Although he came from a non-horsey family, Herbert was always fascinated by horses and left school at the age of fifteen to be apprenticed to Karl Diehl. Although the stable was dressage oriented, Herbert first competed in showjumping. After he qualified as a Bereiter, Herbert joined the legendary Bubi Günther in Hamburg-Flottbeck, where he met his wife to be, Karin, and one of the great equestrian partnerships of all time was formed. The pair set up stables at Grönwoldhof and the centre became a magnet for riders from all over the world – riders like Kyra Kyrklund – but he also trained many to Germany’s leading riders.

Herbert Rehbein was German Professional Champion, seven times, and won the German Dressage Derby, nine times. He was crowned international trainer of the year by the International Trainers Club in 1991 and 1994.