BIOGRAPHY
The Beginning
Marcus started riding at the age of seven. He took riding lessons, along with his sister, Kerstin, in the riding club of Borken. Some videos still exist in the Ehning archives of Marcus’ first beginner’s shows (E- and A-classes) on Ponies and adult horses.
Although not every ride was successful, Marcus was very ambitious from the beginning. As a result, he once received a special award for completing a course, even though in the process he had fallen off the horse three times! Marcus quickly learned how to adjust to different horses and his father Richard made sure that he had suitable horses.
All of the Ehning children learned how to ride on the Pony “Narmit”, who brought Marcus safely to success. “Lord,” Marcus’ first adult horse, gave him the confidence to compete in his first low and medium level shows (L- and M classes). Marcus then rode “Metaxa,” a horse very dear to him but also for sale. When she was as good as sold, however, Marcus lit a candle for her every evening and spent his time sitting next to her in the stable. Marcus’ father got the message and cancelled the deal.
Another pony called “Starlight” was responsible for Marcus’ first international success and helped him win the Gold Medal in the European Championships in both 1990/91. With “Starlight” and “Queen” he triumphed in several medium level shows (M-classes). He finally won the German Championships in 1991 with his third pony “Bright Ruby.” Marcus competed his first high level show (S-class) with “Cygan.” He finished the class with two rails down. At the age of sixteen, Marcus changed from riding ponies to adult horses. During this time “Orchidee“, “Opium“ and “Talan“ were his most important horses. With these three horses, Marcus won the Gold Medal in the European Championships four times in the five year period of his junior and young rider time. Marcus had a lot of exciting jump-offs, especially with his horse “Opium“. With the gelding he won more than 40 classes, among these victories the “Preis der Nationen” (Nations Cup), as well as the Grand Prix in Warsaw.
"When it does not go to plan, you can not blame the horse. You must look at what you as a rider could have done better, that's the only way to improve."
- Marcus Ehning
Throughout his career, Marcus has forged exceptional partnerships with several horses, each contributing to his extensive list of accomplishments. From the legendary For Pleasure and Sandro Boy to the more recent successes with horses like Comme Il Faut, Funky Fred and Stargold, Marcus has demonstrated his ability to unlock the full potential of his horses and deliver outstanding performances on the world's biggest stages.
Marcus has left a lasting mark on the sport of show jumping. His quiet riding style, technical ability, and relentless pursuit of excellence have made him a role model and an inspiration to aspiring equestrians worldwide.
Beyond his undeniable ongoing success in the sport, Marcus' dedication, humility, and love for his horses have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and fans alike. Besides competing at the highest level, he's also serving as a mentor and trainer, shaping the careers of young horses and riders, passing on his valuable knowledge and experience to future generations.
Marcus's story is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep connection with the extraordinary animals that have become his trusted partners.
The Turning Point
With the arrival of "For Pleasure" at the Ehning stable close to Christmas in 1998, the real success story began. This Hanoverian stallion, already known for his exceptional jumping talent and vibrant presence, proved to be an extraordinary horse that would shape Marcus' career profoundly.
Year by year, Marcus and "For Pleasure" reached new heights, achieving incredible success on the global stage.
As Marcus' partnership with "For Pleasure" evolved, another exceptional horse emerged in his career - Sandro Boy. Together, Marcus and Sandro Boy forged an extraordinary bond and achieved numerous victories:
Building upon his success with For Pleasure and Sandro Boy, several new horses joined his stable, such as Plot Blue and Cornado NRW.
Marcus continues to forge partnerships with several top horses who contribute to his remarkable ongoing achievements, such as the victory in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen with Stargold.
His family, including his parents and siblings, has played an integral role in his journey. From his early riding lessons alongside his sister Kerstin at the riding club in Borken to the continuous support and encouragement throughout his career, their strong belief in his abilities has been a driving force behind his success.
Moreover, Marcus is surrounded by a skilled and dedicated team that works tirelessly to ensure the well-being and optimal performance of his horses. From experienced grooms and stable managers to top veterinarians and farriers, this team collaborates closely to create the ideal conditions for Marcus and his horses to thrive.
The strong bonds and close-knit relationships within Marcus' family and team create the perfect environment, enabling him to focus on what he does best - competing at the highest level of international showjumping. Their collective efforts, expertise, and continuous dedication to excellence have been instrumental in shaping Marcus' remarkable career.
