Charles and Viki Schaal, native Texans, make their home in Kasson. Charles is an insurance adjuster. Viki is an RN with Mayo Clinic. They have two married daughters and five grandchildren. Horses are not a new experience for Viki. Her family owned several horses as she grew up. Charles' childhood equine experience, however, was limited to an occasional cowpony ride at the home of a local rancher and family friend.

In an effort to find a family activity that everyone could enjoy together, Viki and Charles approached Turn Crest Stables and Vicki Holst for help in finding a suitable mount for a beginning rider, granddaughter Faith Bersano, as well as provide an opportunity for trail riding.

After a year of lessons, hours of Internet searching, several trial-runs on horse prospects, Martini (Par Te At Six) became a part of the family. Martini is a 5 year old Registered Paint. His naturally calm disposition has made him a perfect opportunity as a lesson horse, trail riding companion and a school competition mount.

What started out as a desire by Charles to participate in trail rides shifted to exploring the world of dressage. This will be Charles' first year to measure his progress as a rider in local schooling shows.