The renowned one-eyed showjumping stallion Cornado NRW has died at age 23 due to an incurable tumour. The North Rhine Westphalian State Stud announced that the horse was put down on April 28. Cornado NRW, ridden by Marcus Ehning, earned €1.8 million in prize money over a stellar career.
Cornado NRW, a striking grey stallion bred in Germany by Antonius Schulze-Averdiek, was a son of Cornet Obolensky out of the Acobat mare Acobata. He began competing under German rider Franz-Josef Dahlmann before five-time Olympic gold medallist Marcus Ehning partnered with him from early 2012. Together, they secured victories in five-star grands prix in Verona, Bordeaux, Paris, and ’s-Hertogenbosch, while competing at the 2014 World Equestrian Games—finishing 10th individually—and three World Cup Finals. The duo amassed €1.8 million in prize money over nearly a decade at the top level. The stallion retired from competition in 2021 and excelled as a breeding stallion afterward. Late in 2018, Cornado NRW lost his right eye due to health issues but adapted swiftly, returning to elite competition. Ehning praised him as “one of my favourite horses,” noting his incredible talent, motivation, and resilience despite the loss. “He is like a person and never gives up,” Ehning said at the time. “He has amazing talent and I am very proud to have a horse like this in my life.” The NRW State Stud expressed profound sadness in its statement. “It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to Cornado NRW,” it read. “The prospect of a pain-free life was no longer possible. With him, we lose not only an exceptional top athlete and sire, but also a true stallion personality.” The stud highlighted his vitality, spirit, and approachable nature, adding that his legacy endures through his offspring.