Schall
runs, than my mom. She’s a great detail person,” Jerry says. Jeff adds, “My mom is probably the greatest lady that’s ever lived, to be able to hold three guys together. She deserves to be called the glue of the Schall family.”
came aboard,” Jeff says. “He’s like a brother, and he is now a part of the trio of finishers (and starters). Austin has become very good at his craft because he’s talented, he’s a listener and he’s got a gift with the horses.”
Dave’s creativity and practical expertise are doubly helpful. “Our dad is the one who has created some of our events—notably our Shada Spectaculars—and our stall decorating concepts that have been second to none; he’s the mastermind behind that,” Jeff says. “He has knowledge on so many fronts that he makes Jerry and I look like one trick ponies. He has great foresight, and he’s able to help us look to the future.”
The finely balanced machine of Shada works well, because everyone does their part to make it the best it can be. “As much as we appreciate what [the boys] do, they appreciate what we do,” Dave says. “It’s a respect that goes back and forth.” He adds that they all function together so well because of their uniting passion for their work. “We truly all enjoy it. As much as it is our livelihood, there is real pleasure in being able to deal with someone’s horse and produce a champion, or care for it and have a foal. It’s never drudgery for us; it’s real enjoyment for all of us.”
Of course, there are more practical matters that he attends to—the details that make Shada a welcoming facility for both horse and owner. “I’ve always managed the barns and all the equipment, and everything to do with the mechanical side of housing close to 100 horses,” Dave says. “It takes a lot to house 100 horses in stalls and keep everything going, and we run a year-round operation—it’s 70 degrees inside in the winter. We try to keep at the top with safety; our trailers and trucks look aesthetically nice, but I don’t let a worn tire stay on a trailer … it’s safety first, and care for the horses.” To keep up with the demand for their services, and to keep Shada looking toward the future, a new face joined the team. “Three years ago, our assistant, Austin Miller
Jeff Schall with wife, Roxanne, and companion Boo.
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As well as Shada works as a training, sales, marketing and breeding facility, the Schall family works as a cohesive unit. It is nothing short of impressive that after 30 or more years, they all come together to work toward the same goal. When asked how they’ve done it, Sheila says it can be summed up in one word. “Respect,” she says. “Absolute respect. When you work together as a family, it’s a total commitment. We made a commitment to the animals, but we also made a commitment to each other. We’ve had some wonderful, wonderful times, and we’ve also had some real challenges to get through. We were always a support group, during those times.”
Jerry Schall with Anissa Weber.