Stirrups

STIRRUPS

To save wear on both the stirrups and stirrup leathers caused by mounting from the horse's right side, swap the stirrup leathers over every week or so.

After dismounting, always draw the stirrups up the understraps to avoid them striking the horse as you lead it and to make it easier for you to handle and carry the saddle later.

To remove stirrup leathers the easiest way, tilt the saddle forwards while it is placed on a hard surface. By pressing on the cantle the stirrup bars will then move out from the tree, enabling the stirrup leathers can be detached.

Stirrup leathers are at the right length when, if you sit on the horse with your legs hanging down the sides of your horse, the bottom of the stirrup is level with your ankle.

Stirrups are at the right length if the bottom of the stirrup is level with your armpit while your fingertips reach up and touch the stirrup bar.