How do you choose stirrups for your discipline?
Choosing stirrups is a balance between a steady leg, shock absorption and safety in the saddle. Depending on your discipline, your priorities will guide your decision:
- Joint cushioning: jumping riders appreciate treads that absorb movement to protect the joints.
- Tread grip: a non-slip tread stops your foot sliding during dynamic moments.
- Safety: being able to free your foot quickly in a fall is a priority when riding.
- Specific riding styles: for outdoor saddles, look at the NORTON stirrups for stock saddles or the WESTRIDE "Composite" western stirrups.
Why choose composite stirrups or Compositi stirrups?
Composite stirrups are much lighter than metal ones, which reduces the swinging effect if you lose a stirrup.
The COMPOSITI brand offers a varied range of stirrups:
- Lightweight and good for beginners: the Compositi Profile Premium stirrup, in child and adult versions, has a sturdy build.
- Comfortable tread: the Compositi Reflex stirrup has a wide tread for a stable seat.
- The Eole range: the Compositi Eole line, with the Compositi Eole Air Soft and Compositi Eole Air Pro stirrups, suits regular riders.
- Training: the brand also makes the Compositi "Jockey Training" stirrups and the Barbette model.
Which safety stirrups are best for riding with confidence?
Freeing the foot in a fall without losing a steady leg is what drives stirrup makers:
- Competition stirrups: the Freejump Softup Pro + stirrups, the Freejump Soft up Pro + Crystal edition, the Freejump Classic +, the Freejump AIR'S and the Softup Lite safety stirrups all shine in the ring.
- Mechanical release: the Safe Release and Safe Release Chrome stirrups from HARRY'S HORSE free the foot under pressure.
- Classic safety: FEELING safety stirrups with a quick-release blade are a tried-and-tested solution.
- Articulated steel: from SPRENGER, the SPRENGER "Bow Balance", SPRENGER "Flexcite" and SPRENGER "System-4" models move with the flex of your foot.
How do you look after your stirrups and protect your saddle?
Regular care keeps the tread grippy and protects the leather of your saddle:
- Protect the flaps: fitting FEELING fleece stirrup covers or neoprene covers stops the saddle getting scratched in transit.
- Change the treads: you can fit FEELING "Flexi Large" stirrup treads, FEELING non-slip stainless steel treads or replacement stainless steel treads.
- Replace worn parts: NORTON rubber rings for safety stirrups or the replacement wheel for COMPOSITI toe stoppers extend the life of your equipment.