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Located a few miles south of Opelika, Whatley Equestrian Center is easily accessible from many directions. Turn onto the dirt drive and take a trip back to a simpler time.

The shade of decades-old oaks dapples the yard. On the windowsill of a rambling whitewashed farmhouse, tomatoes ripen in the sun. Several other sheds and outbuildings scatter beyond the house.

The bunkhouse and tack room welcomes all who visit Whatley Equestrian Center. In the midst of summer, the building provides a welcoming escape from the afternoon heat. The senses come alive at the sights and smells inside the room. Saddles cover one wall while leather bridles, bits and harnesses cover the others. Old photographs mix well with new – all are framed with weathered wood from forgotten barns and farmsteads. The distinguishing smell of leather makes one want to saddle up and go for a ride.

Riding is a big deal at the Whatley Equestrian Center. Owners Heather and Cal Whatley want to ensure each person’s experience at their farm is top-notch. Basic horsemanship paired with the practice of good solid skills is guaranteed. Along with the basics, they offer riding lessons (English as well as Western), introductory cow work, roping and more. Both Heather and Cal have years of horsemanship experience, more than 30 years between the two of them. The complete riding experience and satisfaction of their student riders are important to both of them. Whatley Equestrian Center also offers additional horsemanship classes from expert clinicians in the equestrian field.

This fall, the Whatleys welcome Jody Cunningham, owner and operator of Cunningham Ranch, to the Equestrian Center for a special weekend clinic. Cunningham conducts horsemanship clinics nationwide. No stranger to the area, she travels east from the

Along with her horse Painted Dallas and dog Tex, Heather Whatley stands beside the open fire pit at Whatley Equestrian Center. Heather’s husband Cal makes and sells the open fire cook set with different length hooks.

Heather leads Dallas around the round pen with body signals.

"By teaching our horses how to be respectful and a willing partner, much can be accomplished in the weekend clinic," shared Heather. "Riders will also learn more about their own behavior. It is a great workshop designed to help riders of any level."

She explained how proper riding skills apply to all styles of riding and across all breeds of horses. Cunningham’s course teaches these skills along with so much more. During the weekend clinic, time will be spent working with riders/horses. She will work with riders to help them create partnerships with their horses, build confidence and refine their skills.

Riders of all skill levels and ages eagerly look forward to the trail segment of the weekend course. The ride during the weekend clinic gives student riders the opportunity to learn trail

etiquette and help riders to overcome any potential fear of obstacles (i.e. logs, ditches or running water) they or their horses may have. Another favorite part of the weekend clinic is the big Saturday night meal, cooked over the open fire pit near the bunkhouse. Everyone enjoys the camaraderie during the cooking and the meal; it offers a time to relax, swap stories and form lasting friendships.

In order to demonstrate some of the techniques and skills taught at Whatley Equestrian Center, Heather bridled and saddled her own horse, Painted Dallas. As she carefully worked to place the bit in Dallas’ mouth and move the bridle over her ears, Heather explained the importance of being respectful of a horse’s sensitive parts. The horse must respect the space of the rider; in turn, the rider must also be respectful of their horse. Once inside the 50’ round pen, Heather moved easily with her horse. Dallas took direction from Heather by body signals. When she mounted Dallas and rode her around the pen, it was quickly obvious of the close partnership between the two. Dallas displayed all the signs of a well-broken horse, moving through various instructions with fluidity.

"This is what can happen when you have your relationship straight with your horse," said Heather. "Jody works with each individual student in the clinic to help them become a more confident and self-assured rider."

Heather talks about the Cunningham Foundation Test, a ten-maneuver test Cunningham developed to give riders a way to evaluate their horses. In order to consider a horse broken, the horse must be able to complete all ten basic moves. The weekend clinic at the Whatley Equestrian Center will find Cunningham instructing students on these moves. When applied properly, the methods work on breaking every horse.

The fall weekend horsemanship clinic promises to be a fun-filled and educational weekend. Reserve your space now for the upcoming clinic led by Jody Cunningham to be held at Whatley Equestrian Center October 17-19, 2008. The limited number of slots available for the clinic is expected to fill quickly. For more information, contact Heather Whatley at 334-745-5957 or hwhatley@whatleyequestriancenter.com. Additional information, times, costs and the entry form are available at www.whatleyequestriancenter.com.

Visit your local Quality Co-op to prepare for the upcoming clinic or for all of your equestrian needs. Stocking the shelves at your Co-op store, you will find grooming supplies, feed, care supplies and more. Most stores also carry Weaver brand tack as well as Diamond tools and files. And the friendly folks at the Co-op are sure to swap horse stories with you.

Ashley Smith is a freelance writer from Russell County.