Álfadans Equestrian Arts Camps and Clinics
Álfadans Equestrian Arts, 34260 Old Parrett Mtn Rd, Newberg, NE 97132
About
Álfadans Equestrian Arts Camps and Clinics offers clinics throughout the year that include two and three day intensive training sessions, private riding lessons, watching riding lessons, arts and crafts, and at least one group workshop or activity such as Working Equitation, drill team, liberty work, or a trail ride in the Crystal and Bob Riley trail system. The program also offers an Adult Summer Camp as a week-long getaway with world-class riding lessons, horse-related arts and crafts, and group workshops, as well as offsite clinics, two day private clinics customized to the group and needs, and specialized options such as a Knapamerki (Icelandic Riding Badge) focused intensive weekend with testing, a dressage focused gait training workshop, an introduction to liberty work, and a Seat Clinic.
• Schedule: Two and three day intensive training sessions; Adult Summer Camp is a week long getaway; two day private clinics
• Price: Offsite Clinic Price List: Caeli Cavanagh: $1000/day plus lodging and travel; Alex Venable: $800/day plus lodging and travel; Adult Summer Camp price: $850/person (Deposit: $250)
Álfadans Equestrian Arts Camps and Clinics states that it endeavors to promote mental and physical balance in horses and riders in order to create positive partnerships that strive toward peak performance in each pair's chosen path. The program uses Icelandic horses selected for their tölt, kind temperament, and talent under saddle, and brings in clinicians who are described as top experts from across the country and around the world. Trainers from the program also travel around the country teaching and training, and the program includes unique work in bridleless riding by trainer Alexandra (Alex) Venable. Head Trainer and Instructor Caeli Cavanagh and Trainer and Instructor Alexandra (Alex) Venable lead the program.
Head Trainer and Instructor Caeli Cavanagh is an internationally certified trainer and teacher who attended Hólar University College’s Bachelor’s program in Riding and Riding Instruction, holds a Level 3 training and certification from FEIF, and is a member of Félag Tamningamenna, the Icelandic Horse trainers’ association. Caeli graduated with the highest combined score of riding and academics in her class at Hólar University with the honor of first class with distinction, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Dartmouth College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. In 2022, Caeli 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, was nominated for FEIF Trainer of the Year in 2019 and 2022, and was the highest nationally ranked rider in Four and Five Gait competition in 2022. Caeli also performed as a tour member of the Knights of Iceland during the North American Apassionata tour.
Trainer and Instructor Alexandra (Alex) Venable was one of the first American trainers to be certified as a FEIF Trainer Level 1 under the USIHC system in 2022. Alex achieved the highest national ranking in both 2015 and 2016 in T4 (loose rein tölt competition), received the highest national ranking in 2022 in Group Open Four Gait, and in 2022 was the highest ranked Level 2 rider in the region and third nationally.
One testimonial from Kristina Behringer of Gyetorp II states that Caeli is an excellent choice for improving riding and horses, that she creates the best lecture material, and that her teaching is unmatched, noting that Caeli transitions well from teaching children to adults and works with all levels of horse and rider ability and training, and that Caeli is kind and able to give corrections without them feeling like criticism. Another testimonial from Wendy A. describes participating in the adult horse camp where Caeli and Alex were trainers in both horse riding and crafts, notes that Caeli provided twice daily lessons and an Icelandic horse to ride, and describes Caeli as professional, focused, compassionate, enthusiastic, and filled with wisdom and humor, with plans to return. A testimonial from Carrie Brandt of Taktur Icelandics describes Caeli and Alex as some of the very best Icelandic horse trainers and liberty trainers in the United States, states that they put the horse’s mental and physical welfare above all else and are dedicated to the education of all levels of equestrians, and describes them as kind, thoughtful, honest, great horsewomen, and good people.
Last updated December 30, 2025.
• Schedule: Two and three day intensive training sessions; Adult Summer Camp is a week long getaway; two day private clinics
• Price: Offsite Clinic Price List: Caeli Cavanagh: $1000/day plus lodging and travel; Alex Venable: $800/day plus lodging and travel; Adult Summer Camp price: $850/person (Deposit: $250)
Álfadans Equestrian Arts Camps and Clinics states that it endeavors to promote mental and physical balance in horses and riders in order to create positive partnerships that strive toward peak performance in each pair's chosen path. The program uses Icelandic horses selected for their tölt, kind temperament, and talent under saddle, and brings in clinicians who are described as top experts from across the country and around the world. Trainers from the program also travel around the country teaching and training, and the program includes unique work in bridleless riding by trainer Alexandra (Alex) Venable. Head Trainer and Instructor Caeli Cavanagh and Trainer and Instructor Alexandra (Alex) Venable lead the program.
Head Trainer and Instructor Caeli Cavanagh is an internationally certified trainer and teacher who attended Hólar University College’s Bachelor’s program in Riding and Riding Instruction, holds a Level 3 training and certification from FEIF, and is a member of Félag Tamningamenna, the Icelandic Horse trainers’ association. Caeli graduated with the highest combined score of riding and academics in her class at Hólar University with the honor of first class with distinction, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Dartmouth College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. In 2022, Caeli 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, was nominated for FEIF Trainer of the Year in 2019 and 2022, and was the highest nationally ranked rider in Four and Five Gait competition in 2022. Caeli also performed as a tour member of the Knights of Iceland during the North American Apassionata tour.
Trainer and Instructor Alexandra (Alex) Venable was one of the first American trainers to be certified as a FEIF Trainer Level 1 under the USIHC system in 2022. Alex achieved the highest national ranking in both 2015 and 2016 in T4 (loose rein tölt competition), received the highest national ranking in 2022 in Group Open Four Gait, and in 2022 was the highest ranked Level 2 rider in the region and third nationally.
One testimonial from Kristina Behringer of Gyetorp II states that Caeli is an excellent choice for improving riding and horses, that she creates the best lecture material, and that her teaching is unmatched, noting that Caeli transitions well from teaching children to adults and works with all levels of horse and rider ability and training, and that Caeli is kind and able to give corrections without them feeling like criticism. Another testimonial from Wendy A. describes participating in the adult horse camp where Caeli and Alex were trainers in both horse riding and crafts, notes that Caeli provided twice daily lessons and an Icelandic horse to ride, and describes Caeli as professional, focused, compassionate, enthusiastic, and filled with wisdom and humor, with plans to return. A testimonial from Carrie Brandt of Taktur Icelandics describes Caeli and Alex as some of the very best Icelandic horse trainers and liberty trainers in the United States, states that they put the horse’s mental and physical welfare above all else and are dedicated to the education of all levels of equestrians, and describes them as kind, thoughtful, honest, great horsewomen, and good people.
Last updated December 30, 2025.
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