Finding your dream ride: Robert & Janet Phinney

Twelve miles up and out of the Touchet Valley, I sat down with friends Robert and Janet Phinney to discover we have more in common than I might have thought. I'm a musician; the Phinney's are equestrians. Spend a little time with them, and you'll realize they are philosophers. In life, all things really are connected.

Their ranch in the Blues' foothills is populated with evergreens and five quarter horses: Madison, Ruby, Annie, Jasper, and Cholo. Alongside the log cabin Robert designed, a massive indoor arena graces the land. It is the stage for helping horses and their human partners discover...