Therapeutic Horsemanship of Ridgecrest
Ridgecrest, California
Therapeutic Horsemanship of Ridgecrest (THOR) is a community equine-assisted program in Ridgecrest, California, offering therapeutic riding for children, teens and adults with disabilities and a support program for veterans living with post-traumatic stress. THOR is a PATH Intl. member center and operates with C and C Training Stables.
- Therapeutic riding
- Veterans and PTSD support program
- Grooming and groundwork
- Ramp or block mounting
- Children and teens with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- Veterans coping with post-traumatic stress
- Riders with autism, cerebral palsy or Down syndrome
- Riders with developmental delays or learning differences
- People managing anxiety
More about this center
About the Program
Sessions are structured and individualized. A rider may start with grooming, then mount from a ramp or block with whatever support they need. In the arena, the instructor guides circles, transitions and pattern work while volunteers lead the horse or walk alongside as side walkers. Games with rings and cones keep sessions fun while working on goals such as posture, attention and sequencing.
THOR's head trainer, Candee Coffee, holds PATH Intl. certification. THOR says the skills riders practice at the barn, such as attention, sequencing and communication, are meant to carry over to school, therapy and home. How often a rider comes depends on their goals and stamina. Local supporters help keep fees modest, and donations fund scholarships, horse care and adaptive tack.
THOR offers therapeutic riding rather than hippotherapy, which is delivered by a licensed physical, occupational or speech therapist.
Location
THOR is based at 1527 S Gateway Blvd, Ridgecrest, CA 93555, in the Indian Wells Valley of northeastern Kern County.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
Does THOR work with veterans?
Yes. THOR runs a veterans and PTSD support program that offers a calm setting for connection, movement and grounding with horses. See our guide to equine therapy for PTSD.
Does THOR have a mounting ramp?
Yes. Riders mount using a ramp or a mounting block with appropriate support.
Are THOR's instructors certified?
THOR says its instruction follows PATH Intl. best practices and CTRI standards for lesson design and risk management, and its head trainer, Candee Coffee, is PATH Intl. certified. THOR is also a PATH Intl. member center.
How much does a session cost?
THOR says community support keeps them modest and that donations fund scholarships. Call (760) 371-5817 for current rates.
Location
Ridgecrest, California 93555
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.