Equilife had the privilege of sitting down with one of the most accomplished and respected figures in the world of show jumping — Marcus Ehning, at his homeyard in Borken, Germany. Known for his quiet yet precise riding style, Marcus has formed exceptional partnerships with horses that have taken him to the pinnacle of his sport.
By Therese Alhaug. Photo Lena Saugen
Entering the yard
Stepping into Marcus Ehning’s yard, one is struck by the calm and authentic atmosphere. This is not just a place of work—it is a home for horses, steeped in tradition and dedication. The walls of the riding hall tell a story, lined with photographs capturing moments from a career shaped by relentless passion.
Outside, the property unfolds into lush green pastures, a gallop track, and a spacious outdoor arena. Mares, young horses, and retired champions graze peacefully in the fields, while in the stables, horses are groomed, trained, and bathed. Yet there is no hurried energy—only a calm, steady rhythm. Every action here is intentional, guided by the belief that horses should be handled with patience and respect.
As Marcus works with a horse nearby, his interaction is careful and calm, never rushed. It is evident that he communicates with the horse not just through reins and spurs, but through presence and energy. There’s no rush; everything is done with care. This quiet intensity defines his approach.
After a stable tour, we settle into the kitchen area; the scent of a warm lunch being prepared for the staff fills the air, reinforcing the feeling of a true family business. Over coffee, Marcus shares insights into his journey, training philosophy, and the future of show jumping.
The Essence of Training: Rhythm and Trust
“It’s all about understanding the horse and building a true partnership,” Marcus explains. For him, rhythm and trust are essential. “It all starts with flatwork. I focus on creating a good connection—maintaining a smooth walk and keeping the horse in front of me, not too deep, not too short, always ready to move forward. They should feel happy, and if correction is needed, it must be fair and well-timed. You have to sense what the horse needs in each moment.”
Marcus emphasizes the importance of allowing the horse to move freely. “Even if you shorten or slow down, the horse must always feel like it can go forward.”
Adaptability is key. Each horse has its own temperament, and Marcus tailors his training to suit the individual. “If I don’t feel at one with a horse, my motivation only grows stronger to find the right approach.”
“It’s about making things easy for the horse and keeping it focused on you.”
For Marcus, every horse is a journey toward mutual understanding. “That’s why the sport never gets boring,” he says. “Because every horse is different.”Marcus believes that variety in training keeps the horses engaged. “We never overwork the horses. Our goal is to keep them happy. Mental balance is crucial, especially in competition. A motivated, focused and relaxed horse is a winning horse.”
When asked if there’s one thing he wishes he had known when he was younger, his answer is clear: “The most important thing is to work with the horse in a relaxed and free state of mind. It’s about having the horse on your side.”
He continues: “There’s a common misconception that riding requires working the horse hard, but it’s not like going to the gym—you can’t force anything. Instead, you need to find a flow. If something isn’t working, you can’t expect to fix it immediately. And if today just isn’t your day, it’s better to step away, give the horse a mental break, and try again later.”
“Of course, there are moments when you need to be firm, but you also have to make compromises,” he adds. “Flexibility is key—your approach should always adapt to the moment and the horse’s needs.”
The Art of Simplicity
Watching Marcus ride, his stillness over the jumps is striking. I’ve always been impressed by how effortlessly he allows his horses to move forward, apparently undisturbed by any unnecessary rein pressure. Just subtle, almost imperceptible half-halts through his body—so discreet that most observers might miss them entirely. His rhythm flows so seamlessly that he never actually looks fast, even when he is. He simply maintains the same steady cadence, making everything appear effortlessly smooth.
His philosophy is clear: riding is not about forcing or overpowering but about finding a natural flow with the horse and keeping them motivated.
“I try to keep things as simple as possible for the horse and stay calm so I don’t disturb him—let him do his job. As I’ve mentioned before, the horse must always feel like it can move forward. It’s about making things easy for the horse and keeping it focused on you. You need to have the horse with you, not against you.
A Defining Career: From For Pleasure to Today
Marcus comes across as modest, content, and grounded. He has a quiet confidence without the need to prove himself. A horseman shaped by 40 years of experience and a calm, yet determined character, he began riding at the age of seven. By sixteen, he had won his first Gold medal at the European Championships with his pony Starlight. He credits his first instructor at the local riding club for being strict with the basics, a foundation that undoubtedly set him up for success.
Early in his career, Marcus mainly rode young horses, focusing on improving them. “It was an important step in my learning,” he says, “as many riders today skip this stage, going straight to buying more expensive horses without taking the time to master the fundamentals.”
His career took off when the exceptional stallion “For Pleasure” arrived at the stable in 1998, marking the start of an extraordinary partnership. The famous stallion’s nameplate remains attached to his old stable door —a tribute to a legend and a partnership for the history books. Just seven months after their first competition together, the pair won team gold at the European Championships and secured fifth place in the individual ranking. Then, in 2000, they claimed gold with the German team at the Olympic Games in Sydney, along with an impressive fourth place individually. This was only the beginning of countless victories and medals before the legendary stallion retired at home at the age of 20. Since then, Marcus has built remarkable partnerships with numerous horses, each contributing to his impressive list of achievements, including three World Cup final wins, a World Championship team gold medal, and three European team gold medals, among many others.
I have watched Marcus at shows for several years, but one unforgettable moment stands out to me—Aachen, 2023. With a capacity of 40,000 spectators, the main arena in Aachen is one of the largest and most iconic equestrian venues in the world, hosting CHIO Aachen, one of the sport’s most prestigious events. Marcus had just passed the finishing line, winning the renowned Rolex Grand Prix—the highlight of CHIO Aachen—riding the magnificent Stargold. The massive home crowd erupted in applause, yet in the next second, the brown stallion calmly lowered his head to graze in the middle of the arena, seemingly unaffected by the crowd’s massive cheering.
“All horses are different, but if you have a relaxed horse, the surroundings don’t matter as much,” Marcus says. “When the horse is focused on you, it becomes easier for them to adapt to various environments, whether it’s the ring in Aachen or Stockholm.”
“Show jumping requires quick movements—forward, backward—and a well-trained horse should stay focused on you,” he continues. “In a busy warm-up, you need to navigate through the chaos while maintaining the flow—it’s like driving on a highway. You learn to always look ahead.”
“The horse must always feel like it can move forward. It’s about making things easy for the horse and keeping it focused on you. You need to have the horse with you, not against you.”
The Future of the Sport
Reflecting on the evolution of show jumping, Marcus notes both progress and concerns. “There’s more money, more sponsorships, and events like the Global Champions Tour have elevated the sport to another level. Owners can now truly enjoy the sport, and riders can make a living, which is great.”
However, he worries about the shift away from grassroots competitions. “Fewer young riders invest time in developing young horses. They want to jump at the highest levels right away, but without national shows, we can’t properly educate horses. And for that we need the national shows.”
Marcus believes the sport of showjumping is a continuous learning process. “If you think you know everything, it’s already too late. When I was young, I watched warm-ups, trying to understand why riders did things a certain way. I still do this today. I pick up ideas and try them at home. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t,
but I always keep my eyes open.”
A Life with Horses
At the heart of Marcus Ehning’s philosophy is the belief that rhythm and trust between rider and horse are paramount. It’s all about understanding the horse and creating a partnership. His training methods revolve around maintaining a motivated horse and a flowing forward rhythm, which allows the horse to remain relaxed yet focused, even under pressure.
“Do you plan to stop riding?” I ask.
Marcus smiles. “Good question. The horses keep me motivated. I don’t put a timeline on it because that would just create pressure. As long as I enjoy it and can compete at this level, I’ll keep going.”
With countless hours spent in the saddle, how does he clear his mind?
“At home and by the dinner table, we don’t really talk about horses too much. It gives me a fresh perspective when I return to the stables, he says, admitting that the best part of his day is waking up the kids and getting them ready for school.”
As our conversation winds down, a delicious warm home-cooked lunch is served to us, while the warmth of the kitchen and the quiet efficiency of the yard reaffirm what Marcus has built here—not just a career, but a way of life and he has no intention of stopping anytime soon. His continued journey will undoubtedly bring joy and inspiration to many, just as he has been inspired by others throughout his career.
