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A knight for the ULRICHSHOF
ULRICHSHOF now has a real knight! Our electrician Tobias Jelinek has been chosen as a knight for the Further Drachenstich 2025 – an honour that is only bestowed on a few.
A dream comes true
This fulfils a childhood dream for Tobias. ‘As a little boy, I cut out a newspaper picture of a knight on a horse and carried it around with me for years. I always wanted to be a real knight,’ he says. A few years ago, I asked the mayor if I could be the knight Udo who slays the dragon. He just told me to wait a few more years – today I’m glad I did, because back then I probably wouldn’t have been able to get a word out on the big stage because I was so excited,’ laughs the 26-year-old.
From riding stable to knight
Nobody would have thought that Tobias would one day become a knight when he originally applied for a mini-job in the ULRICHSHOF riding stable. Michaela Lankes, photographer, interior design specialist and member of the ULRICHSHOF management team, remembers: ‘I was cleaning a rail system in the riding arena when he suddenly stood behind me and helped me without hesitation – just like that. That’s Tobias: helpful, committed and incredibly passionate about horses.’
The mini-job turned into a close relationship. ‘He wasn’t just a typical young lad – he was special, almost like a prince or a knight. Fearless and daring, but always with heart.’ When Tobias said one day that he wanted to take part in the Whitsun Ride in Bad Kötzting, the ULRICHSHOF didn’t hesitate for long. ‘After all, we are wish fulfilers. We organised everything so that he could ride along – and then the time had come: an ULRICHSHOF horse and Tobias right in the middle of it. We were incredibly proud!’
Support is a matter for the boss
Tobias particularly appreciates the support he receives at ULRICHSHOF. ‘Our boss always has an open ear – you can really get anything from him,’ he says gratefully. Over the years, he has had many intensive conversations with him, especially in difficult times, such as after the loss of his father in 2023. ‘He was there for me, helped me and supported me.’
Michaela Lankes also plays a special role for Tobias. She is not just a colleague, but a close confidante who has always stood by his side, regardless of whether it was about his job – because in the meantime, his mini-job at the riding stable had become a permanent position as an electrician at ULRICHSHOF – or personal issues. Above all, however, she never let him doubt his big dream. ‘Michi always encouraged me to hold on to it. She believed in me – and that means an incredible amount to me.’
Persistence leads to the goal
His perseverance and ambition paid off – Tobias will now go down in the history of the Further Drachenstich. ‘It wasn’t entirely unexpected, because I had already expressed my interest in previous years. The mayor called at the end of 2024 – I kept it a secret for as long as possible. But my friend Elena is of course very proud of me.’
The role of the knight not only brings honour, but also many obligations. ‘My opponent, the dragon ‘Tradinno’, weighs around 11 tonnes, runs, roars and breathes fire – and is even in the Guinness Book of Records. I’m looking forward to the dragon fight the most, but it’s also my biggest challenge.’ In addition to the intensive rehearsals, there are months of training ahead. ‘I’m now riding daily with the knight’s horses and a special trainer – I’m also learning how to fight authentically in the battle scenes. The coming months will be very intensive. Luckily, I already know the lines by heart,’ laughs Tobias.
‘We have a forest castle, we have a mountain castle - and now we finally have a knight!’
Nikolaus Brandl, ULRICHSHOF Junior Manager
A knight in the ULRICHSHOF family
The news was met with enthusiasm by the team. ‘We have a forest castle, we have a mountain castle – and now we finally have a knight to go with it,’ enthused junior manager Nikolaus Brandl. ‘And we even have a dragon too – our ‘Dragon’ penthouse suite and the ‘Drach’n BURG’ in the Spiel-KISTE.’
To honour Tobias’ great achievement, owner Ulrich N. Brandl invited the team to a spontaneous drink. ‘We are all incredibly proud of our knight.’ He adds: ‘I know that Tobias has invested a lot in his dream – in terms of time, money and an incredible amount of discipline. Not everyone would have pulled it off in his situation. I have the greatest respect for that.’
With a smile, Michaela Lankes presented Tobias with a special gift: a hobbyhorse. ‘So that you can ride into the ‘Drache’ penthouse in style if you ever need a repair there!’
An exciting time full of training, rehearsals and big performances is now beginning for Tobias Jelinek. But one thing is certain: when he slays the dragon as Knight Udo in August, the ULRICHSHOF family will be cheering loudly from the front row. ‘Of course, the ULRICHSHOF brings the most beautiful knight!’ laughs Michaela Lankes.
A spectacle with tradition
The Further Drachenstich
The Further Drachenstich in Furth im Wald is Germany’s oldest folk play and is performed every year in August. The production tells the legend of a knight who saves his town from a fire-breathing dragon – a symbolic battle between good and evil. The absolute highlight: the world’s largest, fully mobile walking robot dragon ‘Tradinno’, which breathes fire, roars and moves with impressive realism.
In addition to the actual play, the festival includes a large historical parade, a knights’ camp and many other events. A special experience for all those who love Bavarian tradition and grand productions. The Drachenstich 2025 takes place from 1 to 17 August.
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