Sep 27, 2020

How do you fit safety stirrups?

Having safety stirrups is one of the most important things that you can do as a rider to ensure your own safety. Just like you have to fit your helmet and other safety gear, you should make sure that your safety stirrups fit well, too. Tack and safety gear that is not correctly fitted can, after all, risk your safety instead of improving it.

In this article, we will look at how you can easily fit your safety stirrups and make sure they are the correct size.

What kind of safety stirrups should I get?

In today’s market, there are many different kinds of stirrups. For instance, you will find magnetic safety stirrups (such as Ophena S and Ophena T), peacock stirrups, Freejump stirrups, and many others. They each have their own unique features and designs. At the end of the day, in order to pick the safety stirrups that are the best for you, you will need to think about things that are important to you.

For instance, take into account the following:

Safety features (such as the safety mechanism that releases your foot)
Material
Design and aesthetics
Price
Return policies

For instance, Ophena S and Ophena T magnetic safety stirrups have a magnetic connection, a foot stopper, an open side, and a Smart Attach -system. The magnetic connection keeps your foot in the right place and helps you to catch your stirrup back quicker should you lose it. The open side, on the other hand, ensures that your foot will be released in case of an accident.

Depending on the brand and the type of stirrup, you will have many different options to choose from. Think about what is important to you and pick the safety stirrups accordingly.

What size safety stirrup should I get?

Generally, there are sizes for grown ups and for children. You should make sure that you have about an inch on each side of your foot, when you place your foot in the stirrup. This way, your foot will easily release in case of an accident, but will not slip through the stirrup.

This is why children and grown ups should always have their own stirrups. A stirrup that is too big can cause an accident, if the child’s foot slides through the stirrup. On the other hand, if a grown up’s stirrup is too small (child sized), their foot can get stuck.

Incorrect size can be dangerous

Remember, that the size of your safety stirrup plays a big part in safety. Your boot can easily get stuck in stirrups that are too small, while your foot may easily slip through a stirrup that is too big.

Also, you should always use riding boots or shoes that are meant for riding. For instance, a regular boot that is not meant for riding can be too wide, which (in return) will make the stirrup too small. The same goes for other non-riding shoes that may be narrower or not have a heel: these kind of shoes may easily slip through the stirrups. Safety first!

Order safety stirrups online

You can easily order safety stirrups online or buy them at a local tack store. Going to a store will allow you to try the stirrup and see if the size fits. However, if you order them online, ensure that there is a return policy in place that will allow you to return the stirrups should you so choose.

For instance, when you order safety stirrups through us, you can return the stirrups within 60 days. We also have a money-back guarantee. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know my safety stirrups are the right size?

Your stirrups should have about an inch on either side of your foot when you place your foot in the middle of the stirrup. If you need help with the right size, contact your local tack store (or us!).