Choosing the right stirrups

If you're involved in riding, you know what a stirrup is. In riding, stirrups are accessories you could fairly call fundamental. In fact, whether a riding session goes smoothly generally comes down to the stirrups. As for choosing them, that largely depends on the discipline the rider takes part in. Here are a few things to consider that will help you choose your stirrups well.

The main thing to keep in mind when choosing your stirrups

As mentioned in the introduction, choosing stirrups is not something to take lightly. That said, when it comes to picking your stirrups, the simplest option is usually the best. Fairly light stirrups with a non-slip tread will suit most uses in classical riding as well as leisure riding. Shape and appearance don't matter a great deal. The material and the quality, on the other hand, are decisive. A stirrup that breaks can be the cause of serious falls. So these are a few small points to keep in mind.

The question of weight and of price

Price is one of the most decisive factors for most riders when choosing stirrups. That's precisely why, at La Sellerie Française, you get better prices. However, it's worth knowing that what determines the price of a stirrup is not how strong it is. It's how light it is. Very cheap stirrups are generally made of stainless steel. These are relatively heavy stirrups and they can sometimes rust.

There are, on the other hand, stirrups that cost a little more but remain much lighter. Carbon fibre stirrups, for example, are both hard-wearing and very strong. As for the best-quality stirrups, they are made of aluminium and remain the most expensive. They are also the lightest stirrups. There are also brass stirrups, whose main appeal is their golden colour.

Safety stirrups

Have you ever heard about dreadful falls, or scenes of a rider being dragged along by their horse because their foot was caught in the stirrup? To avoid accidents like these, manufacturers have developed what are known as safety stirrups. The principle behind these stirrups is that the foot is released easily in the event of a fall.

The outer branch, the one you don't normally press your foot against, is replaced here by a rubber band that is removable and therefore comes away under strong pressure. On other models, this branch is angled outwards so that the foot cannot get stuck.

What's more, to stop the foot sliding too far in and becoming trapped in the stirrup, you can use a foot-safe tread, which usually forms a kind of cup at the front and so holds the foot in place. It's a removable tread that is also used in endurance because it's ergonomic. It saves the foot and ankle unnecessary effort.

Treads

Most stirrups can take removable non-slip treads. These treads are fitted between the branches and generally fit most classic stirrups. Removable non-slip treads come in two colours: black and white. You'll find them as flat treads that are simply grooved, as raised treads that encourage the heels down, and as wedge treads, which are nonetheless used less and less.