Magnetic safety stirrups vs. safety stirrups - what's the difference?

Nowadays, there are many different types of safety stirrups in the market. They all have their own unique features and safety mechanisms, while the purpose of all of them is the same: to help keep riders safe in case of an accident. In the past years, magnetic safety stirrups have also entered the market, piquing the interest of both amateurs and professionals.

So, what is the difference between magnetic safety stirrups and regular safety stirrups? In this article, we will dive deeper into the subject and explain why magnetic safety stirrups have just a little bit more to give.

What are safety stirrups?

Safety stirrups are stirrups that feature a safety mechanism. The mechanism itself can be different depending on the brand that has manufactured the stirrups. For instance, peacock stirrups have a rubber band on the side and it will release in case the rider's foot gets stuck in the stirrups during a fall.

On the other hand, Freejump stirrups, for instance, have a different opening mechanism that shall bend open when pressure is put against it. As you can see, the idea is to ensure that the rider's foot releases in case of an accident. 

If you are interested in differences between different types of stirrups, you can read our blog post about the best safety stirrups.

What are magnetic safety stirrups, then?

Magnetic safety stirrups also include a release mechanism of some sort, but additionally, they feature a magnetic connection. There is a magnet at the bottom of the rider's boot and its counterpart is in the stirrups. The magnets pull towards each other, making a connection between the boot and the stirrup and placing the rider's foot in the correct spot. 

The benefit of magnetic safety stirrups compared to regular safety stirrups is that the rider's foot will always stay in the correct spot. This adjustment can help to improve the rider's balance and stability, while easing possible pressure on the knees, and ensuring the correct turnout of the rider's hip.

Ophena magnetic safety stirrups have received over 1300 five-star reviews

Ophena manufactures magnetic safety stirrups, Ophena S and Ophena S Pro, that have the safety features of a regular safety stirrup, as well as a magnetic connection.

In the video below, you can see how the Ophena magnetic safety stirrups work.

The stirrups include the following features:

  • Open design for safe release of the foot
  • Magnetic connection
  • Smart Attach™-system
  • Excellent treading
  • Stylish design

As you can see from the video, the strong magnetic connection ensures that your foot will always stay in the correct place. Should you ever fall, your foot will be released immediately, so you will not get stuck in your stirrups.

Get your own magnetic safety stirrups

Ophena has received over 1300 five-star reviews from verified customers. Both amateurs and professionals alike use our magnetic safety stirrups for showjumping, eventing, para-dressage and other disciplines. Our stirrups are exclusively sold on Ophena.com, and here is how you can order your own stirrups:

  1. Choose Ophena S or Ophena S Pro
  2. Choose the size of your magnetic insoles that are included with your purchase (you don't need special riding boots!)
  3. Choose the color (silver or black)
  4. Fill in your details and check out

We offer a 60-day money-back guarantee, which ensures that all our customers are always happy with their purchase. Also, this is how much we believe in our product!

Any questions? Feel free to reach out to our team via email or chat.