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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So Sorry to hear of this loss!!!!!! Roxie will be so missed and always loved by her friends, family and fans!!!!!!! Prayers for you and the family in this time!! Love you all!!
Stacy- Roxy was an incredible horse and you are a very gifted teacher. Cheers to the many great years you had together! Much love from all of us at the MN Horse Training Academy.
Stacy – I am so sorry for your loss of Roxy and her baby. Your partnership with Roxy was inspiring to us all. I hope God will comfort you as you move forward from this sad event. You will be in my prayers.
What a beautiful mare to have her life end so quickly with so much potential.
I had the pleasure of seeing Stacy and Roxy in Pomona at the Horse Expo a few years back. She trully was a awesome horse that touched all who met her. Saying prayers for you Stacy and all of those that loved such a great mare……..
Stacy and Family, Greg I am so sorry to hear of Roxie’s death. May GOD be with all of you. Roxie has gotten her ‘angel’ wings in heaven to dance with.
What a wonderfull life you had together, my heartfelt sympathy. I literally cried I am so saddened for your loss. May the love and support from us all over the world fill you with love and light. Godbless. Kylie AUSTRALIA
We were just discussing how amazing Roxy was a couple days ago…..Deeply saddened to hear the tragic news…Such an AMAZING horse, with unbelieveable talent. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family and all who loved her!! R.I.P Roxy and baby….<3
So sorry to hear this 🙁 Nothing hurts worse than losing a horse/best friend. Thanks for sharing her with all of us, she was truely amazing!!
And so, she is greated by her maker with a hug and a “job well done Roxy”. Thanks for the memories, Stacy and Roxy, truly an amazing creation.
Speechless!
This truly broke my heart to hear abt Roxy and I can only imagine what this tragedy has done to ur family. My heart and prayers go out to y’all! Stacy, Roxy and you inspired alot of people including my daughter Ava who you met several years ago (now 6) and u signed her poster of Roxy and u and is now framed n her room! She looks at it each night at bedtime and says she’s gonna be just like u one day!!
So sorry for your loss Stacey, I watched that video of you on youtube and I couldn’t help tears coming to my eyes because it was so beautiful. RIP Roxy.
I feel for you. I know how it is to lose a great horse
So sorry for your loss. I am sure she will be missed, but never forgoten.
My heart is with you! It is hard to let a friend go, even it is a horse. You, and we, won’t forget that exceptional horse. Allways remember the good times an all the moments you had with Roxy!
I think of you and Roxy!
Feel embrassed!
Greetings Steffi
I am so sorry for your loss, Your bareback ride was so fabulous!
Stacy, you and Roxy have certainly been my true inspiration to keep going with my horsemanship journey. My thoughts are with you at this very very sad time. Roxy will live on in everyone’s hearts forever, she will never been forgotten……RIP beautiful Roxy, you will be sadly missed by everyone who knew you xxx
How Blessed we were to have been able to have at least either known, witnessed or even been apart of such an incrediblly beautiful animal. This is a tragic loss and my heart is saddened and hurts so much for all. My prayer for all is that God will bring the light out of all this pain.
Stacy,You and Roxy were truly an inspiration. thank God for putting Roxy in your care and training.You brought out the best in Roxy.A horse is a reflection of the person that rides and trains her. so Stacy be proud. Your patience,love, and kindness was rewarded by Roxy’s excellent behavior. I am sure that the bond between you and Roxy will make you that much stronger. My horse has taught me so much. Don’t ever stop doing what you do! It’s too bad that the world doesn’t have more like you, I am sure that Roxy was confident and happy. You are teaching your children great values.
[…] but after a couple hours he too had to be put down) Here is the True info from Stacys Website: Full story of Whizards Baby Doll Attached Images […]
To Roxy’s family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. What a terrific mare she was. SO many horse people wish they could have one like her. And so many of us were blessed to see her outstanding performances with Stacey. You will be in my prayers.
All of you are in my heart and thoughts. I lost my amazing partner horse suddenly and a friend of mine said “It’s not the quantity but the quality.” Roxy gave you quality and you gave it back to her. Hold onto that and know she and her baby are waiting for you on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.
I am so sorry for your loss. I just lost my beautiful, black six year old mare on January 17th to a tragic accident. A good friend told me something that has helped. “Healing does not mean forgetting, it means remembering with fondness, rather than sadness.” I miss Whisper every day, but just last week I purchased another black mare and named her Roxy. I hope we have as wonderful a ride together as you and your Roxy experienced.
Not knowing you and Roxy personally, I can tell that you always were, are and will be my role models, the relationship between a human and a horse is a magical bond and this bond will always be there in your best memories about your special life companion! Very sorry for your loss!
This horse and rider were amazing. When I first saw the video of Stacy and Roxy without saddle and bridle I thought, that is what kind of rider I want to be and that is what kind of horse I want, one that loves me above all. My prayers go out to the family for the loss of this great horse. Stacy, you were a lucky woman to have known such a horse.
You made the world take note of the amazing bond a horse and rider can share, Stacy. Without your video, millions would never have seen it with their own eyes – and in particular people who have never owned, ridden, or loved a horse. Thank you from each and every one of us.. We can only imagine how much it hurts, and we are all thinking of you and yours. She blazed the trail. I hope you go down it again with another one in her memory.
So sorry
But what was she doing in Nova Scotia?
Curious Garrison
We went up and did an Expo in Nova Scotia, then we stayed at the Sobey’s barn (as in the store). We were able to ride from the Sobey’s barn to the ocean! Great seafood…
I am so sorry to hear of Roxy’s passing! I lost my “steady eddy” Rico a year ago – devastating! You both had such a great partnership. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time….thank you for sharing with us your amazing abilities with Roxy!
My heart goes out to Stacey, her family and Roxy….<3
It is divert sad when your 4 legged soulmate goes to a better place! I know.
Be kind to yourself!!! XO
I was so fortunate to see Stacey and Roxy at the Northeast Equine Affair, all I can say was “Amazing” the connection the two of them had was so unbelievable. R.I.P. Roxy you were the Queen of the Reining world. Sue., Wyndswept Farm, Limerick Maine
Such a loss….:(
My heart goes out to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing and loving Roxy, she has taught and shown everyone around the world that there is an everlasting bond between horse and rider. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, thank you for sharing this story with all of us. Much love !
This is such a terrible shame. Hes A Peptospoonful passed on the same day. We were supposed to breed my mare to him this coming May. Losing two world famous horses on the same day is a horrible shame for the horse world. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Heartbreaking news to hear. I love watching Stacey and Roxie as they moved as one in the freestyle performance. I have watched it hundreds of times and I never tire of it and the feeling of joy it gives me. Rest in Peace Roxy. You had many that loved you. Stacey, my heart goes out to you and all that loved her. She was such an amazing mare.
Bless all of you. . .what an inspiration she was and is. . .thank you for the memories. . .
Last night was the first time I ever saw the videos of Stacy and Roxy and their symbiotic bond was truly a rare and beautiful gift. Roxy is a clear example that horses pick their people and they do not factor the ownership papers into that decision. I commented to my 15 year old son, while we watched the videos together, how much my 2 year old stud colt looks like Roxy, and now the day after hearing the news of her passing, I truly hope he does grow to be as beautiful as she was inside and out. My heart truly aches for everyone who has ever been touched by this mare and my heart truly breaks for Stacy. She is my idol, and one day when I finally make it to Congress on my own merits, I hope to meet her and share my heart with her.
Dear Stacy, Jesse and Greg,
I, through tears finally finished reading the story and can imagine the pain you are feeling. Just last year we lost my prized western pleasure mare to a stroke (at the age of 33). Not only was she the most successful, competitive mare I will probably EVER have owned, she was also one of the silliest, sweetest, and most giving girls that was such a part of the family that we still aren’t the same without her. My prayers are with you and when I read this poem (not sure who it is by) it seemed to fit perfectly and I felt the need to share:
God saw you were getting tired
and a cure was not meant to be.
So he put his arms around you
and whispered “come to me”
With tearful eyes we watched you
suffer and saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly
we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating
hard working hooves put to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
he only takes the best!
A million times we’ve needed you
and a million times we’ve cried.
If love alone could have saved you,
you never would have died.
A heart of gold stopped beating;
Two sparkling eyes closed to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
he only takes the best.
I have seen your Youtube videos, and I’m just going to say Stacy I’m so very sorry that this happened. I know what it feels like to lose an amazing horse, and a best friend at that. I have a lil wild mustang who is my best friend. They always seem to care, love, and watch over you…. I am so sorry for your loss, But don’t worry when the day comes you’ll be able to ride her through the golden gates. And do what you love to do the most….. Ride.
Sincerly,
Kelsey
My heart goes out to Stacey and her loss. The partnership between Roxy and Stacey was “one of kind” and a “ride of a lifetime!” Remember the journey, Stacey, and treasure the memories! ♥
Stacey Jesse and Greg sorry for the loss of two beautiful horses, it had to be a very hard decision to make, something that no one should have to go through, they are both running free at the rainbow bridge in that big pasture of green.
I am so very sorry.
I know how it feels to lose a horse that ment the world to you..my horse katie (aka Mi Sweet Katie) was put down a week before school started last year due to a genetic ligament issue in her hind legs and she soon founderd in her front making it impossible to stand, I grew up with her, she took me around the country winning many champions and reserve champions at regionals and giving me my first top five at nationals and I was there for her every step of the way and when she was finally put down I was there…roxy is so lucky she had great people like you to be there for her and give her such a great life. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this hard time
im so sorry for your loss i lost y paint spirit last mth i had him for 10 yrs he would have been 12 in july! he was the best barrel racing horse & best friend ive ever had!!
Some horses come into our lives and quickly go, others stay a while, make hoofprints on our hearts and we are never,never the same. Prayers of strength to Stacy and all of Roxies friends. I lost my gelding of 21 years in a smilar way and my heart will always have that empty feeling, as he was my first LOVE.
so sorry tears in my eyes while reading this:(
Stacy, how sorry my family and I are for the loss of Roxy and her colt. She was so young. I hope time helps to heal you. The work you did with Roxy touched us deeply, we look to the video of you riding Roxy often to inspire us.
RIP Roxy! My heart goes out to all!! I will keep everyone in my prayers, thank you for sharing an incredible horse with us all!
Sooooooo sorry, for you ,Stacy. I have horses of my own and couldn’t imagine this happening. Thoughts and prayers to you.
My heart goes out to you…I am praying for all who have been touched by Whizzards Baby Doll. She will be missed, I’m sure.
What an amazing hoofprint she leaves behind! So thankful for how she and you, Stacy, blessed millions of people.