The long and short of it

Stirrups and their leathers are essential pieces of kit that help you maintain a safe, stable position. But problems can occur if your stirrups don’t fit your feet correctly, or if your leathers become uneven, so it’s a good idea to get clued up on all the important info so you can avoid potential issues. 

Foot first

Stirrups come in different widths to fit different sizes of feet. With the widest part of your riding boot in the stirrup it’s important to have one finger’s width between the edges of the stirrup and your boot on both sides. If there’s more room than this then your stirrups are too wide, meaning your feet could slip through. If it’s less then they’re too narrow, which means your feet might get stuck if you fall off. It’s extra important to check the fit of your stirrups when you get new boots, too!

Did you know? 

Stirrup bars are the metal pieces under the saddle’s skirt that you attach the leathers to. Check they aren’t too tight and will allow the leathers to slip off in the event of an accident.

Fab features

You can buy stirrups made from a range of materials and in lots of different designs. Aside from being the perfect fit, look for stirrups that are high quality and suitable for what you’re doing with your pony. Your stirrup choice will probably be influenced by your personal taste, too, but to ensure you’re getting the right ones, ask yourself…

• do they offer the correct grip?
• what material are they made from?
• would I prefer lightweight or slightly heavier ones?
• do they have any safety features?
• what colours do they come in?

Stretched out

Over time, your stirrup leathers can stretch or change shape, so it’s vital you check them regularly. If the leathers become uneven in length and you use them on the same number hole, you’ll be putting more pressure on one side of the saddle – and therefore your pony – than the other. This can cause him to become unbalanced, the saddle to slip and also affects your position, muscle development and strength. 

To check your leathers are the same length, remove them from your saddle and place them flat on the floor, parallel to each other. Then compare the holes – if they’re out of line, it’s time to buy a new pair. 

Top tip

The boots you ride in will affect your safety in the saddle. Make sure they have a 1cm heel, a solid section through the arch of the foot and a firm sole.

Sizing up

The length of your stirrup leathers will largely be based on your height, but this won’t be the only factor. The discipline you ride in and the length of your legs determines how long your leathers need to be, too. 

You want to buckle up your stirrups around the middle of the line of holes, so you can shorten them for jumping and lengthen them for dressage. To work out the length your leathers need to be, sit on a saddle and use a piece of rope as the leathers. At the desired length, tie a knot in the rope and measure it as your guide. 

Our expert: Tricia Nassau-Williams is a Lorinery Consultant at the British Equestrian Trade Association