“I Didn’t Expect”: Equestrian Olympian Unveils Insights Into Show Jumping World Cup Performance

Winning is an addictive habit, and a German equine legend seems to be hooked. The 3x equestrian champion entered the dirt ground betting on his ride to cooperate on the mission. Since 1957, the European Show Jumping Championships have been welcoming amateur riders, juniors, ponies, children, and veterans. Notably, the annual event takes place in the years of the Olympic Games and the World Equestrian Games’ absence.

Taking center stage once again, among the cheering crowd in Madrid, Spain, another feat was added to the collection. Vying against the world’s finest show jumpers in the afternoon event, an insight was shared post-win.

Equestrian reflects on Championship performance

Marcus Ehning, 49, entered the 2023/2024 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Western European League today. In an exciting 10-horse jump-off, he rode Coolio 42 to win the top spot, edging the timed challenge posed by reigning champion and Olympian Ben Maher riding Enjeu de Grisien. A post-win interview with Ehning was posted by FEI.TV on their Instagram story; Where he said, “I didn’t expect before the jump-off that I will be the fastest, but I’m more than happy.”

Ehning added, “I really love the show and I think you could see in the jump-off I tried everything.” He also praised his 10-year-old gelding and said, “this is a brand new horse and I must say I’m really proud of him.” The race was dramatic, with each turn posing a threat. In the end, Mariano Martinez Bastida of Spain and horse Belano vd Wijnhoeve Z clinched the third spot to complete the podium ranking.

Another popular name in the sport, France’s Jeanne Sadran rode Dexter de Kerglenn, settling for the fourth spot. Sadran was followed by the 2X world champion Henrik von Eckermann with Calizi finishing fifth.

The show jumping event narrowed to 10 pairs in the second-round jump off from the initial 39 on the dirt ground. While the day was full of surprises, the winner was backed by many previous achievements in the event.

Ehning’s career win stats

Marcus Ehning won two golds as a young rider in the European Championships in 1990-91. His most renowned triumph remains in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games where he won team gold. Interestingly, this wasn’t Ehning’s first win in Madrid. He said, “Winning here for the third time means I am getting old, but I am still here!”,

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“I really like the show in Madrid and I am happy to come back every year!” he added. Ehning also stated that he comes back every year not only for the shows but because of his love for horses. The veteran equestrian reflected that he enjoyed riding young horses and see them improve. Now, next weekend, the 14-leg series heads to La Coruña. With Longines Final 2024 quota tied, the Western European League will give away 18 champions who will continue the fight in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia next year.

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