Nicho Meredith receiving the Premier Equestrian Award during Week Seven of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. (Photo courtesy of JRPR, no photo credit necessary)
Wellington, FL (February 27, 2018) – When it comes to creating a positive show atmosphere in high-level equestrian sport competition, the trusted voice of an experienced announcer plays an important, and often overlooked, role. That’s why Premier Equestrian, the U.S. arena footing manufacturer, has honored renowned equestrian sports announcer, Nicho Meredith with the latest Premier Equestrian Award at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Designed to recognize the behind-the-scenes components of a spectacular show season, Premier Equestrian presents this award to those special people who contribute to a positive show atmosphere through exhibiting outstanding sportsmanship and horsemanship. Throughout his career of over 47 years as an announcer, Meredith has set the tone of countless horse shows with his smooth voice and charming British accent. However, it is his heart and love of horses that truly comes through in every call he makes.
“Horses, to me, are the most amazing domesticated animal that we can live with,” states Meredith. “They are a very important part of my life.” Originally from England, Meredith began riding at the age of 4. “I had a pony called Peter,” he recalls, “Peter and I had a lot of fun together, until I fell off and gave up riding. But then I realized, when I got a little older, that if I wanted to meet girls, I had better get back in the saddle and join Pony Club!” he laughs. Growing up with horses was Meredith’s natural way of life. His father was field master of the hunt, and so he did fox hunting during most of his early years. He was also in the cavalry of the British army and played polo during that time. Then, after he came out of the regular army and joined the Territorial Army, (the British equivalent of the US National Guard), he did a lot of jumping and cross country. “So, I’ve had a lot of fun with horses,” he fondly remembers.
Meredith explains that he was fortunate to have the chance to start announcing horse shows when he returned to his parents’ home after attending university in Austria and also traveling throughout the Middle East. “My parents were holding horse trials on their estate, and they asked me if I’d like to take the microphone,” he describes, “I had fun with it, and I got several announcing jobs from that.” Because he learned 6 different languages, Meredith was soon in high demand for international horse shows. One of his most prestigious jobs was as the announcer for the Burghley Horse Trials in England, which he did every year from 1971 until 1989 when he moved to the States. Here, he has announced shows such as World Cup Dressage, World Cup jumping at Del Mar, and of course, the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida. “I love doing Global Dressage,” he states about the show, “there is something really special about dressage.”
Meredith’s keen understanding of the relationship between horse and rider comes through loud and clear in his announcing. “The first thing I look at when I see a horse and rider is the horse’s eyes,” he explains, “If they’re soft, that’s a good rider.” He recognizes that a good horse-rider relationship creates the foundation for outstanding horsemanship and great sportsmanship. “If you keep promoting good sportsmanship and keep educating people about its importance, more will become good equestrians. I think people never stop being educated, in all walks of life,” he continues, “but in the horse world, you always need educating. And believe me, the horse will educate us pretty well, because the horse is such a majestic, beautiful and giving animal.”
Over the years, Meredith has watched thousands of riders come and go, demonstrating all levels of sportsmanship. He often reflects on his father’s words and offers this advice, “My father always said that with horses, there’s always another day. So, if you’re having a bad day, and the horse says, ‘I ain’t doing this today!’ you know, there’s always another day” It is this experience and expertise that comes through the loud speakers at every show Meredith announces. Equestrians can rely on his trusted voice to set the tone of a positive atmosphere wherever they are in the world, and no matter what language he’s speaking, simply because it comes from his heart. That’s why Premier Equestrian was excited to present their award to this special man. To see more follow this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-5uqpfivcU
Premier Equestrian will continue rewarding deserving equestrians with the Premier Equestrian Award throughout the rest of the show season. In addition to focusing on the people who make riding horses a good experience for all, the company focuses on the equipment that makes riding safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Premier Equestrian is known for its advanced arena footing solutions that can improve horses’ performance while always keeping their wellbeing first in mind. To learn more about Premier Equestrian, please visit www.PremierEquestrian.com or call (800) 611-6109.
