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Last updated: 6 Sep 2022
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The Best Horse Stirrups

Best Overall
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YNR ® Horse Riding Stirrups
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Most Durable
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Amidale Flexi Horse Riding Stirrups
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Most Lightweight
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Kerbl Horse Riding Stirrup
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By Editor
Published 6 Sep 2022
Show contents
  • 1 YNR ® Horse Riding Stirrups
  • 2 Amidale Flexi Horse Riding Stirrups
  • 3 Kerbl Horse Riding Stirrup

Stirrups are must-have accessories whether you ride professionally or recreationally. They reduce the impact on your joints during jumps and make your overall riding experience more enjoyable. Some stirrups are adjustable for a snug fit, while others have open designs that are safer if you fall. Read on for our top riding stirrups. 

1

YNR ® Horse Riding Stirrups

– Best Overall
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Key Features

These black horse stirrups provide reliable support to mount your horse and ease tension in your knees, calves, hips, knees, and ankles. They are easy to clean and available in three colours.

THE SCOOP

These horse stirrups have a safe, ergonomic design and are flexible, which allows them to move in four different directions simultaneously. They are anti-skid to ensure they remain on your feet as your ride and are easy to release if an emergency occurs. They are simple to attach and adaptable to the movement of any rider.

Pros
  • Sturdy, flexible designs
  • Substantial support for your joints
  • Easy to remove in emergencies 
Cons
  • They are heavy
2

Amidale Flexi Horse Riding Stirrups

– Most Durable
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Key Features

These horse riding stirrups are available in six sizes to cater to all riders and provide enough cushioning and support for your ankles. They are lightweight and let you mount and unmount with ease.

THE SCOOP

These horse stirrups have superior-quality stainless steel constructions and adapt perfectly to the rider’s movements to soften the strain on your cartilage and ligaments. They have black treading to prevent your feet from slipping off and loops at the top to secure them to your saddle. They are sturdy and durable to withstand continuous use.

Pros
  • Black anti-skid threads
  • Available in many sizes
  • Safe and easy to wear
Cons
  • Not rust-resistant
3

Kerbl Horse Riding Stirrup

– Most Lightweight
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Key Features

These horse riding stirrups are comfortable to wear and simple to attach to various kids’ saddles. They come in a set of two and are 12cm long.

THE SCOOP

These horse riding stirrups have rough slip-resistant threading to keep your feet in place and heavy-duty stainless steel construction for lasting strength and performance. They have open soles and are rust-resistant to maintain their sleek, shiny appearances. They are extra light and the perfect size for small kids.

Pros
  • Solid steel constructions
  • Perfect for kids’ feet
  • Slip-resistant threading
Cons
  • They may be too small for some kids

Buying Guide

Stirrups are a fantastic accessory that helps you to maintain your balance, seat and position on your horse while riding. The following guide will help you choose the best pair for you.

  • Size: To ensure your safety, only use correctly sized stirrups. Too big, your foot will slide right through, but too small, and your foot can get stuck. Getting stuck in your stirrups is terrifying, so it is always best to size them correctly. Make sure you can fit one finger on either side of the widest part of your riding boot in the stirrup. 
  • Material: Modern stirrups no longer consist of iron but aluminium, various metals, stainless steel and plastic. Some materials are more lightweight than others, but the material you select ultimately depends on preference. Most people prefer more lightweight stirrups, although some riders like heavier ones for jump stability.
  • Design: Some stirrups have fixed bases, while others have pivoting ones. Swinging bases in multiple directions provides better comfort and flexibility, which reduces pain and softens the impact on your joints. 
  • Thread: Various tread styles provide grip while your boot is in the stirrup. Rubber treads are a popular choice since they offer a sturdy grip. There are also metal treads with a cheese-grater texture that grips your soles securely, particularly if your boots get wet.
  • Safety features: Some stirrups have an easy-release mechanism to prevent you from getting dragged and trampled if you fall off your horse. Beginners and children should opt for safety stirrups since they can usually release their feet from the stirrup relatively in emergencies. They typically work by releasing their grip when you apply pressure, causing them to unclip and freeing the rider. Some stirrups also feature shock absorption to relieve tension in the ankles, calves and knees.
  • Riding style: Your style of riding or riding discipline can influence the type of stirrups you select. 
  • Comfort: Ill-fitting stirrups can cause pain in your ankles and knees. You should ensure they fit and grip your boots comfortably with an appropriate tread to reduce possible pain.

FAQs

Q: What are horse stirrups?

A: Horse stirrups are the rings or frames that hold a rider’s foot, usually attached to the saddle via a strap. They support the rider’s feet while riding and help them mount the horse. Stirrups often comprise stainless steel, metal and other similar materials. They should be durable and rust-resistant. Horse stirrups feature a loop frame with a flat base and a pad with threading to improve your grip while riding. 

Q: Are stirrups necessary for horseback riding?

A: Stirrups, while providing comfort and convenience, are unnecessary for riding. They make it much easier to grip your horse, allowing you to sit comfortably. However, remove the stirrups, and you might feel you will fall off the horse. Many classical riding schools require their students to learn to ride without stirrups, which improves their seat, effectively enhancing their ability to hold on to the horse. Riders who don’t use stirrups have a better, deeper seat for superior balance and more independence. Many inexperienced and casual riders use stirrups to mitigate the risks associated with some horse riding styles. They allow you to mount your horse far easier than without it. They serve as footrests and can prevent fatigue during long rides. Some horses can become nervous when riders stop using stirrups. Horses become accustomed to the looser feel of your legs in the stirrups. You will naturally grip the horses’ sides with your legs if you get rid of the stirrups, but it can make them uncomfortable or tense.   

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By Editor
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