EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

We know how quickly show costs can add up, so at Headwaters we’ve kept things straightforward, affordable, and free of hidden fees. No office charges, no admin fees, and no surprise line items on your entry form.

Our early bird pricing offers 3 rounds for $250 when you register in advance. If you decide to enter day of, rounds are $90 each, still all-inclusive, still no extra charges.

For riders stepping into the featured class, entry to the $5,000 Derby is $150, a rare chance to ride for real prize money without the extensive overhead.

Whether you're bringing one horse or a full string, we've built Headwaters to keep things accessible, rider-friendly, and worth your while!

The Headwaters Derby Series is hosted at a variety of venues across Southern Ontario. Please check individual dates for exact location address and directions.

• Courses are set in a fenced grass ring.
• The footing is well maintained, with show jumps and natural obstacles, with professional and well designed courses.
• Footing is relatively flat, with slight hills and slopes that make for a friendly yet interesting field to navigate.
• Grass warm-up.
• Water available on site
• Grass trailer parking in open fields that can accommodate large trailers.

• Free snacks and BBQ food throughout the day
• Free drinks

• Course maps will be posted near the ingate.
• The ring will incorporate jumps from all three posted courses for the division. Three sets of coloured markers will differentiate each course from the other.
• Courses will include jumping in and out of the ring- bypass options will always be available.
• All courses are jumped on grass.

*Always follow in-gate instructions and be mindful of horses on course.

• All riders must wear an ASTM or BSI approved helmet while mounted.
• The HDS is not EC sanctioned, but follows the rules and regulations outlined by Equestrian Canada for jumping competitions.
• We follow the rules and regulations outlined by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport.
• We abide by the OE Codes of Conduct.
• Horse and rider safety and welfare is our top priority.
• The HDS staff and volunteers reserve the right to remove any individual from competition or from the premises for any action deemed to be in violation of these rules and/or codes of conduct.

• Left hand to left hand when passing.
• All fences must be jumped in one direction only, as indicated by flags (red on the right, white on the left).
• Fences are allowed to be adjusted by trainers.
• Breakaway cups MUST be used on the back rails of oxers.
• No lunging in the warm-up ring.
• No stopping or standing in front of fences.
• All riders must wear approved headgear.
• Safety and Courtesy is the priority at all times.

Provide theWhile this is a relaxed, one-day show, a certain standard of turnout helps keep things safe, respectful, and competition-ready. Formal show attire is not required,*** riders and horses should be presented in a neat, respectful manner suitable for competition.

• Schooling attired is allowed - Riders are required to wear riding breeches and a collared shirt. Tank tops and overly casual attire are not permitted. 
  
  *** Please note that formal attire for class 110 is required- this includes light breeches, a collared shirt, and a show coat.
• Approved helmets must be worn at all times while mounted.

Horses should be in appropriate, legal hunter tack. Any equipment considered unsafe or non-compliant may be reviewed at the discretion of show staff.

Horses are NOT required to be braided for any class, including the Feature Derby.

Back numbers will be provided in the competitor start kit on the day of the show.answer to the question here.