If you are hooked into YouTube or the reining horse world at all, chances are pretty good that you’ve seen Stacy Westfall’s 2006 Championship Freestyle run aboard Whizards Baby Doll, affectionately known as Roxy. Her run, done without a bridle or saddle, incited a worldwide response via the internet.
To see a video of her actual run, visit this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wLikusmCEA
There is no doubt that Stacy’s ride is awe-inspiring … and also no doubt that not every horse could do what Roxy did. It takes a special kind of horse to perform so well without a saddle or bridle, and in such a high-pressure environment.
What Temperament Type is Roxy?
So now we get the question of the day. There is no doubt that Roxy is an amazing mare, but what temperament would she have to be to perform so flawlessly AND not take advantage of her rider’s situation – sans saddle or bridle?
Can you discover Roxy’s temperament type just by watching the video? If not here are some clues in an article excerpt that give you more insight into Stacy and Roxy.
Excerpted from “Bridleless, Bareback Reining Queen Stacy Westfall”
By Molly Montag, Cowgirl Living Magazine
Although she says Can Can Lena’s personality was akin to a “prim British nanny,” Westfall says Roxy is more mischievous. “If (Roxy) knew she could get rid of me, she probably would,” Westfall says.
It took years to train Roxy to perform without a saddle or bridle, and for Westfall to learn to stay aboard.
Goals are important when training a horse to do anything, Westfall says, but it’s important not to go too fast. She believes she’s always training her horse, whether she’s on its back or interacting with it in its stall.
When training a horse to perform without a bridle, Westfall starts by training with the reins and then moves to tying the reins loose around the horse’s neck. This way she can practice without using the reins, but can pick them up and stop the horse if it takes off.
Stacy and Jesse were right about Roxy’s talent. Riding with a saddle but with no bridle – and in her wedding dress – Westfall guided Roxy to victory in the 2005 Congress freestyle reining championship.
Eventually Westfall felt comfortable riding the mare without a saddle or a bridle. It was her winning ride on Roxy in the All American Quarter Horse Congress – a performance she dedicated to the father, who died suddenly only 24 days before the competition – that proved to the world, and to Westfall, that it could be done. “It was a personal challenge that happened to be on a national stage,” she said.
Can You Guess Roxy’s Temperament Type?
Based on the information and video provided, can you pick which of these five basic temperament types Roxy is most likely to be? What would be your first and second choices?
Fire Horse: The Perfect Show Horse
Fire horses love to be at the center of attention and they want to be adored. They make excellent hunters and dressage horses, as well as good pleasure horses. They need to be told that they are loved. They enjoy grooming and bathing because it makes them beautiful.
Wood Horse: The Ultimate Competitor
Wood horses love physical challenges and must be kept active or they will develop bad habits like kicking and biting. Wood horses make excellent jumpers, barrel racers and cutters so long as they understand the rules of the game. Don’t try to subdue or overpower a Wood horse but instead reason with them.
Earth Horse: The Dependable Lesson Horse
Earth horses love two things: respect and food. They are solid citizens who want to be appreciated for the good work they do, and food treats often go a long way toward keeping them happy. They make perfect school horses and work well with children. They develop bad habits when their daily routine is upset.
Metal Horse: The Hard-Working Ranch Horse
Metal horses enjoy order and control, and can stand up to some of the toughest working conditions. They do their jobs perfectly but otherwise desire very little interaction. They can be found in all disciplines and are often found in working-horse situations like ranching.
Water Horse: The Arab Park Horse
Water horses need safety and a trustworthy rider. They can be brilliant show horses but panic easily. They perform well in events that call for animation and excitement, and are motivated by cheering crowds. They need steady riders to help them through scary situations.