Dee Kennedy’s blog: my Badminton entry has been accepted

The waiting is over… entries have closed for Badminton and to our delight, Big El (“Eliot”) and I are in.

Entering Badminton is very exciting in itself, but finding out whether your entry is “in” or whether you have been balloted is nerve-racking. So it is a great relief to see your name on the “in” list — big smiles.

Eliot continued his cantering at Kelsall Hill this week, which we can now say “is in preparation for Badminton”! He has also had a few loose jumping sessions which we find is useful, as you need a horse jump fit as well as able to gallop. And of course we continue the flatwork as this is the foundations of it all.

Thursday was an early start to go to Draycott for the second outing of the year with my two young horses and we had a very pleasing day. They were both in the BE100 and were very well behaved, taking the whole experience in their stride as if they have had a seasons worth of events.

Precious Z was a sweetie in the dressage and then jumped a lovely clear in the show jumping. She gave me a super ride cross-country. She was listening and focused and in a lovely rhythm — if only they could all take to the sport so easily.

Badminton final scores

Chequers Superstar was also pleasing in the dressage. He was unfortunate to have to jump in the hail and gusting wind, which was very unpleasant for a young horse. However, he was unfazed and just toppled a pole, as the fences were blowing down around us. He was a true gentleman around the cross-country — he’s so very easy, the pace is all up to you and you feel safe.

We were at home for the weekend which is rare. We had a good start on Saturday and worked the horses, then made our way to the Cheshire hunt point-to-point, which was a very jolly occasion. On Sunday we made the most of a day at home, doing some jobs around the house and another favourite Sunday dinner!

Until next time,

Dee

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