Owner’s Guide — Safety Stirrups Ophena A

Thank you for choosing Ophena A. Designed in Sweden, The Safety Stirrup™ combines a clean, outwardly open design with a removable silicone outer branch, the Twister™. Our 360° double safety release lets the Twister release at two independent points and in any direction. It is designed to help free your foot in a fall.

• One-piece aluminium body. The 7-series aluminium core combines strength and flexibility with built-in dampening.
• Angled stirrup leather slot. The angled slot makes it easier to put your foot in the stirrup when it hangs from the saddle.
• The Twister™. The durable silicone outer branch is designed to release in a fall.
• Diamond grip. The hardened aerospace-grade aluminium tread has diamond-shaped points for grip and control.

Intended use

Use Ophena A only as a riding stirrup attached to a saddle with a stirrup leather. Read this guide before setting up or using your stirrups. If you pass them on to another rider, give them this guide too.

Ride only with both Twisters correctly fitted. If a Twister comes out, stop riding immediately. Clean and inspect it before refitting it. Replace it before riding again if it is cracked, has lost elasticity or no longer seats securely.

• Before mounting, check that both Twisters are seated at the top and bottom and face away from the horse.
• Check regularly that each tread is secure. If your pair has the two screws underneath each stirrup shown in the printed guide, check that both screws are secure. Stop using the stirrups and contact us if a screw or tread is loose.
• Check the release mechanism regularly and clear dirt from the recesses where the Twister sits.
• Do not drop the stirrups, run while carrying them or dismantle them.
• When you finish riding, run the stirrups up and secure them on the leathers, or take them off the saddle. Keep the stirrups and spare Twisters out of reach of children and supervise children when they handle the stirrups.

You can fit the Twisters by hand. The stirrups are marked L and R. Either Twister fits either stirrup. Each Twister has an UP end and a DOWN end.

	Step 1 Take one stirrup and one Twister. Find the markings on the two ends of the Twister.
	Step 2 Hold the Twister next to the open side of the stirrup with UP towards the leather slot. Rotate the Twister 90° from its fitted position.
	Step 3 Keep it turned at 90° and gently push the DOWN end into the lower recess beside the tread. The shaped end should slip into the matching recess without force.
	Step 4 Keep the Twister at the same angle and line up the UP end with the upper recess.
	Step 5 Gently insert the UP end. The end and the recess should fit together without force.
	Step 6 Turn the Twister back 90° so it lines up with the stirrup. Check that both ends are fully seated, then repeat for the other stirrup.

Watch how to fit a Twister. The stirrup shown in the video may look slightly different from your pair.

Ophena A fits most traditional stirrup leathers up to 30 mm wide. Unbuckle each leather and pass the free end through the angled slot at the top of the stirrup. Buckle the leather at your riding length. Check that the leathers lie flat and the buckles are secure.

Fit the stirrup marked L on the rider’s left and the stirrup marked R on the rider’s right. When the stirrups hang from the saddle, the Twister on each stirrup must face outwards, away from the horse.

• Use a soft brush to remove dirt from the tread and the Twister recesses.
• Wipe the stirrups with a damp sponge or cloth. You can use soap and warm water if needed. Dry them with a microfibre cloth and let them dry fully after wet rides.
• Inspect the Twisters regularly. As a general guide, replace them every 12 to 18 months, depending on how often and in what conditions you ride. Replace them sooner if they show wear or no longer fit securely.

Ophena Stirrup Cleaning Kit

The Twister won’t go in

Clear any dirt from the upper and lower recesses. Check that UP points towards the stirrup leather slot and that the Twister stays turned 90° while you insert both ends. The ends match the shape of the recesses. If either end still won’t seat without force, contact us before riding.

A Twister has come out

Once you have stopped riding, remove any dirt and inspect the Twister. You can refit an undamaged Twister that still seats securely at both ends. If it is missing, damaged or loose after refitting, replace it before you ride again.

You can order replacement Twisters and replacement treads for Ophena A. If the diamond pattern has worn flat, it’s time to replace the tread. The tread attachment differs between versions, so check the kit’s compatibility with your stirrups before ordering. If you’re unsure which version you have, contact us.

We want you to be happy with your stirrups. For purchases directly from Ophena.com, our 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee starts when you receive your stirrups. See our refund policy for the current conditions. If you bought your stirrups from another retailer, contact that retailer about your purchase.

If you think your stirrups have a defect, email team@ophena.com with your order number, a description of the issue and photos or video where helpful. Our terms of service explain the options for a defective product and your applicable rights.

Questions about your Ophena A? We’re happy to help. Email team@ophena.com or find us at @ophena.official.

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