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.
423 Comments
Leave a Comment
FREE PDF DOWNLOAD
WHY IS MY HORSE...?
100% Private - 0% Spam
No one taught you the skills you need to work through these things.
Riders often encounter self-doubt, fear, anxiety, frustration, and other challenging emotions at the barn. The emotions coursing through your body can add clarity, or can make your cues indistinguishable for your horse.
Learning these skills and begin communicating clearly with your horse.
Click here to learn more.
I just ran across this and found that Roxy has passed. I am so very sorry for your loss. I did get to meet you about 2 years ago at the equine affair in W. Springfield Mass. I purchased your videos and play the one of you and Roxy winning the 2006 reining quite often. I loss my pleasure driving horse Feb 22, 2012 and am still grieving
I am sorry for your loss I really am I watched that video! With no riens or saddle i am SAD now! Don’t cry anyone Roxy is in a better place!
Time has passed since Roxy’s passing, but the legacy of you and Roxy have left behind, are still very much alive. I believe (losing my german shepherd and best friend in the world, 5 years ago, who traveled all over the world with me) that the pain never goes away. It is still as strong as that very moment when you lose that loved one, but you learn to live with that pain. He only made it till eight, Roxy only till eleven, but the truth is that it isn’t about the amount of time, it is about the amount of respect and love you find in eachother. There is no doubt that she loved you, she loved life and she loved her job. I think that she was one blessed horse. She burned so bright that her candle burned out faster then anyone had wanted to, but she lived a full life with the people who loved her unconditionally and she reciprocated. I must believe that freak accidents happen without any good reason, but that sometimes in life, animal and human find eachother and magic happens. I have a 5 year old Irish Cob (had her sine he was 3 months old) that I will start training soon, and even though we are two peas in a pod, Roxy has set the limits so high, that I could never run out of belief what my girl could do and become anything she wants to. If I just show her the same love and understanding you shared with Roxy.(you left big and impossible shoes to fill, but beauty is in the ettempt) It was a brave choice you all made to let her go and I think that it only showed the amount of love that horse recieved in her life! Plenty of “Breeders” would have waited out the pregnancy. This sets you all apart from the standard breeders, where “someone”in this comment section compared you with. There is no doubt in my mind that Roxy has been loved every second she has been in your stables…Isn’t the saying “If it wasn’t this, it would have been something else!”
Thank you for your inspiration, your belief and proof of how things can be between human and horse!
Stacy – I just watched your video again – and loved it. I then saw on your website about Roxy, and I send my sincerest and most heartfelt condolences. I lost my horse last Friday, in what I am now thinking was probably very similar circumstances. He was outside, when I found him in the pasture, and now that I read about Roxy, didn’t really think about being cast. We/the vet assumed he was probably playing with pasturemates, or slid and fell. Whatever happened, he and his buddies will take it to their graves – because what happens in the pasture, stays in the pasture. It gave me such solace to know that Roxy was there (maybe she met Spanky’s Mom along the way) to greet him when he arrived last week – and maybe showed her fellow quarter horse buddy around. Those Impressive quarterhorses are handsome fellows – so maybe they struck up a friendship. It makes me feel better to think that…..much love and many hugs to you……
I only recently saw the video of Roxy and Stacy from 2006. What an amazing horse and what an incredible example of horsemanship. I am so sorry to hear of Roxy’s passing. I have watched the video over and over again and have shared it with many people. Stacy, thank you for being such an inspiration. I can only hope to be half the horsewoman you are. Whenever I have doubts as to where I can go with my horse, I will watch that video. All the best to you. I’m sure Roxy will always be with you.
I just feel so fortunate that I was lucky enough to see Roxy and Stacy perform at the Dixie National Rodeo several years ago. An amazing performance on an amazing animal by an amazing person. RIP Roxy. Very glad I got to see you in person.
I just lost my prized Arab for similar reasons just 3 days ago, and this poem and story have helped me immensely. Thank you for sharing your story.
Dear Stacy, To lose our beloved friends is difficult enough without it being such a tragic accident…We must be grateful for. the gift of time we are blessed to have them…Roxy will live on through you and in the hearts of all who saw you two together….God Bless you, your family and all those in Roxys life….You and Jac will be in my thoughts and prayers….Robin
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
She really was a gifted horse
I can’t beleive it that early but she is in a better place now.
Stacy, I had the honor of sitting in the stands at congress that night. You inspired me then and still now. Your father would be proud.
Stacey, God bless you and Roxy for the amazing gift you gave the world by sharing your bond…I am so very sorry for your loss. I, too, lost my best equine buddy, Moon, after 11 yrs of our “partnership “…it was devastating! I hope you find comfort from all the folks who have been fortunate enough to have witnessed you riding Roxy! Beautiful!
Stacy- if roxy was still alive and you lived down the road from me I would ask you if you could teach me those tricks 🙂 sadly you can’t but if you could it would give me some bonus points on my competition
This was only her temporary home
But now she’s in the stables in the sky. With other amazing horses. ;(:):) but unfortunately I won’t be seeing them soon I’m only twelve
But Stacy keep those other horses running
And Spyder keep Tesa hauling but to the finish line
Miss all three of you
Just run with the horses and be free and keep on spinning Rocky!!!! PS Stacy those tricks were awsome
Roxy sorry about that
Sadly, same thing happen to our horse. Spyder. We had to put him down. I know how you feel it was hard but even though he didn’t show it we couldn’t let him suffer. And the both died the same month but different years
RIP Rocky and Spyder
Rocky please run with Spyder and tesa (have fun trying to beat these race horses) and tell Tessa that bobby misses her (son)
I just saw the video on Facebook and was so touched that I showed it to my class of third graders. I am so dreadfully sorry that Roxy has passed away. She has left an impact on many that saw the video of the two of you. You shared a remarkable bond and love with your precious horse. My daughter loves horses and rides regularly. You are an inspiration and God bless you!!!
As far as Linda Long’s post…. it speaks for itself. Consider the source. Very tragic that some people feel the right to say such absolutely horrible and ignorant things to another person. I lost my only child to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) some years ago. My very own, step mother told me just 2 days after Kaleisha’s death that she had been praying to God, seeking an answer as to how this could have happened. She then said she now understood why Kaleisha had died. It was because me and my husband’s faith had not been strong enough, therefore Satan was able to come into our lives and touch our child. I sat there looking at this woman who was supposed to love me and thought, “wow…even these unbelievable hurtful words can’t touch me right now… I’m so totally heart broken that I can’t be hurt anymore.” What Linda said to you is every bit as crazy as what this nasty excuse of a human being said to me.
It is obvious what kind of loving people Roxy had around her. Look at the trust this amazing mare had for you, Gregg, and everyone else who touched her during her life time. The mare would have been a wonderful mother and I’m sure would have passed on wonderful genetics for future generations to love and adore.
My heart breaks for all of you who loved Roxy. You did every thing right, just as I did. Bad things happen to good people. Wonderful things happen to good people. These things happen to all of us. I know that if you were told that you could have that time with Roxy again, knowing she would die young and your hearts would shatter, that you all would say – every stab of pain you feel today was worth every moment of love you shared with her and you would do it all again, even if you were going to have to say good bye due to circumstances that were out of your control. I know that I would.
What a joy it is to watch these videos of Roxy working in complete harmony and trust. This is what we should all be striving for with our equine family. Love and Trust.
We all look forward to your future and are thankful that there are horse people out there who Get It.
Warm Hugs and Bless you. Keep up the Good Work.
Kimberly
I am a big fan and when I need to be uplifted I watch the video of you and Roxie. I get goosebumps every time. Love and peace to you; you are truly gifted.
We love you, Roxy!
sorry, but i forgot to leave this last sentence on my comment above^^^ roxie has left behind a set of shoes that few will ever be able to fill!
stacy- i am SO very sorry to hear what happened to roxie. she did however, and still does, allow people to see just how wonderful and almost magical she was while she was here. my heart goes out to those that surrounded her. may your pain from the loss turn into one of the best memories you’ll ever have experienced. that ride was THE most beautiful thing i’ve ever seen. she will live forever in the hearts of people, both the ones who physically touched her, and those whom hearts she touched. she will continue to touch people’s hearts forever. thank you for sharing some of the time you had with her with us.
You should speak for every lost horse
😉
I am filled with admiration that the two of you held for each other. I know what it is to lose a horse or a pet that you are so close to. I thank you very much that the videos were made and posted so that we can enjoy them over and over. God bless you and your family and may we all be reunited with our pets that have gone on before us.
I believe Roxy’s spirit is with you today as always. My sincere thoughts go out to you because I truly know what it’s like to have a soul partner in an animal. My life will be forever changed because of that relationship, and I know someday we’ll find each other again and complete the circle.
I know what you mean .r.i.p roxy
Dear Stacy, dear Greg,
we do have a son of Roxy. He is a wonderful 2009 born stallion. Since Jan.2012 he is in Germany. We are very proud of him. If you want we will send you some informations of his development. We think he has a lot from his mother: mind, talent and look.
So Roxy is living on.
greatings Annette
Thanks for writing! We have been wondering how he was doing. From the scattered reports we kept hearing good things. So exciting to know he is well. I would love to see any videos or photos you could send. Sounds like he is still a stallion-very nice!
the article says Roxy was pregnant with her first foal, so she had a little one ???
Nona-Roxy had 4 foals via embryo transfer. Then she was carrying her first foal when she died.
We love you Roxy
I am a bit late in hearing about this tragedy, and my heart goes out to Stacey, (though i was quite shocked by some of the tirading).
The bond Stacey had with Roxy was incredible…just heart rendering to watch. I have watched it lots, and had a break and was sent a great link today about another amazing girl with horse, and that got me looking up Stacey and Roxy again. I forwarded the links,. and a kind friend sent this link to this blog…
even nearly a year later, i am sure there are twangs of pain, and yet, you could not have experiences something better.
My heartfelt thoughts are with you Stacey and your family and the owner…
🙂
i only 13 but sadly i have experienced the same pain my 5 year old mare that was suppose t be my llife long buudy broke her leg of cancer!!! its not your fault keep doing what your doing time helps with pain i promiss!!! your amAZING11
This is truly an amazing horse.I am wanting to go to college to do what you did with Roxy.Your horse was amazing and it showed
that wonderful bond you had with her.RIP Roxy….you will be in our prayers Stacy.
A true inspiration on what real horsemanship is. – Thank You
i lost my best friend when i was 15. the most beautiful bay gelding 16 1/2 hands high. im 61 and still mourn him. to watch stacy and roxie together it is so obvious of the love and trust they shared. thank you for sharing these beautiful memories you had together
Dear Stacy, I’ve just found you today on you tube. I am so touched! I’ve been riding for about 40 years and know just how amazing your accomplishment with Roxy was. You’re an absolutely gorgeous rider! relaxed, sensitive and confident. I’m particularly inspired that there is a woman who can do natural horsemanship as good or better than all the guys. Thank you for representing for so many of us! and I thank Roxy for being a mare to represent and show how wonderful mares can be. Roxy was truly amazing and I know you meant the best for her and she was obviously very well loved and taken care of. I look forward to seeing your project horses that are yet to come. Best you and your family
This was a amazing horse and a amazing person that rode her. I watched the vidio many times, and almost felt the ride myself. These thing’s sad as they are make us understand how much a horse can give with trust and love. Stacy is hurting and the horse world hurt’s with her. May Roxy rest in peace, and may Stacy’s pain be absorbed by us all.
im sorry but i have to say this breeding the horse wasnt wrong im sure she wanted another mini Roxy =) im so sorry for your lose …my dad bought me a horse when i was 15 and i had to put her down in 2004 and im 41 now not a day goes by that i dont think about MY PRINCESS!! i could ride her like you did but couldnt do the tricks…LOL…i used to ride her in the pasture without a saddle or a bridle she was a gaited horse very smooth to ride and anyone could ride her we still have her last filly shes now 22 yrs old and still going strong =) you are truly blessing and my heart goes out to you and your husband…..keep your head high !!!!
You are an inspiration Stacey… Every time I watched the 2006 video of you and Roxy -“Baby Doll” bridleless & bareback it bought a knot to my throat and tears to my eyes that someone could be so connected to their horse…. So sad for your loss, not only for Roxy, but her little colt as well… She leaves no legacy…. Once again I have tears……
[…] loved […]
Dear Stacy,
Only an equal amount of faith, trust and love between a horse and it’s rider allows them to do what you did with Roxy. I know you were proud of her and I hope very proud of yourself. I never met you and although I wish I could, anyone can tell you truly love what you do, but more important love the horses you do it with. I am so sorry for both of your losses. God must have needed two more VERY SPECIAL HORSES in his herd. One day, the two of you will be riding together again I just hope it is a very long time from now. The world needs special people like you. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and the kind of New Year you deserve.
One good dog, one good horse…my prayers, tears, and condolences go out to you. We lost our beloved Monty, Great Dane May 16th. It hurts. God ‘lends’ us these special creatures to take care of, and sometimes he misses them so much He takes them back early. Monty and Roxy were two of those special creatures. God Bless
[…] Roxy, the horse in the videos died in Feb. 2012 at the age of 12. You can read more about her at Stacy’s blog. […]
Your fans speak volumes for you Stacy. I too lost a heart horse. I know the feelings of “what ifs “. I believe that what you do will inspire other riders. Keep up the great work.
To all of those who were a part of this once in a lifetime horse, my deepest condolences.
i saw this lovely video and fell in love with this amazing animal…
Long may you ride. Long may Roxy run with her foal. Bad things happen to the best of any of us. Having seen a cast horse and knowing it is not something that can not be prevented in every situation despite the very best care, it isn’t about fault at all. It’s about learning, loveing and doing our level best to learn from all we can. Even then, we lose the ones we don’t want to lose when we least expect it. The horse I saw had a bad enough injury, but recovered despite an ignorant owner, and oblivious borders who walked by him several times. The manager did a great job of getting that horse up and standing and certainly got there in the nick of time. He is a lucky boy and a sweet heart.
Good breeding practices are admirable, but a good horse is a good horse and a good human is a good human. It really makes no differnece how the two come together. It’s the lessons you both learn, and the joy you have doing it that makes every bit the difference in both lives and the lives that are effected by those who are around you.
Keep it up Stacey. You are an inspiration and amazing person. Don’t ever stop living, loving and learning. Roxy knew you throuoghly. She knew your deepest soul. Nothing anybody can say will ever change that. Not a thing.
As was written in Winney the Pooh – “Thanks for having passed me by.” As a butterfly flitted past pooh.
You have found your bliss, don’t let it go.
I read the story about Roxy and cried and cried.I am so sorry.our animal friends become as much a part of us as our human ones.I lost my babIes Jamee andPunk and cried and grieved for months.I still miss them dearly.my heart goes out to you sweetheart.I lost my dad then later my Jamee and Punkin.but God somehow gives us the strength to put one foot in front of each other.I have them in my memory and heart that’s God’s gift so we can revisit them when times are bad.but oh how I would love to have them with me.God Bless You Sweetheart
Hi Stacy! I just wanted to share that I recently got a new mare and I named her Roxi in memory of your Roxi. You two are my idols and I hope to ride with no bridle and saddle someday! I ride bareback all the time so I’ve got that down and I can ride with no bridle in our arena but not out of it yet so I’m getting there. Here is a link to my Roxi girl, hope it works! Sorry for your loss, Roxi was an amazing horse, I’ll always remember her!
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/396198_595868060440_439128126_n.jpg
Sorry I spelled Roxy’s name wrong, lol. I changed it up a bit to Roxi but I still named her in memory of your Roxy 🙂
Yes, a horse like Roxy does come along once in a lifetime for many of us. So, so sorry for your loss of Roxy. I have a 32 year old Nat. Res. Ch. AQHA mare, Dondi, who has been with me my entire adult life…I bought her inutero. Dondi wanted a baby so, so badly. Every time she saw a baby she would get so excited and couldn’t keep her eyes from it. Finally at 19 yrs old, I let her have one. She had a beautiful baby boy. I still have him. Then, at 24, she wanted another baby. Yes, she made it very clear. Dondi is still with us, with her handsome son and her gorgeous daughter, both APHA. She hasn’t asked for another baby…but who would at 96 years old, lol….she does love to be involved in special events and go for short rides. No arthritis, no lameness, in great condition, looks 15 yrs. What a great set of genes to pass onto her two babies. Wish you could have gotten there Roxy…and Stacy I wish you could have gotten there with her. My heart goes out to you.
I did not read all the comments, nor understand them. I only understand how I felt when I saw that Roxy was gone, today is November 22, 2012 and I loved that horse
I am in England and have just seen that amazing video of you and Roxy. You had an amazing and special bond with her and its such a shame you lost her. I know what that’s like I recently lost my 30year old boy and was devastated. You have a really special gift. I’m sure Roxy knows you did your best for her. X
Dear Stacy,
I just discovered the news about Roxy while digging out some of your You Tube videos to inspire a young rider here in the UK. I’m desperately sad to hear this, you have made a grown man cry again!
I too just read about Roxy after showing your videos to an aspiring young friend here in the UK. The news just made a grown man cry, again. Thoughts are with you! xx