Candee Coffee: Five Decades of Horsemanship in Ridgecrest

When you meet Candee Coffee, the first thing that stands out isn’t just her warm smile or her steady, confident presence—it’s the undeniable bond she has with horses. For more than fifty years, horses have been at the center of her life. From the sun-drenched arenas of Ridgecrest to the quiet trails that wind through the California desert, Candee has devoted her career to training, teaching, and mentoring the next generation of riders. At C and C Training Stables, she continues to share her deep knowledge of horsemanship, blending traditional techniques with a compassionate approach that makes her both a skilled trainer and a beloved community mentor.

Her story is more than just a career—it’s a legacy.

A Journey Through the Saddle

Candee’s equestrian journey began like many great stories: with a childhood love of horses. What began as early lessons and long days caring for ponies quickly grew into a life’s calling. Over the decades, she honed her skills in multiple disciplines:

Western Riding: From the fast-paced excitement of barrel racing and gymkhana events to the steadiness of trail competitions, Candee mastered the rhythm and precision required in the Western style.
English Riding: She embraced the grace and structure of English equestrianism, introducing students to the discipline of the arena and the art of showmanship.
Endurance Riding: With Ridgecrest’s desert terrain as a training ground, she also explored long-distance endurance riding, testing both horse and rider in stamina and trust.
Competitive Trail & Beyond: Each new discipline expanded her knowledge and proved her versatility as a horsewoman, giving her tools to meet every rider’s needs—whether a child mounting up for the first time or a seasoned competitor looking to sharpen skills.

This breadth of experience is what makes C and C Training Stables unique. Students don’t just learn one style—they learn a complete foundation of horsemanship, rooted in safety, respect, and skill.

Building C and C Training Stables

C and C Training Stables in Ridgecrest isn’t just a place to ride; it’s the result of Candee’s vision for what a community stable should be. Located at 1527 S Gateway Blvd, the facility is more than fences and arenas—it’s a welcoming space where horses and riders thrive together.

For Beginners: New riders, often children, are guided through their first lessons with patience and encouragement. Candee believes that confidence is built one ride at a time, and her calm presence ensures that even the most nervous riders feel safe.
For Advanced Riders: Those with competitive aspirations find structured training that helps them refine technique, improve communication with their horses, and reach new goals.
For the Community: Beyond training, the stables serve as a hub for local events, clinics, and even partnerships with therapeutic programs, reminding Ridgecrest that horses can bring people together in ways that go far beyond sport.

A Teacher at Heart

While Candee’s decades of riding experience are impressive, her true gift lies in her teaching. Parents who bring their children for lessons quickly realize that she isn’t just training riders—she’s building character.

Students learn more than how to sit tall in the saddle. They learn:

Responsibility: Horses need daily care, and Candee emphasizes the importance of feeding, grooming, and cleaning as part of the riding experience.
Discipline: Progress in riding comes with repetition, practice, and patience—skills that transfer to school, sports, and life.
Confidence: Every rider remembers the day they first trotted or cantered under Candee’s watchful eye. Her encouragement transforms fear into pride.
Respect: A horse is not just an animal—it’s a partner. Candee teaches empathy, listening, and the quiet art of understanding a horse’s body language.

These lessons ripple far beyond the stable gates. Many former students return years later to thank her, not just for the riding lessons but for the life lessons.

Connecting with the Community

Ridgecrest is a small city with a strong sense of community, and C and C Training Stables has long been part of its heartbeat. Candee is known not only as a trainer but as a neighbor and supporter of local causes.

In partnership with groups like THOR Therapeutic Horsemanship of Ridgecrest and Ridgecrest Autism Awareness, the stables have provided a venue for programs that use horses to heal, comfort, and empower. Whether it’s a child on the autism spectrum finding calm in the rhythm of a horse’s walk, or a veteran rebuilding confidence after service, Candee’s willingness to open her arena for these moments has made C and C Training Stables a safe haven for many.

Her motto could be summed up as this: the stables are for everyone.

Voices from the Saddle

It’s not unusual to hear enthusiastic praise for Candee across the Ridgecrest community:

“Candee is fantastic!” says one parent whose child rides at the stables. “She’s patient, knowledgeable, and makes every lesson fun.”
Another rider explains, “I came here nervous about horses, but Candee helped me not only feel comfortable, she made me fall in love with riding.”
Volunteers who have spent time at the barn note how structured yet welcoming the environment feels. “It’s not just a lesson—it’s a family,” one remarked.

These testimonials capture the essence of C and C Training Stables: it’s a place where skill meets heart.

Passing the Torch

One of the most remarkable parts of Candee’s story is how her knowledge continues to ripple outward. Many of her students go on to pursue their own equestrian dreams—whether through competitive riding, working in barns, or simply carrying their love of horses into adulthood.

This is the power of a teacher with five decades of wisdom: her impact doesn’t stop at the stable fence. It lives on in every rider she’s coached, every horse she’s trained, and every community member she’s touched through equine programs.

Why Ridgecrest Needs C and C Training Stables

In a world where small-town traditions sometimes fade under the weight of modern life, C and C Training Stables stands as a reminder of why local equestrian centers matter. They provide:

Accessible Recreation: Not every family can travel far for sports or activities—C and C brings unique opportunities right to Ridgecrest’s doorstep.
Cultural Identity: Horses have long been part of California’s history, and places like C and C keep that heritage alive.
Community Engagement: From charity events to youth programs, the stables give residents a place to gather, learn, and grow.

Candee’s decades of dedication ensure that Ridgecrest isn’t just a place on the map—it’s a place where horsemanship is alive and well.

Looking Ahead

At over fifty years in the saddle, Candee shows no signs of slowing down. Her energy, commitment, and passion continue to drive the stables forward. Looking ahead, C and C Training Stables will likely expand its reach even further—through more youth lessons, stronger community ties, and possibly new programs that build on the legacy of therapeutic horsemanship already underway.

For Ridgecrest families, the message is clear: whether you’re looking for a first riding lesson, a competitive edge, or simply a place where your child can grow in confidence, C and C Training Stables is the place to be.

A Legacy in Motion

Candee Coffee’s life with horses is a testament to what dedication, compassion, and perseverance can build. From a young girl with a dream to the seasoned trainer she is today, her five decades in horsemanship represent more than just personal achievement—they represent a gift to her community.

Every hoofbeat at C and C Training Stables echoes with that history. Every lesson is an investment in the next generation. And every rider who walks away taller, prouder, and more confident carries a piece of Candee’s legacy with them.

In Ridgecrest, horsemanship has a name. That name is Candee Coffee.

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