Telling the Story of Woodlawn Stables

Every day, Christie Scanlin Dobson helps people tell their stories through her work as a filmmaker and drama therapist.

Now, Dobson has returned to her hometown to capture the essence of through her latest project. Dobson returned to Mount Vernon earlier this month to begin filming a documentary about Woodlawn Stables, and since has spent much of her time interviewing teachers, students, and local politicians about their experiences at the stables.

While Dobson now resides in Lawrence, Kansas with her husband and children, she considers Woodlawn Stables her home. Her family started Scanlin Farms Inc. in 1978, where she and many other locals fostered their love of horseback riding. Scanlin Farms was where Dobson learned to ride horses and take care of them properly at the ripe young age of 8.

"It was a learning process for me as an eight-year-old, just like every other student, and it’s the same process of figuring out all basic mechanics, like grooming and tacking and getting on and staying on," Dobson recalled. "I’ve always been a comfortable rider, but it takes a long time to get all your equestrian skills figured out."

Horseback riding is still one of Dobson's passions. She worked on the barn crew and eventually taught students at her family's farm before heading to Kansas University in 1988. She brings her children back to Woodlawn Stables every summer to ride horses and visit friends. She credits horseback riding with giving girls confidence and building their self-esteem.

"This is where they learn to stand up and be strong and powerful and ride a giant animal and be good at it," she said. "It's a really empowering activity for girls. My friends and I, we’re now all strong women with careers and families of our own, and this project has come full circle."

In 1992, the Scanlins sold their farm to Joan and Cindy Mitchell. Dobson considers the Mitchells family. Cindy was in Dobson's wedding, and Dobson considers Joan her "second mom." Her plans to film interviews were interrupted last week after Joan passed away Sunday night.

has fueled Dobson's drive to tell Woodlawn's story.

"I do feel a sense of needing to create something special for all of us even more so now that Joan’s gone," Dobson said. "Because we were family, she was my second mom, she was the Woodlawn mom. She was in charge here and was fearless leader here for 20 years. I want to make something special in her memory.

"Saving Woodlawn Stables may or may not be a possibility," she continued. "I just wish there was a way to save it. To guarantee we can keep having this kind of home of our own."