Not all stirrups are created alike.
This lesson was demonstrated several years ago when I was a novice rider. It occurred on a summer day when I joined an accomplished equestrian, Judy, for a hack.
Previously, my contact with Judy had been both brief and intimidating. She responded to my newbie questions with an eye roll and a curt response. But this sunny, summer afternoon, I decided to try and win her over with a little flattery.
“Wow,” I gushed, “I love your new stirrups.”
How could I not? They were a European invasion of the best kind, LeMieux Vectors in gleaming, solid aluminum.
From her tall steed, Judy looked down where my feet rested in a pair of secondhand stirrups. They were the kind that had the tiny metal lip* that you slipped the black elastic band over.
“Thanks, but I’ve seen you ride,” Judy replied. “You’ll be wearing those beginner stirrups for a long time.”
Well, Judy was wrong. A few months later I bought Free Jump stirrups with wide leathers. My leg became steadier, my balance improved, my confidence grew.
Don’t listen to a mareish Judy at the barn. Experiment with new stirrups and leathers. And, if safety is your goal, Horse Trail Chicks has a great review on releasable stirrups.
*This style is not recommended. Should a fall occur, the lip may engage with clothing, belts or body parts!
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