How long stirrup leathers do I need?
Usually, stirrup leathers don't come with the saddle, so you will have to buy them separately. Your first goal is to have leathers that are long enough for your preferred discipline. Your second goal is to color-coordinate the leathers to match the color of your saddle.
Types of stirrup leathers
Generally, there are three different types of leathers for stirrups: traditional, synthetic and lined.
Traditional stirrup leathers are made of leather and they are easy to use and keep clean. If needed, you can even add holes to them. The only downside is that they may stretch over time, depending on the habits of the rider.
Synthetic leather for stirrups made by those saddle manufacturers that produce synthetic saddles. They are easy to clean as well. However, you should not put synthetic stirrup leathers in a regular leather saddle, as the synthetic material can scratch the leather.
Lines stirrup leathers are made of a nylon core with soft leather lining on the outside. The nylon inside is made to protect the stirrups against stretching. The downside of them is that you cannot punch holes in them, or cut them if needed.
What to consider when choosing stirrup leathers?
In addition to the material, you should consider the width of the leathers as well as the spaces between the holes. Usually, the holes can be either a half an inch or a full inch apart from each other. If you need a very specific length, half an inch between holes is better.
Also, the width is important and mainly a matter of preference. Especially small riders, such as children, should usually use more narrow leathers.
In addition, you might want to consider the type of buckle the leathers have. Some are curved, some straight and some made of stainless steel.
Color of your stirrup leather
It is usually preferred among riders to choose leathers so that they match the color of the saddle. If your saddle is black, you will have absolutely no trouble matching your stirrup leathers. However, if your saddle is brown, you should use some time to find the correct color match.
Often times, the leathers won't match perfectly in color with your brown saddle. This is because stirrup leathers are made of different leather than the saddle and they absorb color dye differently.
Also, take into account that brown saddles usually darken over time after conditioning.
New stirrup leathers from Ophena
Ophena manufactures soft and luxurious calfskin stirrup leathers with a nylon core. Our modern stirrup leathers are made for durability and function, and they are perfect for all Ophena stirrups.
Don't worry, you can use them with other stirrups too.
Our stirrup leathers are available in black, chocolate, and cognac and they're dyed using soluble dyes.
The best part? You can have your stirrup leathers engraved!
Stirrup leather length
The length of your stirrup leather varies depending on how tall you are and what your preferred discipline is.
Usually, jumpers use 54 inch leathers. If you are short, you might want to choose stirrup leathers that are between 48 and 52 inches. On the other hand, tall riders may require 56 inch stirrup leathers.
For dressage, the average length is 60 inches. If you are short, 56 or 58 inches may be enough. On the other hand, tall riders might want to consider 62-67 inch stirrup leather.
Measure your stirrup leather length
It is easy to measure the correct length for your stirrups.
1. Measure the length of your arm from your armpit to the tips of your fingers for jumpers. Or inseam of your leg to the ankle bone for dressage riders.
2. Double the measurement
3. Add a couple of inches for jumpers, or 6-8 inches for dressage riders
Don't forget your stirrups
You will also need to buy stirrups for your saddle. Safety stirrups are the most popular stirrups these days. If you haven't bought stirrups yet, see how you can buy safety stirrups online.
Take a look at Ophena safety stirrups: Smart Attach -system changes the game
Ophena magnetic safety stirrups are safe, stylish, and easy to use. One of our most amazing features is the Smart Attach -system that makes it easy for you to attach and detach your stirrups from the stirrup leathers.
Take a look at how they work:
Ready to order your own Ophena's?
Ophena magnetic safety stirrups are only available at Ophena.com. We currently have two models that feature the Smart Attach™ -system (Ophena S and Ophena S Pro) and one non-magnetic safety stirrup (Ophena A) with an easy clip system for your stirrup leathers.
You can easily order your own Ophena stirrups like this.
- Choose your stirrup model from our shop
- Choose the stirrup color
- Choose the size of your magnetic insoles (Ophena S and Ophena S Pro)
- Fill in your shipping details
All our stirrups come with a 60-day money-back guarantee: that's how much we believe you will love them! In fact, our magnetic safety stirrups already have over 1300 five-star reviews. Read the stirrup reviews and find out why!
Not looking for magnetic safety stirrups? Try Ophena A!
While our magnetic safety stirrups are the most loved ones, and for a good reason, they might not be suitable for everyone. For instance, dressage riders may not want to use magnetic safety stirrups all the time, as they are not allowed at FEI shows.
We have good news: Ophena A is here.
Ophena A is a non-magnetic safety stirrup with patent-pending technology that makes your ride a little safer.
In the video below, you will see how Ophena A works:
Frequently asked questions
What is the best material for stirrup leathers?
There are a few options for you to choose from: you can have real leather, synthetic leather, or liner. Whichever option is the best for you, that is the one you should get. Ultimately, they all have their pros and cons. However, most riders prefer real leather.
How much should I spend?
Usually, you get what you pay for. You should always ensure that the product you buy is of good quality, especially when it comes to stirrup leathers. Bad quality leathers can stretch or break.
Where should I buy them?
You can purchase your leathers either online or from a local tack store. If you already know what you want, online might be the way to go. However, if you don't, it might be worth it to check out options at your local tack store.
How often should I replace my stirrup leathers?
Stirrup leathers do show wear and tear after some time of use. For instance, they might start stretching, which will ultimately (in a long run) cause them to snap. So, inspect your stirrup leathers on a regular basis and replace them when needed. Also, remember not to use oil for stirrup leathers when cleaning them, as it will make them softer and aid in stretching of the material.
Conclusion
Choosing the correct length for your stirrups is essential, as when they are too short, you might run out of length. And if they are too long, you will have too much leeway flapping around that you do not need. Remember, that you should always check your stirrup leathers regularly for wear and tear, and replace them when needed.
