A memorial service for event rider Richard Meade is to be held next Thursday (26 March).
The service will be at Bath Abbey at 2.30pm and all are welcome to attend.
The triple Olympic gold medallist died on 9 January, aged 76. He had been suffering from cancer.
Richard, who was described by many as “the ultimate gentleman” was a member of the British eventing team for 21 years.
Known for his coolness under pressure, and his ability to get the best out of any horse — often those he hadn’t ridden for long — Richard was an inspirational equestrian figure.
He made his first Olympic appearance at Tokyo in 1964 and finished eighth — the highest placed British rider. He then secured team gold at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico, in severe weather conditions riding Cornishman V, as well as at the 1972 Munich Games (riding Laurieston). He also won individual gold at the latter.
As well as his Olympic success he also won two gold and three silver World championship medals, and three golds and two bronzes at European championships.
In 1970 Richard claimed Badminton for the first time with The Poacher. Twelve years later he won it again with Speculator III. He also won Burghley in 1964 with Barberry.
Richard also served on the British Horse Society’s council for more than 10 years and was the chairman of the British Horse Foundation. In 1974 Richard was awarded an OBE.
He retired from riding competitively when his son Harry was a child, but he has been highly influential in his son’s eventing career.
“The way Richard set an example for Harry was very impressive; he was a great source of strength to him,” said Mike Tucker. “He was a great example and a wonderful man.”
For full details on the memorial service visit: www.harrymeade.com
