Behind the Barn Doors: A Day in the Life at C and C Training Stables

At C and C Training Stables in Ridgecrest, mornings don’t begin with the buzz of an alarm clock or the clatter of traffic. They begin with the soft nickers of horses waiting for breakfast, the quiet shuffle of hooves in their stalls, and the rustle of hay as it’s spread in the barn. Long before the desert sun paints the sky with pinks and golds, the day at the stables is already in motion.

This is the rhythm of life behind the barn doors — a daily dance of care, training, teaching, and community that keeps C and C thriving. To outsiders, it may look like hard work. To those who belong here, it’s a way of life.

Morning: Feeding, Care, and Quiet Connection

The first task of the day is always the horses. Buckets are filled with fresh water, flakes of hay are divided, and grain is carefully measured. Each horse has its own needs — some get supplements, others prefer their grain slightly dampened, and a few paw impatiently if breakfast takes too long.

Candee Coffee, who has been tending horses for more than five decades, knows each one by heart. She can tell if a horse is off its feed, stiff from the night, or in the mood to stretch and run. Morning care isn’t just about feeding; it’s about checking in with each horse, building trust, and maintaining the bond that makes everything else possible.

As the sun rises higher, the barn hums with quiet satisfaction. Horses munch contentedly, tails swishing lazily, while volunteers and riders arrive to begin grooming and prepping for the day ahead.

Mid-Morning: Lessons Begin

By mid-morning, the arena comes alive. Parents pull up in cars, children jump out in boots and helmets, and the first lessons of the day begin.

• Beginner Riders: The youngest students often start with groundwork — learning how to lead their horse, brushing out manes, and practicing balance exercises. These early steps are essential for building confidence.

• Intermediate Riders: Older children and teens begin trotting patterns, practicing turns, or navigating small obstacles. Each lesson blends technical skill with encouragement, ensuring progress without pressure.

• Advanced Students: Competitive riders may work on precision drills, trail techniques, or English flatwork, depending on their goals.

The arena echoes with laughter, encouragement, and the steady beat of hooves. For many students, these lessons are more than just sport; they are a confidence-building journey that shapes character.

Midday: The Rhythm of Care and Learning

By midday, when the Ridgecrest sun burns bright, the pace shifts. Horses that have finished lessons are cooled down, watered, and returned to their stalls or turnout pens. Students gather near the tack room, sharing stories and snacking while they wait for their turn to ride.

Candee moves from one group to another, answering questions, adjusting stirrups, or reminding students that horsemanship is about more than the ride — it’s about responsibility.

Some students stay after their lessons to muck stalls, sweep aisles, or help feed. Far from a chore, these tasks are embraced as part of the experience. “If you can muck stalls, you can ride,” is a motto heard often at the stables. It’s a reminder that being a rider is about partnership, not privilege.

Afternoon: Therapeutic Programs and Community Connection

Afternoons often bring a different kind of lesson — therapeutic horsemanship sessions. Riders with special needs arrive, greeted with smiles and encouragement. Volunteers and side-walkers help guide them, while the steady, rhythmic walk of the horse provides both comfort and therapy.

These sessions are some of the most moving moments of the day. A child on the autism spectrum finds focus in grooming. A veteran coping with trauma relaxes for the first time all week in the saddle. Families watch in awe as horses provide breakthroughs that words and therapies sometimes cannot.

For Candee, these sessions embody the heart of C and C: horses helping people heal, grow, and discover new possibilities.

Evening: Quiet Rides and Closing the Day

As the sun begins to sink, painting the desert sky orange and purple, the stables shift into a quieter rhythm. Evening lessons are often more relaxed — a trail ride along Ridgecrest’s open paths, a group of teens practicing patterns, or an adult rider enjoying a peaceful canter after work.

There’s a sense of calm at this time of day. Horses, tired but content, move with steady rhythm. Riders often linger after lessons, brushing down their horses or sitting on the fence talking as the day cools.

The barn gradually winds down. Buckets are checked one last time, stalls are tidied, and horses settle in for the night. By the time darkness falls, the stables grow quiet, save for the occasional whinny or the rustle of hay.

More Than a Routine: A Lifestyle of Care

While each day at C and C follows a rhythm, no two days are ever exactly alike. Horses remind riders to stay flexible — sometimes they’re energetic, sometimes they’re stubborn, and sometimes they surprise with moments of brilliance. Riders, too, bring their own personalities and challenges.

This dynamic makes the barn both a place of discipline and discovery. It teaches that horsemanship is about adapting, listening, and always striving to understand.

For Candee, this is more than routine — it’s a lifestyle rooted in care. Caring for horses. Caring for students. Caring for the community.