Magnetic Safety Stirrups · Safety Stirrups ·Dec 29, 2023

Which stirrups are the safest?

Riding horses is a sport that entices people of all backgrounds and ages. While we love the sport and would do anything to get on a horse and enjoy a ride, it's still essential to remember one thing: safety first. Stirrups are one of the most important things to consider when thinking about safety.

Since there are so many different kinds of stirrups on the market, many riders wonder which ones they should choose. Which stirrups are the safest?

There are many excellent options available, and in this article, we will look at how you can recognize the safest stirrups and choose the right ones for you.

Safety stirrups: the safest stirrups on the market

As mentioned earlier, there are multiple amazing stirrup types on the market. Safety stirrups are always a better option than non-safety stirrups when trying to decide which stirrups are the safest.

The challenge is to choose the right kind of safety stirrups from all the available options.

When you want to choose the safest stirrups for you, there are certain factors you need to consider. Not all stirrups are suitable for all riders or all disciplines and whereas one stirrup type is excellent for dressage, it may not be the best for jumping, and vice versa.

The safest stirrups are safety stirrups that are the right size and have the kind of safety mechanism that serves your purpose.

Below, we will look at different factors you should consider when choosing the safest stirrups for you.

Size: the stirrups should be the correct size

Good news is that there are not that many stirrup sizes from which to choose. Typically, you will encounter stirrups for children and adults, and you won't need to think about sizing too much.

However, it is essential to understand that if the stirrups are too small or too big, the risk of getting injured is greater.

If the stirrup is too small, there is a risk of your foot getting stuck in the stirrup. ON the other hand, a stirrup that's too big allows your foot to slip through, which can be very dangerous. The latter is especially a risk when choosing the safest stirrups for children.

Ensure that there are about 1,0-1,5 inches of room between the stirrup and your boot on both sides.

Weight can affect the riding experience

Nowadays, you will have your choice of stirrup materials. For instance, there are aluminum, steel, and plastic stirrups available, and they all have different weights.

Plastic and aluminum are lighter than steel, and this can play a part in your riding experience.

When it comes to choosing the right weight, it really comes down to preference. Heaver stirrups provide more stability, which can be a determining factor when choosing the best and safest stirrups.

Safety features should be the main factor

When looking for the safest stirrups, obviously you will need to pay attention to the safety features.

Nowadays, there are many stirrups with unique and innovative safety features. Ultimately all safety stirrups have the same agenda: have a safety mechanism that opens in case of an accident.

These safety features can work in different ways depending on the stirrup type and brand.

For instance, Ophena S magnetic safety stirrups have an open design that allows the rider's foot to release in case of an accident.

In the video below, you will see how the release mechanism works with our Ophena S and Ophena S Pro.

On the other hand, the safety mechanism on our Ophena A works a little differently.

Instead of an open design, Ophena A features The Twister: a patent-pending safety mechanism that allows the rider's foot to release more easily. The outer side of the stirrup is closed with a silicone piece that anchors at two points and releases in every direction.

Here's how it works:

How can other features affect the safety of your stirrups?

Many additional features in safety stirrups can greatly affect your riding experience and safety.

For instance:

Magnetic connection
Treading
Flexibility and integrated dampening

Magnetic safety stirrups have become more and more popular in recent years. The magnetic connection in the stirrup can help you to keep your foot in the stirrup even during rougher rides, which can ultimately make your riding experience safer. Also, should you lose your stirrup, it's easier to get it back on with the magnetic connection pulling towards its counterpart.

Good treading can also have a big impact on how safe your riding experience is. When your treading is good, your foot will stay in place better even it's rainy or muddy outside. For instance, Ophena A's treding provides you with optimal grip.

Thanks to modern technology, many stirrups have integrated dampening and improved flexibility. This can help you to keep your stirrups on when riding, and it can decrease joint pain thanks to shock absorption.

Are safety stirrups worth the price?

Safety stirrups are important when choosing safety gear. If you don't use safety stirrups with a release mechanism, you run a risk of getting stuck in your stirrups in case of a fall. In the worst-case scenario, you may even get dragged behind the horse if your foot doesn't release.

In short, safety stirrups are worth the money. Riding horses is a risky sport and safety stirrups are just as important as a helmet when choosing safety gear.