Stirrups (stirrup irons)

[flintfootfilly]

I usually use plastic cage stirrups, which I like because of the fact you can't get your foot stuck in them, and because they are incredibly light so don't clank against the horse's side, plus they absorb some of the concussion when riding. But I'm thinking I need to look a bit more "conventional" for some dressage and other competitions.

There seem to be a whole range of stirrup irons (metal and otherwise) available, but I don't feel I've found absolutely the right option so far..

Peacock stirrups - safe but heavy (and isn't there a weight limit for using them? I know I used to think they were really aimed at children, and certainly no-one over 7 stones, but can't remember where I heard that).

Heather Moffatt (I think?) type classical stirrups.... I like the fact they hang the correct way round to be able to put your feet back in easily if you lose a stirrup, but I'm not keen on the weight of the metal, plus they don't have a quick release mechanism.

Polycarbonate stirrups - those black ones, nice and lightweight, but no quick release mechanism?

Bent leg stirrups - safer, but still heavy metal

Those funny metal ones with black rubber bits making them bendy - not quite sure how those are meant to work. Do they come apart if your foot gets stuck? Again, though, I guess they are pretty heavy being metal.

Barnes buckles - must admit, unless I can find a nice lightweight alternative, I think I'm leaning towards getting a pair of these to use on existing traditional stirrup irons til I find something that I prefer which is lighter. Anyone got any experience of them, good or bad?

Any other thoughts or ideas that might help please?

Sarah

[JoM]

Sarah, I have always ridden with safety stirrups (Peacock). I still do now! I did have to shop around for a lighter pair though! I have never before heard that they are unsuitable for adults! I personally love them! They give me confidence in knowing that should I hit the deck, my foot will release - guaranteed. I have never had one let me down yet! ;D

Lisa also uses them. When her friend fell off lea and she bolted she was dragged a few metres before it pinged - so goodness knows how far she would have been taken if she had been using standard stirrups as he foot had travelled right through.

I dont really understand why they are unsuitable for adults? I wont stop using them - and have never been pulled up at any shows or events for using them either!

I quite like the look of these by mountain horse.

www.equestriancollections.com/eq/editBag.do?&productId=6540

;D

[merlinalison]

I found this on the web (written by Caroline Henderson who is written a number of books on tack): "The only design of safety iron that adults should avoid is the Peacocksafety iron with rubber rings. These are excellent for small children, but the weight of an adult rider puts too much stress on the metalwork." It does make sense - if there's only one metal side to support the stirrup it will put a lot of stress on it.

[tinastephenson]

I use the Spenger 4 way flexi stirrup and love it! I have always had trouble with tendons in my leg and aching knees but because these stirrups give and bend problem solved. They are expensive at about £100 but thats what christmas is for, isn't it?

[alisonduke]

I use the stainless safety stirrups with the bent outside bit now but they do add quite a bit of weight to a synthetic saddle. I used to have a pair of the polycarbonate stirrups that Harveydales kindly gave me and I loved them but they were stolen
If you are worried about getting your foot caught, make sure the stirrup bars will free the leathers too in an emegency.

** NOTE TO EVERYONE**
Also, from experience, I have realised that although you might get a certain size of stirrup for your foot, different boots can make the area smaller and therefore cause a problem. My equitectors are bigger than my jodhpur boots and I have already got my toe wedged in the top of the iron and the sole wedged in the tread.

[zeldalithgow]

I know of a teenage girl who broke her Peacock stirrups twice, she was a bit overweight but not that heavy, it might be a good idea to check them regularly if you an adult user - better than red face if they snap lol ;D

[juliansteve]

I use Peacock safety stirrups. Never had any problems with them. When I was bolted with a few years ago I honestly believe they saved me from very serious injury. My foot would definately have gotten stuck in ordinary stirrups. I used Sprengers for a while when I had knee problems but still prefer Peacocks. Mark Todd makes them aswell and I dont think they are only recommended for children but I could be wrong.
I'm sure Pam Harveydales has Barnes buckles Sarah.

[harleydales]

I have Peacocks and the black plastic ones. I like the bit of 'give' in the plastic ones.
I'm going to try the endurance ones too, to see if they'll help my back/legs/feet!!

[jacquidales]

I use Sprenger as they help my knees and they bend different ways for safety. I've also got Barnes buckles as I like the belt and braces approach!!

What about the new mountain horse range with quick release and foot stability?

[harveydales]

I used to use the Sprenger irons in my "stirrup riding days". The bendy bit takes some of the pressure off your joints and they claim that because the iron can twist a bit, it acts as a safe release. I have a pair you could try if you want. They are quite heavy though.

I sold my Barnes buckles. They do work but are not reccommended for children as their weight may not be sufficient to trigger the release mechanism.

Many people seem to use the bent irons which wouldn't trap you bu are obviously heavier than your plastic endurance ones. I've also see (at some huge price) irons without one side so they look conventional, are completely safe and presumeabley a bit lighter.

I'm now using the dark plastic ones, just there for emergancy mounting and then I kick them away. No stirups has to be the safest!

[NFK Dumpling]

I use Peacock stirrups, I'm well over 7 stones too. I just think if you do decide to go that way to check that they are suitable for your weight. I bent a pair before I realised that they were children's, I've got small feet, they came with the saddle............ and I didn't know any better!

[flintfootfilly]

Thanks everyone. Lots for me to think about. Still undecided though!

Sarah

[shaklana]

look on www.bettersaddles.co.uk for some fancy new ones that hang correctly and have no inside edge making them safe. i've never tried offset irons - are they more comfortable? do angled dressage treads have the same effect?

[AliandDolly]

we use the dark plastic ones like pam was saying and i realy get on with them as they are so light weight and the right width for your feest as well


ali

[flintfootfilly]

Thanks, both the Alisons! Have had a quick look on bettersaddles - they certainly look unusual, those ones, but absolutely no risk of getting a foot caught in there I guess. I think I'm leaning towards trying the Mountain Horse ones. I realise I actually DO like a bit of weight in my foot/stirrup (which I usually get with steel toe capped boots, but I'll only be wearing lightweight boots when I do any dressage or whatever, so maybe a bit of weight in the actual stirrup itself might be helpful instead!).

Sarah