Dee Kennedy’s blog: Big El is on track for his first 2009 event

Wow, a week goes by quickly.

We went show jumping on Wednesday, and, although Big El (“Eliot”) didn’t go, my two youngsters did. Chequers Superstar won a class and Precious Z had a double clear so we had a good day.

On Thursday Eliot had his first “away from home canter” and this was a really great sweetener as he loved it and worked very well. We are really lucky to be sponsored by Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre, which boasts excellent cantering facilities with miles of undulating grassland to play with and a very serious hill.

He went beautifully on the flat the next day after cantering, making me think I should canter him more often.

Saturday was a jumping day and everything did jumping exercises at home. Eliot jumped surprisingly well, which put a big smile on my face.

Badminton final scores

I was able to enjoy a rare day off on Sunday, which included my favourite meal, a Sunday dinner and a sit down with the telly on and a fire lit.

I’m off to Stafford at the end of this week with a couple of youngsters, so I’ll be able to report on my first horse trials of the season next week.

Until then,

Dee

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now