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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What an honor that God let you see a little bit of his amazing love through your relationship with the horse. So sorry for the loss. It will be a blessing to see what God replaces her with in your life.
Stacie,Jesse and family,I’m so sorry tohear about Roxy.You’ve got the memories of a Great friend.She surely has her wings now.
So sad her life came to an end so soon. She was one amazing horse, this is such a big loss for a very talented horse. I also lost two of my best friends, due to being cast in a stall. Now Roxy is with my beloved horses. My sincere condolences, to her owner, Stacy Westfall, and to the staff who tried to save her.
I too had to make the same sad decision for my old mate Raf when he couldn,t get up . I couldn,t bear to see him keep struggling to do it and grazing his nose and knees .My deep sympathy Stacey Jesse and Greg sometimes the best decision is the hardest one you have to make RIP Whizzards Baby Doll you have brought much pleasure world wide as well as to your family
Wow that is just amazing that has been my dream for years and year well done. But i am sorry to here that Roxy has passed away. Roxy will forever be in my heart amd a lot of others.
You were blessed with a truly amazing equine friend. This is the saddest thing i have heard in a very long time. My heart goes out to you all. May they now rest in peace. Fare well Roxy and baby.
I have tears imagining how your hearts ache for this amazing, generous girl. this is so unbelievable!
If only her little colt could have somehow made it … but I do picture them running together through lovely fields in heaven
What a gift your beautiful partnership with Roxy gave us all. The posters of you (Stacy) and Roxy you signed last Christmas for my daughter and her friend are a treasure.
Thank you for sharing her, we share in your grief.
Prayers for God’s peace that passes understanding,
Deb and Jessica
Thanks to Stacy, Jesse, Greg and Roxy herself our minds have been opened to what is possible. The loss of Roxy is tragic, but thank you to all of you for sharing her with all of us. You are in my thoughts.
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my horse almost 5 years ago tragically to colic. It hasn’t gotten any easier and it breaks my heart when amazing horses leave us so tragically. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and yes heaven has one more angel running through it’s pasture. Until we all meet again. May God guide her over the rainbow bridge.
I have never witnessed such complete trust and love between a human and a horse in my life, and I have been around and involved with horses all of my 50 years on this earth! You were truly amazing with Roxy! The world would be a wonderful place if humans could develop trusting relationships at this level! I’ve watched the videos today and cried, it was breathtaking!
Heaven has one good mamma….and her sweet angel!!!
horses get into terrible trouble and then panic. I’ve met you once and it was so nice of you to take the time to speak to me. Watching you two do a reining pattern with no bridle was awe inspiring. All you can do is look back and smile for all the memories we all got to share. Thanks.
So sorry to hear of your loss. She was one awesome mare!!
nice..
thanks for the complete story.
tough stuff.
on the positive side, you are lucky to have been a full part of this horse’s life, both in work and play. one comfort i have found (after i lose a precious animal) is, she will visit you in your dreams.
best to you both.
I truly so sorry with the loss of great horse
Deepest sympathies to all who were blessed to know and love this amazing mare. God will take the best care of her and her colt till you reunite one day.
That horse was so awsome! I wish i could learn how to do all the things you did with that horse! My hurt goes out to you guys. Sorry for your loss. I know how you feel.
Stacey, watching you and Roxy perform was so beautiful and inspiring! Your partnership was amazing and I feel so sorry for your loss. She will be watching over you from the greenest pastures…..
Jesse & Stacy, this is a very wise thing to do…..Have a professional install cameras for each stall with monitors that are in your house so you can see and hear EVERYTHING that happens in EACH STALL. It will be worth putting out the money and you will get most of your money back when you start selling your book and when your fans pay to see your movie.
Each stall should have a camera centered directly in the middle to see the full view.
I work in a very high class child development center and each classroom is being filmed 24/7, some flip to each side of the room if the room is big, but the smaller rooms stay on constantly. We do not have sound with our viewings, but the cameras are there for the parents to sit in the front lobby on huge soft sofas and chairs and watch their child (ren) while in the classroom.
Jesse & Stacy, I was thinking about what happened to your dear, sweet Roxy and I know things like that happen, no matter what. I used to work at the racetrack and horses were always getting casted but sometimes it happened during the day and a group quickly moved in to pull the head , and. or the tail to get the horse away from the corner.
As time goes on, you are going to get more expensive horses because you both have thousands of fans and respect from many other horse people so it would be a good idea to have each stall being filmed. Find out what type of camera you would need to film while it’s dark in the stalls.
Also another good idea…Put up a hook near the monitors for your quick Run-Out-The -Door- clothes, have a coat, sweater, hat..whatever ready on the hook so when you see and hear something….OUT the door you go, in a flash!!
We are all VERY SAD about Roxy..She WAS a family member and will be missed very much…such a beautiful and sweet horse…SHE HAD IT ALL!!! Pat Woodruff….your BIGGEST FAN!!!!
Oh my gosh… so sad, my prayers for family and friends…She was a beautiful spirit, and will be missed… hope that her other foals have the same heart…
with love and prayers
My heart hurts for your loss, but I will always remember the ride and smile!!
Stacy..I had a riding accident several years ago and watching your video with Roxy helped me cope with it. I would watch it over and over again. My prayers go out to you..I lost my “love of a lifetime” horse last year ……..Close your eyes and you will always have her……..
Such an amazing horse and rider, God Blessed you both and you will forever be together in your heart and someday in Heaven. You inspired many, many people to be more as one with their horses. Only once in a lifetime do we get to be a part of something that amazing. Bet your dad is riding her now.
Good heavens this is just heartbreaking. I’m so sorry, Stacy, for your loss. I will remember Roxy for the rest of my life. The two of you inspired me to try harder, reach farther, and love bigger.
Stacy y’all are in my prayers. I’m so sad for your loss, but you were truly blessed that you had Roxy and both of y’all are great!!!
So sorry,this is heartbreaking .
Thank you Greg, Stacy and Jesse for sharing an amazing horse. Roxy was amazing.
Nature shares such precious gifts. You were blessed with such an amazing soul. Thank you for sharing her with us.
even though i had horses from childhood until college, your ride on roxie inspired me to once again find my own equine partner and move forward with him by my side….thanks to you and roxie, i spend each day with my sweet boy, and hope that someday we become even a fraction of what you and roxie were. so sorry for your loss..we’ll never forget roxie…
I am very very sorry to hear about Roxy’s recent passing my eyes welled up with tears the second I read the title 🙁
Stacy, Jesse, and Greg,
I am sitting here in tears as I just learned about Roxy’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful partnership you had with her, Stacy. Thank you for sharing that wondrous relationship with us.
God bless,
Cheri
It was beautiful to see their partnership . Prayers n love go out to Stacey n her family
everytime I would watch Roxy and Stacey, my eyes would always well up, with tears of amazement and the love they had for each other. Roxy loved what she did and we will always remember her for that. My heart is very sad.
Your in our thoughts!!!!!!! Cherish the memories!!
so sorry to hear of another wonderful horse having to be put down
My heart goes out to each of you who were Blessed by having Roxy as part of your life. She had to be the most amazing horse I have ever seen (on the video). I watched that video over and over…crying because it was so beautiful and heart warming to watch. I owned an Appaloosa mare for 22 1/2 yrs, and she passed away at the age of 23 1/2. She could not do anything spectacular and was never famous, but she was my friend, she loved me and I loved her. That is a Special Love a Special Bond. I hope GOD gives your heart peace. I too want to thank you for sharing your video of you and Roxy with us. I will never forget how amazing you both were….how graceful…how you were as one….how I could tell that Roxy was enjoying The Ride as much as you were. GOD Bless you.
Stacy & Greg & families… we are so sorry for your loss. Sending love your way during this very sad time. Holly Glidden-Kaloustian & family
It was very sad to hear about your loss. You were such a wonderful team. We will always treasure the videos of you championship ride and the training videos which feature Roxy. She was amazing.
See Horses Natural Partners: Fallen Partners http://www.hnpmusher.blogspot.com.
My thoughts are with you Stacy. I must have watched your video 100s of times. RIP Roxy girl..
What a loss! I am so sorry to hear of this and my heart goes out to her humans. She is immortalized in the videos with Stacy and I just wish I could have seen them perform together in person. I know she will be dearly missed by all who had the opportunity to be a part of her life.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I am smiling through my tears. I cannot forget that your father had died and inspired the ride I saw on the internet. I was 57 years old and a beginner. So awesome to me. So beyond my abilities. So inspiring. Now my father has died less than a month ago. Roxy has passed. I miss it all and remember so fondly. I hope I can be inspired still. So sorry for the loss of a great horse. Maybe we can go make new wonders happen. Hope that all can find comfort.
Sincere condolences on such heartbreaking news, we are all so privileged to have had you share such an inspiring journey with us all. Xxoo
I am greatly saddened to hear of Roxy’s passing/ What an incredible relationship of horse and rider!
I am greatly saddened to learn of Roxys passing. That horse moved my soul. The relationship between horse and rider was incredible!
I, too, lost a black quarter mare. She was my horse soul mate, my once in a life time. While we never achieved any sort of fame, her loss was very hard on me and her colt. I am lucky though, because I have him as a daily reminder of what a great horse she was. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and yours.
God bless you all . I was incredibly saddened at this terrible tragedy. Roxie will forever be in our memory ,especially your tribute to your father Stacy.
I am so sorry to hear about this tragedy! My heart goes out to everyone close to Roxy. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. She was an amazing horse that touched many people in many way. She will not soon be forgotten. So sad!! 🙁
The first time I saw that video of her championship ride on Roxy, I sat there and cried and just kept re-watching in amazement – it was beautiful to say the least. I kept thinking that her heart had to be so broken right then because of the loss of her father, but you could see the peace she felt in riding in that competition. RIP Roxy and may God bless and heal the Gessner and the Westfalls <3.
So sad that a horse should have such a tragic end to such a short life 🙁 Roxy and Stacey in that well known video clip are my inspiration and always will be.