About Us

Synergy Stables is owned by the mother and daugther team of Mary Schoenheit and Jerri Gillean.


Mary grew up riding American Saddle Horses in Missouri and has been passionate about horses all her life. Mary bought her first two Paso Fino horses, July del Norte and Lucero del Norte, over 22 years ago in Alaska when they were only two years old. She raised a foal , Moreno del Norte, from her mare July, and the three "del Nortes" developed into wonderful, trusted riding companions and trail and show horses. They are still the force and inspiration for Mary's work with Paso Finos after 22 years.

Mary lived for 34 years in Alaska working and raising her family. She was an active member of the horse community there and helped promote Paso Finos and other gaited horses. In 2007, Mary relocated to Junction City, OR to realize a life-long dream of owning a horse farm. Mary added Little Red to her Paso Fino family in 2008, and a few years later she and daughter Jerri acquired Legado, so she now owns five Paso Finos and loves to educate and share information about Paso Fino Horses. She is a long-time member and past president of the NW Paso Fino Horse Association. After a long career in the nonprofit industry and owning a consulting firm, Mary turned her full attention to Synergy Stables and her sister business Territorial Bed and Breakfast and Barn, with facilities for travelers and their horses. She is an active community member in the Junction City area.

 Jerri first discovered Paso Finos from her mom Mary and was hooked! Bruce and Betty Reed of Reed's Ranch in Colton, OR took Jerri under their wing and sold her Precious, her first Paso Fino horse.

Jerri developed her horsemanship and riding skills as an adult. She has a strong interest in natural horsemanship, which she used with both her Paso Fino and her Morgan. She is a level 2 Parelli graduate and believes in using natural horsemanship techniques to create a safe and positive learning environment for both the horse and rider.

In recent years, Jerri has stepped back from horses and focused on her dog passion, but she remains a  a dedicated partner in Synergy Stables and owns her own project management consulting business.  She and her dalmatian, Meisje, along with Toy Manchester Terrier, Jackie, live and play at the farm, when they are not traveling to breed and agility competitions.   Jerri has recently added a badly needed tractor to the farm equipment and enjoys supporting the farm and stable by doing tractor work, landscaping and farm improvement projects.  She is very involved in the dog agility community and volunteers and keeps fit when she is not working in her consulting business or on the farm.