On the Road to the WEG in Aachen. Nine Championships Later, the Same Pride in Representing Italy for Giovanni Ugolotti

There are careers built around one exceptional horse. Others are shaped by different partnerships, different experiences and championships that, one after another, leave something behind. Giovanni Ugolotti’s career belongs to the latter.

In Aachen, where the FEI World Equestrian Games will take place, Ugolotti will compete in the ninth senior championship of his career, across European Championships, World Championships, Olympic Games and now the WEG. A journey that began in Malmö in 2013 and has continued through some of the biggest events in international eventing, leading to another major challenge for the Italian team in Germany.

Over more than a decade, almost everything has changed. The rider has changed, the horses have changed and so have the responsibilities.

“I am definitely a completely different rider,” he says. “More than ten years of experience, unfortunately,” he laughs, “help you approach major championships in a much more rational and calculated way. Although, at times, I do miss the carefree attitude and lack of awareness I had in the beginning.”

His growth goes beyond results. Over the years he has improved technically in all three phases of eventing, but above all he has learned how to read each horse, adapting his riding to suit every partner.

“Every horse has taught me something different and I believe they have all helped me grow as a rider. Trying to get inside each horse’s mind, understand its characteristics and bring out the very best in them is one of the things I enjoy most about our job.”

It is also why he sees real value in having competed at major championships with several different horses. Every partnership has added another layer to his technical knowledge and experience.

“Having several qualified horses gives you the opportunity to choose the one best suited to a particular course, even though the selectors make the final decision. The more horses you ride, the more your experience grows.”

Among the most memorable moments of his career is, of course, Paris 2024. Competing at his first Olympic Games was a milestone, even if the final result was not what he had hoped for.

“Paris was an incredible experience, even though the competition didn’t go as I had hoped. What I remember most is the venue itself and especially the atmosphere created by the crowd during the cross-country. I’ve been to Aachen before but I’ve never competed there, and I think the atmosphere will be very similar.”

His approach, however, remains the same.

“I always try to approach championships with the team in mind because I know that’s the priority, especially this year with qualification for Los Angeles on the line.”

His partner in Germany will be Duke of Champions, known at home as “Elliot.” A horse he has known since 2022 and with whom he has already contested a World Championship.

“I started riding Duke in 2022 and immediately realised he had the quality to become a four-star and five-star horse. I don’t think Aachen is generally the type of course that suits him best, but with the experience we’ve gained over the years, I hope everything will come together.”

If there is one championship that still leaves him with a sense of unfinished business, the answer comes without hesitation.

“Definitely Blair Castle in 2015 with Oplitas, where I fell at fence four. I tried too hard and paid the price for it.”

Those experiences, however, are all part of the journey. Because nine championships teach you that victories help you grow, but very often it is the mistakes that leave the biggest lessons.

For years, Ugolotti has lived and worked in England, at the heart of the international eventing scene. It is there that he prepares his horses, builds his seasons and works alongside some of the best riders in the world. But when it is time to wear the Italian colours, everything takes on a different meaning.

“I feel like both,” he says with a smile. “Although the jacket I wear most often is the green one of the Italian Army. But even living abroad, representing your country is always an honour. Forza Italia.”

Perhaps that is the best way to describe Giovanni Ugolotti as he prepares for the WEG in Aachen. More experience, greater awareness and the knowledge gained through nine senior championships, yet still driven by the same pride of representing Italy. Because after nine championships the emotions may change, but they never lose their intensity.

Valenitna Sozzi ph Stefano Secchi

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