Dressage · Safety Stirrups · Showjumping ·Jan 11, 2024

How to put safety stirrup on a saddle

When you buy a saddle or want to switch your current stirrups for new ones, you need to figure out how to put safety stirrups on a saddle. Good news is that putting stirrups on an English saddle is not very hard, and you can easily do it on your own even if you’ve never done it before.

It is essential to know which way safety stirrups go on the saddle and you should also know how to attach and detach them. It will be very useful for you as a rider, as there will be many scenarios where you will have to switch your stirrups or put a new pair on your new saddle.

In this article, we will look at how you can put safety stirrups on a saddle.

What are safety stirrups?

First, what are safety stirrups? They are stirrups designed with a specific safety feature that allows the rider’s foot to release in case of a fall. This will decrease the risk of the rider getting stuck in the stirrups and being dragged behind the horse.

Safety stirrups come in many different designs and there are many brands that manufacture and design safety stirrups for English riding. Dressage riders, showjumpers, eventers, and even trail riders can benefit from safety stirrups as they bring another layer of safety to your riding hobby.

For instance, Ophena’s safety stirrups come in two different models: as magnetic and non-magnetic safety stirrups.

The magnetic safety stirrups from Ophena feature an open design that allows the rider’s foot to release easier in case of an accident. Also, the magnetic connection in the stirrups keeps the rider’s foot in place during the ride.

Ophena also manufactures a non-magnetic safety stirrup, Ophena A, that is suitable for all disciplines. While it does not have a magnetic connection, it does feature The Twister: a silicone piece that attaches at two anchor points and releases in all directions.

How to put safety stirrups on an English saddle

Before you start putting your safety stirrups on your saddle, make sure you have everything you need: your stirrups, stirrup leathers, and preferably a hoof pick, as it will come in handy.

First, slide your safety stirrup onto the stirrup leathers and make sure they are the right way round.

Then, lift the saddle skirt that is protecting the buckle of the stirrup leathers (it’s a small leather flap right under your leg). You will find a metal hook. Your job is to slide the stirrup leathers under the hook and loop it so that you can attach it to the buckle.

After the stirrup is slipped onto the stirrup leathers, you can let the stirrup hang. Grab a hold of the non-buckle side of the leathers with your other hand and with the help of your hoof pick, help the stirrup leather to slide under the metal hook.

Finally, attach the stirrup leathers to the buckle and measure the length of your stirrups.

In this video below, you will see a good demonstration on how to put stirrups on a saddle.

How long stirrups should I have?

The correct length of your stirrups depends on the discipline you’ve chosen. For instance, jumpers tend to have a lot shorter stirrups compared to dressage riders. On the other hand, trail riders and leisure riders may choose a stirrup length that’s between jumpers and dressage stirrups.

Generally, you can measure your stirrup length by putting your fingertips over the buckle on the stirrup leathers, and stretching the stirrup to your armpit. The stirrup irons should touch your armpit when your arm is fully extended.

From here, it will be easy to adjust the stirrups shorter or longer depending on your preference and discipline.

Also, many English stirrup leathers have numbers, so it will be easy for you to match your stirrup length on both sides.

Ophena magnetic safety stirrups with easy attachment

Ophena magnetic safety stirrups, Ophena S and Ophena S Pro, have received excellent reviews. Both of our magnetic safety stirrup models feature an open design, effective treading, stainless steel frame, and a magnetic connection between the rider’s magnetic insoles and the stirrup.

Additionally, these stirrup models have Smart Attach™-system that makes it very easy to attach and detach your stirrups from your stirrup leathers.

In the video below, you will see how our Smart Attach™-system works and how easy it is.

Have you ordered your own Ophena stirrups yet?

If our Smart Attach™-system and magnetic connection aren’t enough to convince you, you should take a look at our stirrup reviews. Over 1,900 five-star reviews show why people love our stirrups.

If you would like to order your own magnetic safety stirrups from Ophena, you can do it by following these steps.