Shelby Lampe-Geiger
Internationally Licensed Riding Coach and Trainer
Licensed Trainer with Equine Canada
Licensed Trainer with German Equestrian Federation (FN)
International Trainers Passport (ITP) with The International Group for Equestrian Qualifications (IGEQ): Discipline Competition Coach (Showjumping, Dressage and Eventing)
Shelby’s passion for horses began long before she could walk. As a young child, she spent every weekend and summer at her grandmother’s farm, riding and caring for the horses. Each year, she reluctantly left when summer ended. At the age of five, Shelby began formal riding lessons at a local barn, and at 12, she started competing in local shows. Her journey continued as she progressed competing in hunter, jumper and equitation in the Trillium circuit and participated in select ‘A’ shows.
At 18, Shelby attended Western University, where she competed in the IHSA and OUEA shows in the Open division. She was the only rider from Western to reach the Semi-finals, securing strong placings in her division.
In November 2012, Shelby made the bold decision to leave everything behind to pursue her dream of training at a renowned barn in Northern Germany. Immersed in an environment where no one spoke English, her initial three-month training stint expanded into twelve years after the barn owner offered her a professional riding opportunity.
During her time in Germany, Shelby honed her skills in training horses from the ground up, progressing them to the National Grand Prix levels. She competed with multiple horses at the Grand Prix level including partaking in several German State Championships. She trained horses up to 1.50m level and 4th level dressage. Throughout her career, Shelby has worked with prestigious trainers, including Olympic gold and silver medalists.
Becoming fluent in German, Shelby earned her diploma as a professional rider (Pferdewirtin - Klassische Reitausbildung), completing rigorous testing in theory, 2nd level dressage, 1.20m show jumping on a new horse, and both dressage and jumping lessons.
She also spent years as a station rider at a stallion licensing facility, where she rode hundreds of young stallions in dressage, jumping, and occasionally cross-country, preparing them for their licensing tests. In addition to actively being involved with several breeding farms, assisting with foaling and presenting mares and foals at inspections as well as auctions.
For several years, Shelby spent time preparing horses for the Hong Kong junior team, getting them ready to compete at the international Grand Prix level and consistently helping the team achieve their goals.
In 2024, after 12 years of training and competing in Germany, Shelby has returned to Southwestern Ontario where she is now operating out of the family farm; continuing to compete, train and coach others across North America.
Shelby remains focused on her aspiration of developing young horses to the Grand Prix level. She is deeply committed to working with motivated individuals, helping them elevate their skills and reach new heights in their riding careers.
Family History
Horses have always been a cherished part of our family legacy. Shelby fondly recalls hearing stories about her great-grandfather, a renowned horseman and steeplechaser in Europe. In Ostpreußen (the Baltic Sea region), he operated a large horse farm with around 250 Trakehner horses. His exceptional skill earned him numerous prestigious awards, including "Breeder of the Year" in Germany and a coveted presidential trophy. To win that trophy, he had to secure the same championship title three years in a row—a remarkable achievement.
Sadly, the outbreak of WWII led to the loss of the farm and all the horses. However, the Breeder of the Year medallion and the presidential trophy survived, and they remain proudly displayed in our family home, symbols of a legacy that endures.
After the war, our family fled to Canada, determined to rebuild from scratch. Shelby’s grandmother and mother, Vera, shared the same deep love for horses. Upon finishing high school, she attended Humber College and earned a diploma in Equine Studies. She later ran a successful boarding and breeding facility, along with her own riding horses. Over the years, she brought 60 foals into the world and cared for over 30 horses on the property.
The tradition of exceptional horsemanship has been passed down through the generations, and it remains a point of great pride for our family to this day.
