You're thinking, "This is not Rolex," as you pull your horse and trailer through the narrow John Day River canyons, past the fossil beds, through the ordered rows of organic fruit orchards at Kimberly, up and up Top Road, finally passing under the log arch of the Triple H Ranch onto the gravel road leading to the Triple H Equestrian Center. The arenas—one covered—sit on 414 acres of grass pasture surrounded by rolling hills and tall pine and Juniper.

You shut off the engine and notice the silence. Well, mostly silence, except for the buzzing hummingbirds, the chattering Bluebirds and Phoebes, and if you are lucky (as you perhaps sip a glass of wine at dusk), you might hear the wild turkeys calling to one another. An eastern Oregon natural kind of silence.

Unload your gear into one of the bunkhouse rooms, each furnished with two or three beds topped with quilts. The bunkhouse unit, near the horse stables and arenas, offers bathrooms, showers and a large communal kitchen/dining/chatting area. Have you brought a non-riding friend? They are quite welcome, with meals and accommodations available. They can fish in the renowned John Day River, go visit the spectacular new center at the John Day Fossil Beds, read that special novel or just take a nap.

Like Pavlov's dog you will soon learn that the arrival of Sylvia's small pickup causes salivation! Sylvia is a justly famous cook from Monument, who prepares the lunch and evening meals. Sample menus have included: Roti de Porc à la Boulangerie with Mediterranean salad, French bread and Blueberry cheese squares for dessert or maybe Beef medallions with shallots and Bourbon accompanied by baked potato accordions, layered spinach salad, braided French bread rolls followed by Chocolate-Raspberry cheesecake. Beverages are available including wine and beer.

The first order of horse business on Friday morning is some flat work. This allows your horse to stretch its legs and you to forget what a hard week it has been at work, lower your tense shoulders, and relax. Often the first thing out of Rose's mouth is, "Now take a deep breath… relax, think about your horse and nothing else."

Rose Howe, A-level Pony Club and riding instructor from England, will assess you and your horse, discuss some strategies and goals, and create a weekend customised to your individual interests and needs. Groups are small—never more than eight—and most weekends can include arena work, stadium jumping, cross country jumping, trail riding in the tree-covered hills and whatever else helps you advance and have fun with your four-legged partner. Safe riding equipment is mandatory, but clothing styles are relaxed and up to you (Dressage Queens need not apply!).

A restful night's sleep is usually not a problem. Breakfast is up to you… raid the refrigerator stocked with home-grown bacon and sausages, free-range hen's eggs, fresh picked organic fruit and freshly ground coffee.

Ride, eat, sleep. You could get used to this sort of routine. Far too quickly the weekend is at an end. But your riding skills have increased in a positive, supportive training regime. Maybe you have jumped a little higher, or jumped for the first time. In the end you arrived with your horse and departed with many friends.

—Jim Bishop
Burns, Ore.

Jim Bishop and his wife, Ramona, have been devotées of Rose Howe and Triple H Equestrian Center for several years -- for themselves as well as their grandchildren.