Highlights over 77 Years CHIO: Marcus Ehning

Marcus Ehning is 52 years old and was born in Südlohn, Germany. He is married and has four children: three boys and a girl. He has ridden in two Olympic Games (2000 and 2012). He cannot remember the exact first time he rode in Rotterdam, but thinks it must have been around the year 2000.

Warm-up in the woods

Marcus: “Since then, I haven’t been there every single year, but definitely in 90 percent of the CHIO editions. Every year I hope to add another year to that, but the final verdict isn't mine. Rotterdam isn’t the easiest show to organize because, despite taking place in a forest, it is right in the middle of the city. Parking will always remain a bit of an issue with you, but I’m a huge fan of the warm-up arena in the woods. The old warm-up ring in front of De Big was fine too, but this option is an extra bonus. Speaking of De Big, everyone says it, but I’ll say it too, I really miss that cute pancake house; it was simply part of the venue. And I’d like to say something about the crowd. During the Nations Cup and the Grand Prix, it’s always pleasantly busy and the atmosphere is so enthusiastic. If only that were the case for all classes.”

Silver team medal and Grand Prix

“My fondest memories of your show are the team silver medal we won at the European Championship in 2019 and winning the Grand Prix with Gitania in 2006. Overall, I’d like to mention Sydney 2000. I was still very young and it was my first Olympic Games. We won team gold right away, which was incredible. I’ve won the Grand Prix of Aachen three times—those are also unforgettable moments. I’ve also won the World Cup Final and several other Grand Prix classes outside of Aachen and Rotterdam. And this year, of course, the team gold medal at the World Championship, as well as winning the Longines League of Nations Final with the team. It’s never enough, of course, but I’m not complaining. Dreams change as you get older. I used to dream about prizes and medals, but now I mainly find it important that my children are doing well. Still, an individual medal at a major championship remains on my wish list. I won't lose sleep over it if it doesn't happen, but it would be nice. About my children: they do play sports and some even ride, but I don’t think there’s a successor among them. (jokingly) They enjoy the sport, but spending every weekend at horse shows doesn't appeal to them. And of course, I’m not going to force them.”

Loves riding in the Netherlands

“Back to Rotterdam: I love coming there. To ride, and I’ve also spent a few evenings out in the city. In Germany, you have a lot of three-star shows, and I prefer riding five-star competitions. The bigger shows in the Netherlands aren’t far for us since we live so close to the border. On top of that, I appreciate well-organized shows, and in the Netherlands, you really know how to do that. I always feel welcome and am often invited to compete in the Netherlands, which I really enjoy, and with certain shows, you just know it's going to be good. Once again, I’d love to ride at your show every year. However, our chef d’equipe Otto Becker makes the final decision. You host the Longines League of Nations, of course, which I think is great. It’s an important leg, and every year the best combinations come to compete. If it’s up to me, I’d love to be one of them.”

“Finally, I’d like to say to all readers of this interview: Come to CHIO Rotterdam every June to enjoy the horses and the sport.”

Marcus apologizes for not being a man of grand statements or many words, but we know him well, and it is more than fine. We truly appreciate him taking time out of his busy schedule to talk with us and, just like him, we hope to see him back in the Kralingse Bos next June.