Our trainers have the education and experience to help you meet your goals…

Caeli Cavanagh - Head Trainer and Instructor

Caeli was the third American to ever attend Holar University College’s Bachelor’s program in Riding and Riding Instruction, as well as one of only three Americans with a Level 3 training and certification from FEIF as well as a membership in Félag Tamningamenna, the Icelandic Horse trainer’s association. Caeli ‘s soft riding and training has earned her many Feather Prize distinctions, as well as high marks in Holar University’s program, where she graduated with the highest combined score of riding and academics in her class, as well with the honor of first class with distinction.

In 2022 she received the top spot in the world for number of nominations for Good and Harmonious Riding out of 140 nominated riders pulled from 2700 riders at World Ranking Events. Additionally, Caeli was nominated for FEIF Trainer of the Year in 2019 and 2022. She was also the highest Nationally Ranked rider in Four and Five Gait competition in 2022.

Additionally, as a tour member of the Knights of Iceland, Caeli has performed in shows around the country. During their North American Apassionata tour she developed a love of liberty training, which she has since incorporated into her training practice.

Also an accomplished academic, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Dartmouth College with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology during which time she co-authored two research papers on visual perception and thoroughly studied Organizational and Abnormal Psychology.

Caeli seeks to integrate her love of horse training and psychology in order that horse and rider can attain peak performance in both mental and physical balance.

Alexandra Venable - Trainer and Instructor

Alex has been working with Icelandic Horses since 2000 and since then has worked for big names in the US and around the world starting at age 18. These accomplished trainers and instructors include Carrie Brandt and Terral Hill, Gudmar Petursson, and Laura Benson in the US, and champion trainers and breeders Eyrun Yr, Jessie Hujbers, and Omar Ingi Omarsson in Iceland. Alex was one of the first American trainers to be certified as a FEIF Trainer Level 1 under the USIHC system in 2022.

Alex has also had a successful competition record achieving the highest national ranking in both 2015 and 2016 in T4 (loose rein tolt competition), and received the highest national ranking in 2022 in Group Open Four Gait. Additionally Alex has been branching off into the discipline of Working Equitation, showing the versatility of the Icelandic Horse and her skills as a trainer in dressage and obstacle work. In 2022 she was the highest ranked Level 2 rider in the region and third nationally. Her unique work in bridleless riding has earned her special recognition and a special relationship with her horses.