Stirrups

Stirrups play an important role because they give the rider a secure seat. However, they only prevent the rider from falling off when riding cross country or jumping, for example, if their shape and length are perfect for the horse and rider.

Stirrups have been used since the 3rd century A.D., when they were simple leather loops. Eurasian tribes of riders such as the Huns and Mongolians gained enormous advantages from the use of stirrups in battle. Today, stirrups are used by the rider to mount the horse and as a stabilising item of horse equipment. They come in all kinds of shapes and, like the majority of tack products, the choice of stirrup depends on riding style and horse. Stirrups also have to be the right size for the rider’s boot. If the stirrup iron is too narrow, the rider can only fit the toe of his boot into it and can easily slip out. If it is too wide, he will slip around in the stirrup and it won’t provide the necessary security, which could result in a fall.