What’s an Eventing Derby? We’re so glad you asked!
Our eventing derbies are jumping competitions with 2 or 3 rounds of jumps at each height – with courses that progress from shorter rounds with knock-down jumps in a contained ring, to short Cross Country courses with a mix of jumps and terrain. The jumps are a mix of Showjumps and Cross Country jumps and are designed to help less experienced riders and horses begin to learn how to ride over more solid cross country or derby style jumps. With classes from X-poles to 1.0m, more experienced competitors can play with higher levels and try new combinations and questions before heading to Hunter Derbies or Horse Trials.
Class Descriptions:
Match the Clock classes: Match the clock or optimum time classes are designed to help developing riders learn the skill of riding a course at the posted speed, rather than with the fastest time. Competitors with equal faults will be placed according to how close their time is to the optimum time, which is based on the course being ridden at the posted speed.
Warm Up Rounds: Warm up rounds will take place in our large sand ring comprising of mainly Show Jumps but may include a few natural obstacles (small logs). This round will not be judged however all participants will be given a completion ribbon or prize at the end of their round. This round is designed to encourage horses and riders to get familiar with the ring and the obstacles without any concern for time or placings.
Short Track: The Short Track Class takes place over an approximate distance of 400m and is comprised of 40% of the efforts over natural obstacles. This class will begin and end in the sand ring however it will exit onto the grass for some obstacles. Ribbons will be awarded to fifth place.
Long Track: The Long Track Class takes place over an approximate distance of approximately 800m and is comprised of 50% of the efforts over natural obstacles and natural terrain including possible water, ditches and hills. This class will begin in the sand ring and will end out on the grass course. Ribbons will be awarded to fifth place.
Divisions: At the 0.60m, 0.70m, 0.80m, 0.90m & 1.0m levels, riders can choose to do single classes or the entire division (Warm up round, Short Track Class & Long Track Class). Champion and Reserve Champion ribbons will be awarded at the completion of each division.
Additional Classes: Additional classes can be entered right at the in-gate with the whipper-in!
You can enter the May 31, 2026 Derby using the entry form below – Payment for entries is calculated on the entry form and must be sent by e-transfer to: mark@oakhurstfarm.com