The Lasting Legacy of C and C Training Stables in Ridgecrest

Legacies are often thought of as grand monuments or achievements carved in stone. But in Ridgecrest, one of the most profound legacies is written in hoofprints across the sandy soil of C and C Training Stables. For more than fifty years, Candee Coffee has poured her heart into building not just a training program, but a thriving equestrian community where generations of riders have learned, healed, and grown.

Today, C and C stands as more than a barn. It’s a legacy of horsemanship, inclusivity, and community spirit that will endure long after the day’s last hoofbeat fades.

The Roots of the Legacy

Candee’s equestrian journey began decades ago with a simple love of horses. That passion grew into mastery across multiple disciplines — from Western to English, competitive trail to endurance. But she decided to create C and C Training Stables that cemented her role in Ridgecrest’s history.

The roots of this legacy are anchored in three key commitments:

1. Horsemanship: Providing high-quality training for riders at every level.

2. Community: Opening the barn doors to families, organizations, and local causes.

3. Inclusivity: Ensuring that riding and equine experiences are accessible to people of all abilities and backgrounds.

These roots have grown deep, producing a legacy that touches far more lives than Candee may ever fully know.

Generations of Riders

One of the most visible aspects of C and C’s legacy is found in the riders themselves. Over the decades, Candee has trained countless students — some who ride casually, others who compete, and many who simply carry the lessons learned into everyday life.

• First-Generation Students: Many who started riding at C and C as children have returned as adults, sometimes bringing their own children to learn under Candee’s guidance.

• Competitive Riders: A number of students have gone on to participate in shows, gymkhanas, and endurance rides, carrying the C and C name with pride.

• Everyday Horse Lovers: Even those who never pursued competition found joy, confidence, and life skills in the arena, making horsemanship part of their personal story.

These generations of riders represent more than individuals — they represent the ripple effect of Candee’s teaching. Her lessons extend into schools, workplaces, families, and communities, creating a legacy of leadership and responsibility.

The Community Impact

The legacy of C and C extends beyond horses and riders. It is deeply interwoven with the Ridgecrest community.

• Partnerships with Local Causes: From Ridgecrest Autism Awareness to therapeutic horsemanship programs, C and C has provided space and support for causes that matter.

• A Place to Gather: Families gather at the barn not just for lessons, but for events, celebrations, and fundraisers. The stables serve as a community hub where people connect in meaningful ways.

• Preserving Heritage: In a town shaped by both desert landscapes and strong traditions, C and C keeps equestrian culture alive, preserving a piece of California history for future generations.

The barn is not just a facility; it’s a cultural cornerstone in Ridgecrest.

Horses as Healers: The Therapeutic Legacy

One of the most enduring aspects of Candee’s work is her support for therapeutic horsemanship. Horses have an uncanny ability to heal, and Candee has ensured that this gift is available to those who need it most.

• Children with developmental challenges find confidence through riding.

• Veterans discover peace and resilience in the partnership with horses.

• Families struggling with hardship find joy and relief in the barn’s atmosphere.

This therapeutic dimension ensures that the legacy of C and C is not just about skill, but about healing and hope.

Testimonials that Tell the Story

Legacies are often best told through the voices of those impacted. The testimonials surrounding C and C Training Stables are filled with gratitude:

• “Candee changed my daughter’s life. She didn’t just teach her to ride — she gave her confidence and a place where she belongs.”

• “When I was struggling, the barn was my safe place. The horses and the community carried me through.”

• “I grew up riding at C and C, and now my kids are learning here. It’s a tradition that has shaped our whole family.”

These voices reflect a legacy that is deeply personal and enduring.

Passing the Torch

No legacy is complete without the question of the future. Candee’s decades of dedication raise an important point: how will C and C continue to thrive in the years ahead?

The answer lies in the next generation of riders and leaders. Many of Candee’s students, inspired by her teaching, have taken on mentorship roles, helping younger riders or assisting with barn operations. Some envision careers in equine fields, while others simply carry the lessons into their daily lives.

By fostering a culture of mentorship and responsibility, C and C ensures that the torch will be passed naturally, sustaining the barn’s mission for years to come.

Why Legacies Like C and C Matter

In a fast-paced world, small-town stables like C and C may seem like humble institutions. But their impact is immense. They:

• Preserve traditions that connect us to the land and to one another.

• Provide safe, supportive environments for youth development.

• Strengthen community bonds through shared experiences.

• Offer healing and inclusivity in ways few other spaces can.

Candee’s legacy matters not just to Ridgecrest, but as a reminder that meaningful change often starts locally — with one person’s dedication and one community’s embrace.

Looking Ahead: The Future of C and C

The next chapter for C and C Training Stables will likely include:

• Expanding youth programs to reach even more children in Ridgecrest.

• Deepening therapeutic partnerships, ensuring access for families and individuals who benefit from equine-assisted programs.

• Hosting more community events, cementing the barn’s role as a gathering place.

• Sustaining the culture of care and mentorship, ensuring the stables remain not just a facility, but a family.

This forward-looking vision ensures that the barn will continue to shape Ridgecrest’s identity for decades to come.

A Legacy Carried Forward

Candee Coffee’s work at C and C Training Stables is more than a career; it is a legacy written in the lives of countless riders, families, and community members. Her dedication has built a place where horses teach responsibility, where children grow into leaders, and where healing happens quietly in the rhythm of hoofbeats.

As Ridgecrest looks to the future, one thing is certain: the legacy of C and C Training Stables will endure. It lives in the riders who carry their lessons into the world, in the families who gather at the barn, and in the horses who continue to inspire, teach, and heal.

In the desert heart of Ridgecrest, behind the barn doors of C and C, the story of horsemanship, community, and inclusivity will continue to be written — one ride at a time.