Text © World of Showjumping

Marcus Ehning’s former championship ride Cornado NRW (Cornet Obolensky x Acobat, bred by Antonius Schulze Averdiek) has passed away at the age of 23.

With Ehning in the saddle, Cornado NRW had a long and successful sports career before retiring in 2021. The pair won the CSI5* FEI World Cup in Bordeaux in 2014, the CSI5* Grand Prix Hermès in Paris that same year, as well as the Rolex Grand Prix in Den Bosch in 2016. Over the years, the two had numerous finishes on the podium in big Grand Prix classes at venues such as Basel, Bordeaux, Den Bosch, New York, Paris, Valkenswaard and Verona. They jumped at three World Cup Finals – twice finishing fourth, and at the World Equestrian Games in Caen in 2014. 

“Cornado was far more than just a champion in the ring,” the North-Rhine Wesphalian State Stud wrote as they shared the news of his passing. “He touched people with his character, his charisma, and his extraordinary will to perform. Anyone who had the privilege of experiencing him will never forget his special presence and aura. He also leaves a valuable legacy as a sire; his offspring demonstrate outstanding performances in sport, proving themselves at the highest international level.”

At World of Showjumping, our thoughts are with all those close to Cornado NRW.