British Dressage Medal of Honour for Nereide Goodman and Philip Cheetham

Dressage

Great Britain

Nereide Goodman and Philip Cheetham became the recipients of the British Dressage Medal of Honour at the 2024 BD Training Event at Hartpury on 23 - 24 November 2024.

This prestigious accolade recognises individuals who’ve made an outstanding contribution to the sport over a distinguished career and rewards long service to British Dressage.

BD writes about their medal winners:

Nereide Goodman

We were delighted to present Nereide (pictured above) with the BD Medal of Honour to recognise her dedication and commitment to British Dressage. She has been instrumental in the sport across a number of roles, including as a List 1 Judge, a successful rider, trainer, organiser and pioneer. Together with her husband John, she founded Wellington Riding in 1974 and ran the popular Hampshire venue for 30 years, allowing its transformation into a much-loved equestrian training and high-profile dressage centre. She went on to introduce the very first national Dressage to Music competitions in 1980, leading to the first championship opportunity for riders performing freestyle tests to music.

Nereide continued to innovate into the 2000s, and in 2011 founded the popular online dressage platform Dressage Anywhere together with Ruth Chappell and Lucinda Freeman, offering a chance for more riders to experience dressage in a new form.

Philip Cheetham

Phillip, like Nereide, has been an inspiring organiser, displaying commitment and innovation which has allowed British Dressage activity to thrive in the South West of England. As Equine Director at Hartpury University & College, Phillip has been responsible for the growth of equestrian events at the centre, allowing it to become one of the country’s finest venues. Under his leadership, Hartpury has played host to numerous prestigious national and international events, recently including the FEI Junior and Young Rider Europeans in 2022; whilst the venue was also the home of the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships for fifteen outstanding years.

Through his position on the Sport Operations committee, Phillip continues to support BD initiatives and drive change in his role as organiser. Hartpury has recently become a flagship Sunflower venue, helping us to provide greater support to those with hidden disabilities. Phillip has also been a committed FEI Para Steward, officiating at countless major international championships, including the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.