Owner’s Guide — Magnetic Stirrups Ophena X
Introduction
About this product
Ophena X is The Magnetic Stirrup™ with our magnetic connection and diamond grip in a classic closed design. With the magnetic insoles in your riding boots, the connection helps your stirrups follow your feet as you ride. You can also ride without the insoles for a traditional stirrup feel. The diamond tread gives you grip either way.
Intended use
Use Ophena X only as a riding stirrup attached to a saddle with a stirrup leather.
About this owner’s guide
This guide is for Ophena X. Read it before setting up your stirrups and taking your first ride. If you pass your stirrups on to another rider, give them this guide too.
Safety Information
WARNING — Strong magnetic field
The magnets in the stirrups and insoles can interfere with pacemakers and implanted defibrillators. If you have one of these devices or a metal implant, consult your doctor before using or handling the stirrups or insoles. Keep the stirrups and insoles away from anyone with a medical device that can be affected by magnets.
The magnets are built into the stirrups, so these precautions apply even when you ride without the magnetic insoles.
CAUTION — Pinching and metal objects
The stirrups and insoles can pull towards each other and towards metal objects. Carry one stirrup in each hand and keep your fingers clear when handling them. Do not place the magnetic insoles directly on the treads.
Before you ride, check the treads for any metal pieces the magnets may have picked up, such as nails. Remove them before mounting. Give metal gates, rails and other metal fittings extra room when handling the stirrups or riding near them.
NOTICE — Magnet-sensitive items
Keep the stirrups and insoles away from hearing aids, magnetic-stripe cards and other items that can be affected by strong magnets.
Attaching the Stirrups
Ophena X works with standard stirrup leathers. The leather passes through the slot at the top of the stirrup.
- Unbuckle the stirrup leather. If you are replacing an existing stirrup, slide it off the leather.
- Feed the free end of the leather through the slot at the top of your Ophena X. Make sure the leather lies flat in the slot.
- Buckle the leather at your usual riding length and tuck the loose end into the keeper.
- Repeat on the other side. If your stirrups have left and right markings, match them to the left and right sides of the saddle.
With the stirrups hanging down, check that the Ophena logo on the front edge of each tread faces the horse’s head. Make sure both leathers lie flat, both buckles are secure and the stirrups are set to your riding length.
Setting up the Magnetic Insoles
Putting the insoles into your riding boots
You can use the Ophena magnetic insoles in your regular riding boots.
- Carefully separate the two magnetic insoles.
- If your boots have removable insoles, take them out.
- Place one Ophena insole in each boot. Make sure it sits flat and the Ophena logo faces up, towards your foot.
Do not use the magnetic insoles together with heated insoles or other insoles with electronic components.
Trimming the insoles
If an insole is too long or too wide for your boot, you can trim it with sharp scissors or a knife. Trim a little at a time and check the fit as you go. Take care when using metal tools, as the magnets can pull the blade towards the insole.
Using the Stirrups
Before you mount
- Check that both stirrups are securely attached and that the leathers and buckles are in good condition.
- Make sure the treads and your boot soles are clean. Check the treads for trapped metal pieces.
- Wear riding boots with a heel. Check that each boot has room on both sides at its widest point and can move freely in and out of the closed stirrup.
Your first ride
Start with a calm horse in an enclosed area. Once you are mounted and your horse is standing still, place your feet in the stirrups and get a feel for the grip. If you are using the magnetic insoles, practise taking each foot out and putting it back in before you move off. Start at a walk and give yourself time to get used to the connection.
Dismounting
Bring your horse to a halt. Take your weight off the treads. If you are using the magnetic insoles, lift each boot clear of the tread to separate the magnetic connection, then slide your foot back out through the opening. Make sure both feet are completely out of the stirrups before you dismount.
Cleaning, Inspection and Storage
Cleaning the stirrups
Wipe the frame and tread with a damp cloth. Use a soft brush to loosen dirt between the diamonds. If the tread has picked up small metal pieces, carefully brush them towards the edge and off the tread. Keep the stirrups away from salt water and let them dry completely after cleaning or riding in the rain.
Checking for wear or damage
Check the frame, tread and leather slot regularly and after a hard impact. If you see a crack, a bend or a loose tread, stop using the stirrups and contact us. Check the leathers and buckles for wear and replace damaged equipment before riding again. Check your magnetic insoles regularly and replace them if they are worn or damaged.
Storing the stirrups
When you finish riding, run up and secure the stirrups on the leathers or remove them from the saddle. Store the stirrups and insoles somewhere dry, out of reach of children and away from magnet-sensitive items.
Troubleshooting
The magnetic connection feels too weak
Check that the Ophena logo faces up on each insole and that the treads and boot soles are clean. If you have another insole underneath the magnetic one, try removing it. A thicker boot sole can also make the magnetic connection feel weaker. If you’d like more grip, get in touch and we can help you decide whether our PLUS insoles would suit your boots.
The magnetic connection feels too strong
If you use PLUS insoles, try Standard. A thin, non-electronic insole underneath the magnetic insole can soften the connection, provided your boot still fits comfortably. You can also ride without the magnetic insoles. Before riding again, check that you can take both boots out of the stirrups easily.
The boot pulls to one side or feels as though it is being pushed away
Check that the stirrups are facing forward and that each insole sits flat with the logo facing up. If your stirrups have left and right markings, check that each is on the correct side. If the connection still feels uneven, contact us before riding with the magnetic insoles.
Need a Hand?
If you have a question about setting up, riding in or caring for your Ophena X, our team is happy to help. Contact the Ophena team