What is a Darby?  A “derby” (British Spelling) or “darby” (Alternative non-British Spelling) (both pronounced “darby”) is an event that combines all the excitement of cones, hazards, and other obstacles. The driver will be asked to go through the course obstacles (cones, bridge, and hazards) in numerical order, and portions of the course will include hazards, with drivers going through in alphabetical gate order, and then proceeding through more obstacles. All obstacles must be driven in the correct direction (red flag on right).

This event has four hazards, approximately 15 cones pairs, and a bridge. All drivers will go through gates A-B-C. Drivers and navigators can compete on more than one entry. Second time through in the same division will not count for jackpot.

This is not an ADS event, so you can enter whichever division best suits your interest - it does not have to be the same entry as your ADT. Please specify the division (training - no canter, prelim, or intermediate) and class (VSE./SP, Pony, Horse, Single or Multiple) on your entry form.

Fees are $20 if payment accompanies entry form, and $30 at the show, with entries accepted until 7:00 p.m.

What are the Darby/Derby Rules?

• The darby is like one giant hazard, meaning it is scored as a hazard. If you go off course, you will get 20 penalties for a course correction, or be eliminated if you don't correct.
• NOTE: DIFFERENT THAN CONES: Once any gate of any obstacle has been cleared it is “dead” and can be driven through in either direction (just like a hazard); however, if a ball is dislodged the penalty will be counted (5 points).
• Classes – Navigator required for all carriages (except VSE single)
  • Training – No cantering, pneumatic tires and/or wire wheels are permitted.
  • Preliminary – Any pace – 4 wheel marathon carriages required
  • Intermediate - Any pace – 4 wheel marathon carriages required
• Clearance between each pair of cones shall be set at VSE 170cm, 180cm for Horse Single, Pony Single and Pair; 190cm for Horse Pair and Tandem, Pony Tandem and Four-in-hand; and 210cm for Horse Four- in- hand.
• No cantering with 2 wheeled vehicle or in Training level

·      All persons on course in the Darby must wear properly fastened protective headgear which meets or exceeds ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)/ SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) standards for equestrian use and carry the SEI tag. It must be properly fitted with harness secured.

• The Competitor is the only person permitted to handle the reins, whip and brake throughout the drive.

·      The Competitor must carry a whip of a suitable style and the lash must be long enough to reach all the horses. The lash may be tied to the stick.

• Grooms may compete from the beginning of the calendar year in which they reach 14 years of age
• The officials have the right to whistle out any competitor that in the opinion of the judges or TD are driving recklessly or out of control.

·     The judge’s interpretation of the rules is final

How is a Darby Scored?  The driver must negotiate through all numbered obstacles and lettered gates in numerical and alphabetical order in the least amount of time with the least amount of penalties. Each second spent on the course is 0.2 penalty points. Other penalties can be incurred as follows:

·         Displacing a dislodgeable element – ball, knockdown, or hazard............ 5

·         Failing to carry a whip on the vehicle .................................................. 5

·         Putting down a whip in an obstacle..................................................... 5

·         Preventing an element being dislodged by handling it.......................... 10

·         Refusal (each time up to two times).................................................. 10

·         Any missing or disconnected polestrap or trace................................. 10

·         Required persons not on vehicle passing through a gate ..................... 10

·         Required persons not on vehicle passing through the start or finish...... 10

·         Incorrect pace, for every 5 seconds .................................................. 10

·         Dismounting while moving ............................................................... 10

·         Groom( s) dismounting in an obstacle............................................... 10

·         Correcting course through obstacles................................................. 20

·         Groom handling reins when vehicle not stationary............................... 20

·         Competitor dismounting in an obstacle............................................. 20

·         Vehicle turning over in an obstacle.................................................... 60

Will incur elimination:

·         Passing a gate in wrong sequence or direction without correction

·         Passing between exit flags before completing course

·         Failure to go through start gate

·         Failing to pass through gates in correct sequence, without correction

·         Outside Assistance other than those on carriage

·         Excessive use of whip

·         Third refusal

·         Contravening Rules

Click here for Darby Diagram/Map