Marcus Ehning

Name: Marcus Ehning
Born: 19.4.1974
Competing for: Germany
Lives: Weseke, Germany
Trains with: Henk Nooren

Could you tell us a little about the current top horses at your stable:
“I have ten competing horses at my yard. My current top horses are Plot Blue, Noltes Küchengirl, Sabrina and Copin van de Broy.”

“Plot Blue is a 15 year old stallion by Mr. Blue. Plot is very good to ride, and dependable. He is always eager to go out and work. I would characterize him as a true championship horse,” Marcus says.

“Then there is Noltes Küchengirl – or Küche as we call her. She is a 15 year old by Lord Z. Küche has fantastic jumping ability, but she can be a bit nervous about going into the ring. She is also sensitive to noise, so she prefers a quiet corner to herself!”

“Sabrina is another one of my top horses. She is also known as Princess, and really lives up to her nickname! Sabrina is a 13 year old by Sandro Boy. I would say that Sabrina wants to be first in every way, and usually gets her way,” Marcus smiles. “Sabrina is a very tough competitor! She’s also sensitive to ride and very careful.”

“I also have Copin van de Broy – a 10 year old stallion by Darco. I have only had him since the beginning of the year. Copin is a very nice horse, good to ride and uncomplicated to handle. He is a powerful jumper with all the scope that is needed for top sport. I think he is a great horse to have for the future,” Marcus explains.

Which horses are your favorites through the times?
“That would be For Pleasure and Sandro Boy!”

When & how did you start to ride?
“When I was 7 years old I went to our local riding club in Borken and had lessons there. And it continued from there.”

When did you decide to become a professional rider?
“It happened gradually,” Marcus says. “I had more and more horses in the barn and after my education I started riding in so many competitions that it became my profession.”

Could you name a person that has been influential for your showjumping career, and explain why?
“My family has always been behind me. My parents in the beginning, and my sisters and brother later on. I can always count on their support, help and advice. Lutz Merkel was my trainer during my time with the ponies, Fritz Ligges during my junior and young rider time. Ludger Beerbaum helped me after that. He had been riding and showing at a professional level at the time that I started my career,” Marcus tells us.

Which personal traits have served you well in this sport?
“I would say persistence and perfectionism.”

Career highlights?
“One highlight was the team gold I won with Germany at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Then of course my World Cup final wins with Anka in 2003, with Sandro Boy in 2006 and with Noltes Küchengirl and Plot Blue in 2010,” Marcus smiles. “And also the team gold medal with Germany at the 2010 World Championships in Kentucky!”

And the most embarrassing moment in your career?
“That would be my mistake with Noltes Küchengirl in Aachen at the World Championships, where I was eliminated!”

What are your goals for 2012?
“To be part of the Olympic squad for Germany, and also to do well in London. I also hope that I and my family stay healthy,” Marcus says.

What’s your favorite Kingsland product, and how do their products help you perform better?
“I really like the sweater jackets, as they are very comfortable and well made. I think it is important to use and wear good quality products such as Kingsland’s because I depend on the function of them. I have to be sure that the equipment and clothes I wear will last and withstand the stress of being in constant use,” Marcus explains.

What’s your advice for riders who want to get to the level that you are at?
“Choose a horse that suits your riding, and select a trainer with experience. You have to have patience and work on basics. Talent and a good eye for distances are also necessary, and in the end you need some luck as well. Also, never give up,” Marcus closes off.