Hilberath was born on the 25th of June 1955 in Abbendorf, Germany. His family was not a horse family, but he consequently worked on turning his dream into reality right from his early childhood. His Family lived on the countryside and for little Jonny, working with horses was part of everydays routine. As soon as he found out that you could not only work with horses, but ride them as well, he started riding on a weekly basis. Once a week he got a lesson by the trainer of famous Rosemary Springer, who lived in his neighbourhood. He then was invited one day to work and ride for her stable as a volunteer.

He soon decided to start his education as ‘Bereiter’, and never looked back. As certified rider he worked in the Bremerhaven sales stables of Detlev Saul for years. Today, he is a popular and highly appreciated trainer all over the world and victorious up to Grand Prix-level. One of the top professionals in Germany, Jonny Hilberath says: “The horses have given me a fantastic live. They teached me discipline and modesty. I am convinced that training horses can be very positive for education and development of an individual. Tournaments are hobby for this professional.

Together with his wife Anika, Jonny Hilberath runs a training stable with 39 boxes. He is very proud when he listens to his wife, playing music in her band. He is enjoying his many Grand Prix victories, his appointment as dressage trainer by the German Federation, but mainly the successes of his many pupils, of which he especially refers to the performance of Bernadette Pujals from Mexico at the World Games in Aachen.

Being an emotional person, Jonny Hilberath remembers this as one of the highlights in his carreer as a trainer: „I knew the horse was good and the rider could ride well. Butt hat would reach their peak perfomance in the world’s greatest dressage competition, almost shocked me. A nice shock, as a matter of fact!“.