Derby At The Park

You’ve heard of hunter derbies… the Kentucky Derby… even the Mongol Derby. But this season at Big Sky Horse Park, we’re introducing something new: our Derby at the Park Series.

Join us on May 23 and on two additional dates later in the season for this exciting grassroots format that blends the precision of show jumping with the thrill of cross-country in one flowing, timed course.

Designed to be welcoming, safe, and seriously fun, our eventing derby is the perfect opportunity to school young horses, build rider confidence over solid obstacles, and experience the spirit of three-day eventing in a supportive show environment. Whether you’re seasoned or just curious to try something new, this is your chance to jump in.

While we won't be offering a dressage test at these events, we encourage you to join the Dancing In The Sand series to hone your dressage skills.

Levels include:

• Trot–A-Pole: Literally a pole on the ground. In-hand welcome. Leadline. Great for kids and baby horses.

• Smurf: 18”

• Starter: 2’3”

• Beginner Novice: 2’6”

• Novice: 2’11”

• Training: 3’3”

• Modified: 3’5”

• Preliminary: 3’7”

SCORING: You will be judged on your first round for competition. Additional rounds are encouraged for schooling. No limit to how many rounds unless your horse is showing signs of exhaustion.

Lower levels (Trot-A-Pole, Smurf, Starter, Beginner Novice, Novice) are judged closest to optimum time with minimal penalties

Training, modified and prelim will be judged on the fastest time with minimal penalties.

Times will be set the day of based on weather and footing conditions

Penalties:

4 points for a rail

4 points for a stop

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Course designer: Zane Webb

Show organizer: Katy Nichwander, knichwander@gmail.com

ENTER:

Online Entry Form: https://forms.gle/JWxe2HiSktfa2GbN6

Print this form: Linked here

Mail in entries to: Katy Nichwander/ On Point Sport Horses,3700 Carlton Creek Rd, Florence, MT 59833

Entries close: May 19, 2026*

Late entries by special request only.

• $60 for first/competition round, includes office fees

• $35 for each additional round

• $40 Big Sky Horse Park Non-Member Fee

• Scratches are subject to a nonrefundable office fee of $25

*If you are entered by May 19th, you’ll be able to add additional rounds on the day of.

We will send out a rough schedule once entries are closed, which will allow some buffer room for adding rounds on the day of. Please use your discretion on how many rounds your horse is capable of schooling.

STABLING INFO:

• Limited Stabling

• Stabling (per night, includes 1 bag of shavings): $30

• Trailer Electrical Hookup (per night) $25

• Additional shavings (per bag): $12

Questions: please contact Katy at knichwander@gmail.com, or Callie at regercallie@gmail.com