Marcus Ehning

Hardly any other German show jumper has shaped the international sport over such a long period as Marcus Ehning. For more than three decades, the Westphalian has been among the world’s best, winning Olympic gold, World and European Championship medals, three World Cup Finals, and the Aachen Grand Prix multiple times. The rider from Borken is still regarded today as one of the finest stylists in international show jumping—and as a role model.

The road to the top

Marcus Ehning was born on April 9, 1974, in Borken-Weseke and grew up on his parents’ farm. Horses were a part of his everyday life from an early age. His father, Richard, founded his own slaughterhouse, “Ehning Vieh und Fleisch,” at the age of 30. Since 2021, Marcus Ehning—who completed an apprenticeship as a wholesale and retail salesman—has served as the company’s managing director while continuing his equestrian career.

Even as a pony rider, she was a talent in a class of her own

Marcus Ehning was already winning international titles and medals while competing in the pony, junior, and young riders’ divisions. Even as a young rider, he was already among Germany’s most successful up-and-coming riders, laying the foundation for his future career. When Paul Schockemöhle saw the then 15-year-old, he was certain, in his typically matter-of-fact manner: “We’re going to be hearing a lot more from this young man.”

Starlight was the pony on which he won team gold twice at the European Championships in 1990 and 1991. And long after he had become a star himself, Stargold helped him achieve his best-ever individual result at the World Championships, finishing fifth in the individual competition at the 2022 World Championships in Herning. He’s simply on equal footing with stars, even though his attitude is anything but that of a star.

“For Pleasure” Changes Everything

The decisive step in his career—the move to the senior ranks—came in late 1998, when the Hanoverian stallion For Pleasure by Furioso II joined his stable. With him, Ehning established himself among the world’s best at an early stage.

As early as 1999, the pair won team gold at the European Championships in Hickstead. This was followed by an Olympic gold medal with the German team in Sydney in 2000 and a fourth-place finish in the individual competition. Three years later, Ehning and For Pleasure were once again part of the German gold-medal team at the European Championships in Donaueschingen; the Westphalian also won bronze in the individual competition. For Pleasure became the horse that had a lasting impact on Ehning’s early international career.

European Championships: Germany’s Most Reliable Team Rider

Hardly any other German show jumper has been such a mainstay on championship teams for so many years. Marcus Ehning has won a total of eight team medals at the European Championships. Riding a variety of horses, he contributed to the success of German teams for decades, demonstrating exceptional consistency at the highest level.

Riding Comme il faut by Conet Obolensky, he placed fifth at the 2019 European Championships in Rotterdam; two years earlier in Gothenburg, riding Pret a tout by Hiram Chambertin, he had placed sixth in the individual standings.

Three-time World Cup champion

Ehning’s name is particularly closely associated with the FEI World Cup. He qualified for the final 22 times—a feat that will be hard to match. He finished in the top ten nine times. He emerged victorious from the final three times.

He celebrated his first overall victory in 2003 with the Oldenburg mare Anka by Argentinus; three years later, he won the final in Kuala Lumpur with Sandro Boy by Sandro. His third triumph followed in 2010, when Plot Blue by Mr. Blue and Noltes Küchengirl by Lord Z contributed to his success. To this day, Marcus Ehning remains one of the few riders to have won the World Cup three times.

Successes at World Championships

Marcus Ehning has represented Germany six times at World Show Jumping Championships so far. In Aachen in 2026, he will wear the red jacket emblazoned with the federal eagle for the seventh time in 24 years (!). Among his greatest achievements is the 2010 team world championship title in Lexington with Plot Blue. As early as 2006, he was part of the team that won the team bronze medal in Aachen. In 2018, he won another bronze medal with Pret à Tout at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon.

He achieved his best individual result in 2022 in Herning, when he took fifth place with Stargold.

Aachen – a special place

Marcus Ehning has had numerous career highlights at the CHIO Aachen. In 2006, he won the Aachen Grand Prix for the first time with Noltes Küchengirl. His second victory came in 2018 with Pret à Tout, before he claimed one of the most prestigious show jumping competitions in international equestrian sport for the third time in 2023 with Stargold by Stakkato Gold?

It almost goes without saying that Ehning has also been ranked number one in the world.

Three Olympic Games

Marcus Ehning made his Olympic debut in Sydney in 2000, where he won team gold with For Pleasure. He nearly won a bronze medal in the individual competition as well, but ultimately finished fourth in Australia. Twelve years later, riding Plot Blue at the London Games, he placed twelfth in the individual competition.

In 2016, he had flown to the Games in Rio de Janeiro with the Westphalian gray stallion Cornado NRW by Cornet Obolensky. But shortly before his first start, the stallion was injured, and Ehning had to put his Olympic hopes on hold at the last minute. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum stepped in, and Ehning supported the team from the ground. Many still vividly remember the team spirit he exemplified. Marcus Ehning—at least outwardly—did not dwell long on the missed opportunity but gave his all for the team. These were the last Olympic Games in which Ludger Beerbaum competed. Germany won the bronze medal in the team competition.

Family and Business

Marcus Ehning lives with his family in Borken-Weseke, where they run their joint training and competition stable. His wife, Nadia Ehning (née Zülow), was a multiple world and European champion in vaulting. The couple has four children. Johannes Ehning, Johannes’s brother, has also been one of Germany’s internationally successful show jumpers for many years, as has his wife, Kaya (née Lüthi).

Stylist and Role Model

What sets Marcus Ehning apart from many top riders is his riding style. His rapport with his horses—the massive Sandro Boy as well as his smaller, cat-like daughter Sabrina—is his trademark. He exudes harmony and calm. In the saddle, he’s practically invisible, making even the most difficult courses look easy. Even in jump-off rounds.

For decades, he has consistently enjoyed success with horses such as For Pleasure, Noltes Küchengirl, Anka, Gitania, Sandro Boy, Plot Blue, Pret à Tout, Comme il Faut, Stargold, and Coolio—in large stadiums, tight indoor arenas, on sand, or on grass. Every ride is a delight.