How do you choose stirrup leathers to suit your riding?
The right stirrup leathers depend on your discipline, your build and the type of saddle you use. A good pair must resist stretching consistently while feeling comfortable along the flap.
- Traditional design: classic models are made from a folded strap with a buckle that sits near the stirrup bar. For everyday Eric Thomas stirrup leathers, our catalogue offers Eric Thomas Pro, Eric Thomas Fitter, Norton Pro and Riding World stirrup leathers.
- Wider leathers: if you want broader support under your leg, wider versions are available, such as the Eric Thomas Pro Large stirrup leathers.
- Specific finishes: depending on how you prefer to attach them, you can opt for Eric Thomas stirrup leathers with hooks or Norton Pro "Soft" stirrup leathers.
Leather or synthetic stirrup leathers: which is best?
The material determines how they feel, how supple they stay over time and how much care they need after a day at the yard.
- Saddlery leather: prized for its natural feel and its look alongside traditional saddles, leather needs regular conditioning. The range includes the very hard-wearing cowhide stirrup leather from QHP, the QHP leather stirrup leather with hidden nylon reinforcement, and the Bates leather/synthetic stirrup leathers with hooks.
- Synthetic material: unaffected by mud and sweat, synthetic leathers are cleaned with a quick wipe of a sponge. This category includes lined synthetic Norton stirrup leathers, synthetic Norton stirrup leathers, Norton Club "Rexine Evol" stirrup leathers and Wintec Slimline thin stirrup leathers.
- Combined materials: to bring together different technical qualities, some models blend several textures, such as the Eric Thomas Hybrid stirrup leathers or the Norton Club "Diamond" stirrup leathers by Excelsior.
Why use single-strand stirrup leathers or saddle fenders?
Many riders look to modern or specialist designs to reduce bulk under the thigh and improve leg ergonomics.
- Single-strand stirrup leathers: by moving the adjustment system lower down, single-strand leathers remove the buckle under the stirrup bar for closer contact between your thigh and the horse. You can choose Freejump leathers, including the Pro Grip single-strand leather and the Freejump Classic Wide leathers, or Wintec leathers, including the Wintec Webbers and Wintec Pro II Webbers.
- Children's models: to equip young riders with similar ergonomics, the range includes the Wintec Webbers children's stirrup leathers.
- Balance and distribution: to vary the feel in the saddle, we also offer Harry's Horse Mono Balance stirrup leathers and Wintec Pro stirrup leathers.
- Saddle fenders: reserved for specific styles of riding such as working equitation, Norton fenders for Stock saddles replace the traditional stirrup leather to wrap around and protect the rider's lower leg.