A Change in the Saddle (4/6) : From father to son
Throughout the season, and just as it does every year, the CHIG newsletter is bringing you a series of articles on a specific theme. The focus for 2025 is jumping’s new generation of riders, the sons and daughters of, who are making it not because of who they are but because of what they can do. In this year’s fourth instalment, we trade the saddles for a carriage and hitch a ride with driving duo Werner Ulrich and his son Stefan.
To read the first issues of our series on equestrian dynasties, click here:
Episode 1 : Bryan and Mike Smits
Both part of the Swiss team at this year’s FEI Driving World Championship for Pair Horses in Beekbergen (Netherlands), Werner and Stefan Ulrich share a passion for a discipline they have chosen to enjoy together as a family. Following the example set by his father – a born competitor and vastly experienced with it – Stefan has dedicated a large part of his life to driving.
The Ulrich family’s love driving began with Werner nearly 45 years ago, when a friend asked him to join him at a competition. Having already taken up horse riding by that time, Werner was an instant convert. “That’s what got me started but I’d always had a desire to go and drive, not least because my grandfather drove a goods carriage in the 1900s. That must be where my love of driving comes from and the desire to try it out.”
Werner has never done things by halves. Having started off riding, he then drove pairs before switching to four in hand. “I was working as an electrician on the side, as my son does now, and I climbed the ranks slowly but surely,” he explains. Though driving is a time-consuming and logistically complex discipline, that did not stop Werner earning his place in history. Twenty times a national team and pairs champion, he became a pairs world champion in 1991 in Zwettl (Austria), and then a fours world champion in Rome seven years later. “We’re the only ones along with Hungary’s Zoltan Lazar to have won individual world titles in the two categories,” he says, proud of his achievements.
Buoyed by this success, Werner was appointed head of driving at the National Swiss Equestrian Centre (NPZ) in 1997. Totally committed to the discipline, he helped draft and implement the rules for the World Cup indoor circuit in the early 2000s. He has also graced the arena at the CHI Geneva on more than one occasion: “It’s always been a great surface there and the atmosphere is fantastic. I’ve got some wonderful memories of the place.”
A love of horses and competition
All that remained to be seen was if his son would follow in his footsteps? The answer to that question was a resounding yes, from an early age, with Stefan now competing in singles and pairs events. “I’ve loved horses and going to competitions with my family ever since I was a little boy,” explains the 27-year-old. “You could say it’s in my blood, though my parents never put any pressure on me. They waited until my sister and I were really into it before they got us our first Shetland pony.”
“I’ve always seen my father as a mentor and I’ve always wanted to do as well as him. He’s a role model and in my eyes there’s no better teacher, though sometimes I inspire him now. Being able to share this passion with my family is just the best thing ever.”
“He started driving when he was six,” recalls Werner. “He’d seen me do it so often, I think it made him want to try it too. I started coaching him after that. We understand each other really well and we have no hesitation talking about technical things. And we always look for the best for our horses.” The CHIG’s driving supervisor and a member of Werner’s team, Killian Jaunin backs up what Ulrich Sr. has to say: “They’re both demanding in what they do, but they always put the well-being of their horses first. And if they mess things up or incur a penalty, they always take responsibility and never look to blame their four-legged team-mates.”
Since 1985, the Ulrich’s horses have lived and are trained on the family farm. “I’ve got more time than Stefan to look after them every day,” says Werner. “He usually takes the more experienced horses for his team, and I’ll take the younger ones.” Stefan, who is continuing to train as an electrician, enjoys driving pairs and takes a pragmatic line when asked if he is planning to try four in hand: “For now, it’s easier to stick to singles or pairs for logistical reasons because it means we can travel as a family to competitions, in one truck.”
Grooming for the best
Though he doesn’t have his own four-horse team, Stefan regularly grooms for his father’s carriage at competitions and enjoys the role just as much as driving. It’s one he may even perform at the CHIG this year, for Boyd Exell no less. “I’ve done it a few times,” he explains. “We drivers know each other well and it’s a chance to watch them and ask them questions, not just about the sport but about the business too.”
So, what’s next? “Next year’s Driving World Championship for Singles,” he replies. “I won bronze in 2024, so I’m looking for another good result.” As he strives to make that happen, he can count, once again, on the unwavering support and sound advice of this father, who is thrilled to have built such a close relationship with his son around the passion they share.
Sophie Lebeuf
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