacy recalls. Not long after her arrival, the Westfalls had an opportunity to buy her, but couldn’t afford to. “One of our other clients had asked us to keep an eye out for a good horse, so when we couldn’t get Roxy, Jesse suggest he should.” That client, Greg Gessner, bought Roxy and kept her in training with the Westfalls.
“It was the perfect partnership,” Stacy says. “Greg believed in us — in Roxy, and Jesse and me. There aren’t many owners who would let a fairly unproven trainer do something as crazy as ride in a competition with no bridle, let alone saddle. But he always wanted what was best for Roxy. He loved her.”
And Greg never looked back. “I truly feel blessed by God to have Jesse and Stacy in my life working with me and Roxy. I never once doubted their abilities or judgment. And while Roxy was my horse, it was always clear she loved Stacy.”
Roxy was ten months pregnant carrying her first foal on the night she had her mishap. Greg had her scheduled to move to a foaling facility in time for her early March delivery date, but since the move had not yet happened, she was in a large foaling stall at home. It was Greg who discovered Roxy in her stall early on the morning of Feb. 6. Although she was standing, she was favoring one back leg, and her nose and one knee had abrasions, most likely from the struggle to get up after having laid down. The stall showed signs of that struggle.
Greg called Roxy’s vet, Dr. Curt Honecker, who stopped by and began administering medications. As the day progressed, and Roxy’s discomfort grew, Greg and Dr. Honecker decided to take her toValleyViewAnimalHospitalinDover,Ohio, where Roxy is well known and loved by the staff.
“Ever heard of the saying ‘You get one good dog in your lifetime?’ Well I think Roxy may have proved that true in the horse world. She truly was a once in a lifetime horse,” says Ashley McCahill an equine receptionist at Valley View.
Over the course of the next couple of days, Dr. Honecker and the staff did their best to make Roxy comfortable. Sadly, the tearing and shredding of the ligaments and muscles that occurred when Roxy struggled to rise was causing dramatic swelling in both flanks and upper stifles. Even in a sling, with morphine in her system, Roxy was unable to stand. Recognizing her rapidly progressing condition and severe pain, Dr. Honecker and Greg chose to humanely euthanize her.
“It was a hard to make that decision,” says Greg. “But she didn’t deserve to be in pain. Knowing it was the right decision made it easier.”
The Valley View staff did their best to save the little, sorrel stud colt she was carrying, even though he was 30-days premature. They performed a C-section, but after two hours of oxygen support, the colt failed to respond and was also euthanized.
“I would have expected this mare to outlast my career,” Dr. Honacker says. “We’re going to miss her. Staff and visitors used to sneak back to have their pictures taken with her.”
A registered American Quarter Horse, Roxy (by Whizard Jac out of a daughter of Gunners Rambo) leaves behind a legacy of four offspring, all of whom were carried by recipient mares. But perhaps her greatest legacy is the glimpse of what is possible between a horse and a human — the image of she and Stacy, forever imprinted in the minds of those who have been lucky enough to witness them — two creatures, human and horse . . . bound by trust and love.
“What made her special was that she was willing to give so much of herself,” says Jesse Westfall. “She allowed herself to be developed into an amazing partner, a work of art. Not many horses, or people, are willing to do that.”
Roxy will be greatly missed by many; the Valley View staff, Greg Gessner, the Westfall family and all those inspired by her big heart.
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Stacy & Greg, my sister lost her “once in a life time” friend in December. In October we had to make the same decision for our 32 year Arab. As our hearts break and the tears flow we will always thank God for the privilege of having them in our lives. Our prayers are with you & the family….I rejoice knowing they are running free.
So Sad, Roxy and Stacy were truly an inspiration to all who saw or heard of them.
what an amazing team–you inspired me to thrive in riding and training my own horse. Sorry for you loss. Like you said, remember the good times and smile. We love you Roxy! <3
So sad to hear of the loss of Roxy as well as the loss of the promising colt she was carrying. Sending prayers and love to Greg and his family, as well as Stacy and her family.
Oh I am SO sad for all of you in this terrible deep loss. So many of us who have loved and lost our horses feel deeply how Roxy will be missed. Thank you for sharing her with all of use while you had her.
You changed our lives, you showed us a different way to communicate, you gave us courage to connect. Roxy, you will live forever in thoes of us who strive for this kind of relationship.
That must have been a hard thing to write but I thank you for telling the full story. I will remember her happy life and the wonderful bond of horse & human.
My condolences to all.
A horse gone is a horse in heaven. I know she would thank you for taking away her pain when it was time. We are very sorry for your loss as her family, and sorry for the loss to the world of such a great mare.
Roxy inspired so very many worldwide in so many ways. She will be greatly missed and will continue to be loved, and continue to be an inspiration to all who watch over and over again that breathtaking video. You blessed us all, Roxy. Rest in peace.
I, too, have been blessed with “one good horse”. She died August 19, 2004 in my arms if that is possible. If you have ever lost a horse, you know the extreme heartache and pain and sorrow and guilt (if i had been @ the barn earlier, if. . .) My heart goes out the Stacy. If that was the mare she rode at the 2011 Dixie National Freestyle Reining, she truly was an amazing animal.
I’m smiling through my tears. What a great love story”of sorts’.So sad for the ending. My heart goes out to the Westfall family.
I am so sorry for your loss, you were an awesome team.
A truly awesome horse and a wonderful, inspiring relationship. A tragic, heartbreaking loss. My heart goes out to you all, especially you, Stacy.
Kylie from Leopold, Victoria, Australia
Hugs and prayers to Greg, Stacy and Jesse and all who loved Roxy. She will live on in our hearts and memories. xo
I remember seeing this awesome mare at Sumac farms where we were lucky enough to have both Jesse and Stacey do a clinic. I was with them on the beach for the pictures and was in awe of how two horses who had never played in the ocean just walked right in. Roxy leaves a hole to be filled that is for sure!
Hugs and Hooves To You, Stacy.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss 🙁 I know having to make any decision on Roxy’s behalf would be very difficult, I have had to do the same over the years 🙁 But what a privellage to have watched the two of you together & thanks God she had you Stacy!!
She will be remebered and appreciated, you guys have shared her with us all and taught us some great lessons in working with our horses 🙂 My prayers are with you all at this time.
What a beautiful horse that touched many hearts.
So very sad to hear this news. You were an amazing team – we were inspired by your special bond and remarkable performances. Our condolences to you Stacy and to all who knew and loved Roxy.
Wow! Every equine person’s dream is that connection. Lovely story. Heaven is richer with this mare in it. Perhaps a little girl is riding her today!
I am so very sorry, Stacy. Thank you for writing about Roxy.
Rest in peace Roxy
Stacy,
I am so sorry for the loss of Roxy;just want you to know all your friends and fans from the Mane event in Red deer and grieving with you;prayers to you all for your loss and thankful Roxy shared her life with you all.
Diane Cormier
I love the part at the end where it tells me not to cry. Yeah right.
I am sitting in my office crying harder then when I seen the first video of your “ride”. One didn’t even have to know either of you to see the bond that you shared. We were lucky to have met you last summer in Irving NY. You and Roxy are the inspiration to so many young and old alike. Ditto on Valarie Wehmueller’s comment. Roxy will run next to you always in spirt until you once again ride together in the green fields of Heaven.
I am so sorry for the westfall family.. my prayers r with u all.
This was truely a once in a lifetime horse. Roxy will forever be in many hearts. So very saddened to hear of the loss. Heaven will truely gain a gift. Prayers to Stacy and family.
What an amazing mare~~so very sorry to here of this.
I am so very sorry for this terrible loss. What a wonderful friend for all those years. Sorry you could not save the baby also.
The horse world has lost an angel. Her memory will continue and I will smile watching that amazing video. Thank you for sharing her story with all of us.
That video will remain forever etched in my memory. I was jealous of the great bond Stacey had with Roxy.It is only in many peoples dreams to have that kind of bond with our horses. I cried watching it as I too lost my father too soon. You both will be remembered forever. Roxy and I share March 15th as our birthdays 🙂
Staci
There are many horse owners that you have inspired to be better riders by demonstrating with your wonderful mare, what can be done with patience, love and joy. Your Youtube video is one of the best demonstrations of you and your remarkable horse.
I have loved watching the videos and to hear how the crowd responds to a beautiful horse and a beautiful woman. My thoughts are with you and hope that you and Roxy’s memory will continue to inspire the best in all riders and horse lovers
Thank you for allowing me to share in your adventures
Cheers
My heart and prayers go out to you, your husband, family and Greg for your loss of Roxy. There just isn’t enough words to express the loss of a great mare. Loretta
I cry for you and the rest of the people who got to know this beautiful mare. I saw her perform and was amazed at the human-horse relationship she had with Stacy. Sincerely devasated at this loss, Becky
All the love and strength to all you who knew and loved Roxy! This summer I will do another no-equipment-freestyle with my beloved Vics Eternal Popcorn at Ranch horse Classic, High Chaparral, Sweden. If it would be accepted and appreciated, I could dedicate our performance to Roxy. It is up to you among her? Best regards to the humans – Rest in peace, Roxy! <3
This is my first time ever hearing about this wonderful mare and it is such a shame to lose her ! I just watched a few of your posted videos. My deepest sympathy goes out to her beloved family. May God ease your grief to a bearable point. I am soooo sorry for you.
Stacy, Thank you so much for sharing this story of Roxy, your special relationship with her, all the good times, & the sad times as well. I mentioned this before, but, my family & I, especially our daughter, were so honored that we got to meet you & Roxy at the 2009 Breyerfest in KY. You are so nice, down to earth, & genuine. You & Roxy are our daughter’s inspiration, she wants to be like you someday. Roxy was beautiful, sweet & gentle, she was a special gift to all & will be greatly missed, but, never forgotten. Earth’s loss is Heaven’s gain, may Roxy forever chase the stars, dance with the clouds & race the wind, until you meet again.
Such a sad day for you all and anyone who apreciates a good horse. she will always be remembered…
May your memories comfort you in your time of sorrow. That video was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen in my life.
So very sorry for your loss. Roxy is a legacy and what an inspiration to each and everyone that is involved with horses in so many ways. Bless you and may you get comfort from your memories and accomplishments.
So sad. Her memory will live on with her get. How sad the foal she was carrying did not survive. A loss like this is never easy. My heart goes out to all involved.
I am so sorry for your loss. Nothing anyone can say will help with your grief, If I could hug you I would.
I still have the photo’s of us & the poster given. Roxy will always be remembered. Love you & miss you.
My prayers and sympathy to those who are feeling the tragic loss over Roxy’s passing. Stacy, you truly did touch millions of people’s hearts with that unforgettable ride dedicated to your father. It brought tears to my eyes, because my Dad is not in my life any more. But more importantly, you have shown horse owners all over the world that it really is possible to achieve that special bond between horse and rider, if you just keep trying. God bless you all!
Hi Stacy
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I am sending you my thoughts and Prayers . She will be sadly missed .Thanks you for sharing some of your memories of Roxy . God bless and Take Care
My heart aches for you and all who were so close to Roxy. Thank you for sharing the story. So sorry for your loss. Smiling because she brought so much joy to so many.
Roxy was a wonderful horse, the video of you and Roxy winning the Freestyle Reining Championship at the 2006 American Quarter Horse Congress still to this day makes me cry just to see the two of you perform so smoothly and with such grace. I know your heart is broken & you will always miss her. My prayers are with you and your family & of course Roxy’s owner. A true testimony to the love & connection of a human & a horse. God be with each of you.
Thank you for allowing all of us to hear the full account of Roxy. Mr. Gessner loved Roxy and I know that he and the Dr. made the right decision for her. The grief will pass, the memory will not. That beautiful horse will live on in so many people’s hearts. Thank you again for sharing. My our Lord bring you all comfort. I am so very sorry for the loss you all are suffering. I also thank you for the “smile message”. I will do that when I watch again the video of that famous ride.
My condolences to all of those whose lives were touched by this amazing mare. Thanks to you all for sharing her and her story with the world….Godspeed Roxy and the little sorrel colt.
This duo has been an inspiration to many of us and the passing of Roxy is hearbreaking. We all feel very deeply for Roxy’s humans … may you meet again across the Rainbow Bridge.
R.I.P to a wonderful horse <3