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.
The Turning Point
With the arrival of For Pleasure at the Ehning stable close to Christmas in 1998, the real success story began. The Hanoverian stallion, already known for his exceptional jumping talent and vibrant presence, proved to be an extraordinary horse that would shape Marcus’ career profoundly.
Only seven months after their first start the two won team gold at the European Championships, Hickstead and reached fifth place in the individual ranking. Then in 2000 they won gold with the German team and placed fourth in the individual at the Olympic Games in Sydney. In that same year they were runner-up at the German championships. In 2002 Marcus and For Pleasure went one better and won the German championships. In 2003 at the European championships in Donaueschingen, the pair contributed to the German team winning Gold and also took home an individual bronze medal. The pair won numerous Grand Prix throughout Europe. For Pleasure was retired from the sport at the age of 20 and spent his retirement in the fields at Ehning’s stable.
Career Highlights
As Marcus’ partnership with For Pleasure evolved, more exceptional horses emerged in his career. Together with Anka he won the World Cup Final in Las Vegas in 2003. That year the remarkable stallion Sandro Boy also joined the team, and the pair forged an extraordinary bond. Together they won many Grand Prix, as well as the silver medal at the German Championships twice(2004/2006).
The highlight of his career was winning the World Cup Final in Kuala Lumpur in 2006. After going through the event without looking like touching a single rail over 5 rounds he was crowned the winner. With his unique combination of carefulness, scope and a strong character Sandro Boy is one of the most famous stallions in the world. In 2011 he was retired from the sport and enjoyed his retirement as a breeding stallion at Ehnings Stable.
"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
In 2005 together with Gitania, Marcus secured Gold with the German team at the World Equestrian Games in San Patrignano and placed third at the World Cup Final in Las Vegas.
The famous mare Noltes Küchengirl started her career with Marcus’ brother, Johannes as Lord’s Classics. She already showed her quality winning the Hamburg Grand Prix at just 8 years old with Johannes in 2005. In 2006 she was purchased by the Nolte Group – A family run Kitchen and Furniture manufacturing company. Marcus took over the reins and the pair had many successes together. After wins in Leipzig and Bordeaux Marcus won the Grand Prix of Aachen for the first time. The pair went on to be part of the German team at the Wold Equestrian Games, also held in Aachen, taking home the Bronze medal.
At the European Championships in Mannheim, 2007, Marcus and Noltes Küchengirl were part of the German Team securing the silver medal. They also had many other wins together including Grand Pix in La Baule, Paderborn, Zürich and the Global Champions Tour Final in Rio de Janiero. In 2014 Noltes Küchengirl was retired from the sport, after which she had four foals and enjoyed her retirement in the fields at Ehnings stable.
The brilliant Plot Blue joined Marcus’ team in the summer of 2008. In their first championship appearance together secured Bronze with the German team at the 2009 European Championships in Windsor.
2010 Marcus won the World Cup Final for a third time, this time together with Noltes Küchengirl and Plot Blue in Geneve. At the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Plot Blue and Marcus brought home team Gold. To top off a very successful year, with wins and placings with Sabrina, Plot Blue and Noltes Küchengirl Marcus was crowned overall winner of the Global Champions Tour.
In 2012, Plot Blue und Marcus finished fifth individually at the London 2012 Olympics. The dependability of Plot Blue to deliver clear rounds made him one of Marcus’ best horses. He was a member of numerous successful Nationscup teams throughout his career. Together they won Grand Prix in Vienna, Cannes, Saut Hermes in Paris, Lyon, Mannheim and St. Gallen.
Coronado NRW is a talented stallion and together they qualified for the World Cup Final three times, placing fourth twice and twelfth. In 2014 they competed at the World Equestrian Games in Caen placing tenth individually and fourth with the German Team.
They had numerous wins and placings, winning the Wold Cup competition in Verona, Grand Prix of Bordeaux and Grand Prix in S-Hertogenbosch.
Comme ill Faut, the son of the famous Ratina Z and Cornet Obelinsky came to Marcus’ stable as an 8 year old. He is a stallion with a huge heart and a love of the sport. In addition to winning team silver and placing fifth individually at the 2019 European Championships in Rotterdam, the pair won the Grand Prix in Madrid, Vienna, Brussels, and Paderborn and delivered many clear rounds for Germany on Nations Cup teams and was part of the winning team at the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona 2018.
In 2018, together with Misanto Pret a Tout, Marcus won the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen for the second time. The pair was also part of the winning German team in the Nations Cup in Aachen three years in a row from 2016 until 2018. The pair delivered valuable clear rounds for the German Team at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon bringing home the Bronze medal and finishing fifteenth individually. Marcus and Misanto Pret a Tout were an amazing partnership winning the Rolex Grand Prix in Geneva, World Cup competition in Madrid, Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Madrid, Grand Prix of Gothenburg, Grand Prix of Munster, as well as the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona in 2016.
In 2021 Stargold helped the German team secure a silver medal at the European Championships in Riesenbeck. He is an exceptional stallion with a great character and strong desire to please. In 2023 together with Stargold Marcus went down in history winning the Grand Prix of Aachen for the third time. One of the most celebrated Grand Prixs on the showjumping Calender, Aachen holds a special place for Marcus as his favorite competition. Stargold was also part of the German Team at the European Championships in Milano, 2023 were Germany finished fourth. The pair have had many successes so far including Grand Prix wins in Doha, Riesenbeck and Knokke.
In 2023 Marcus was also crowned German Champion this time with the Plot Blue son, Priam du Roset. A horse that came to Marcus as a young horse and has had many wins and placings at top competitions.
Funky Fred, born at Marcus’ stable, is a son of For Pleasure out of Panama, a mare Marcus and his brother Johannes rode, with many successes including individual Gold and team silver at the 1999 Junior European Championships. He is a bold stallion, with great scope and a super character. Funky Fred is a much loved and invaluable member of Marcus’ team with numerous wins and top placings at venues such as Aachen, Barcelona, Bordeaux, Cascais, Doha, Geneva, Madrid, Paris, Rome, St. Tropez and Oslo – to only name a few. They were part of many German Nations Cup teams including the winning team in Spruce Meadows and Sopot. Retired from the sport in 2023, Funky Fred enjoys his life as a breeding stallion in the field at Marcus’ stable.
Marcus is grateful to have had many top horses in his stable contributing to numerous victories and career highlights. Many outstanding Grand Prix horses which haven’t been mentioned about, have played an invaluable role, supporting his most famous horses.He continues to forge partnerships with several top horses who contribute to his ongoing success.
His family, including his parents and siblings, has played an integral role in his journey, their continuous support and encouragement throughout his career and 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 his sister Karina as stable manager, experienced grooms, horse owners and sponsors, 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’ career.
Throughout his career, Marcus has forged exceptional partnerships with several horses, demonstrating his ability to unlock the full potential of his horses at the highest level. His quiet riding style, technical ability and relentless pursuit of excellence has made him a role model and an inspiration to many riders.
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. Always honest and open with his opinion, he also gladly passes on his knowledge and experience.
Marcus’ story is one of passion, perseverance and a deep connection with the extraordinary animals that have become his trusted partners.
