8 best safety stirrups for adults - pros and cons. Direct comparison.

Pros:

• Flexible outside branches
• Supports better leg position
• Offers a great grip for your foot

Cons:

• You should have protectors to prevent scratches on your saddle after they are pulled up
• There was an incident, where Freejump stirrups broke in the middle of a 5* showjumping course
• They "can be weakened by a violent shock or a particularly intensive use"

Foot Free Safety Stirrup Irons

Classic look with extra safety that appeals especially for dressage riders.

Pros:

• Durable and stainless steel
• Curved outer edge provides more safety
• Good foot position

Cons:

• Not much grip
• Not the best option for showjumpers
• Safer than a "standard" stirrup, but no release mechanism to reliably get loose.

Royal King Metal Endurance Stirrups

These stirrups have a cage over your toe. They may look intense, but they ensure that your foot will not slip through the stirrups.

Pros:

• Your foot will not slide through them
• Shock absorbing features that are especially useful for endurance riders

Cons:

• Must be placed over the saddle
• Many screws and bolts that require regular checks
• Not very beautiful
• Not a good option for show jumping or dressage

MDC Super Sport Stirrups

Flexible joint stirrups that have a classy look with added safety.

Pros:

• Aluminum tread that provides good traction
• Classy look that suits every discipline
• The stirrups can be set in 3 different positions

Cons:

• Not the most effective safety stirrup
• Pretty pricy option

Tuff Rider Stainless Steel Peacock Stirrups

One of the most traditional models that have been on the market for a long time.

Pros:

• The rubber band on the side should release in case of an accident.
• Reasonable price
• Stainless steel

Cons:

• Intended for lightweight riders under 50 kilograms
• Rubber bands will have to be changed regularly
• Cases know of riders getting injured from sharp parts around the mechanism that holds the rubber band
• Not well designed

EquiRoyal Safety Stirrups

Classy and stylish look that suits especially dressage riders. A curved model with some extra safety.

Pros:

• The curved side helps your foot to release
• No moving parts
• A stylish look that suits especially dressage riders

Cons:

• Only available in 4,5 inch
• Not the best option for beginners
• Not a real safety stirrup

OnTyte magnetic stirrups

One of the few magnetic safety stirrups in the market that have gotten a lot of attention among riders.

Pros:

• Magnetic stirrup that helps your foot to stay in the correct spot
• Lightweight stirrup
• Great for showjumpers

Cons:

• Expensive stirrup option
• Steelplates must be permanently attached to the shoe by a shoe maker. Steelplates must also be exchanged regularly as they bend from walking.
• Plastic stirrup makes it look a bit cheap
• Not approved for dressage competitions

 

Sprenger - Safety Stirrups Bow Balance

Sprenger is a well-known stirrup and bit manufacturer from Germany that produces quality products with world-wide presence.

Pros:

• A good rubber grip that keeps your foot in place
• Made from Stainless steel
• Users say that jumping is comfortable and feet won't get tired
• Very ergonomic to help with knee-pain

Cons:

• Not a real safety stirrup. You can still slip through and get caught.
• Some riders like to ride with the flexible joints, some do not.

Ophena A - The Safety Stirrup™

The recently release safety stirrups from Swedish brand Ophena are the Ophena A. These stirrups are not magnetic, as their Ophena S or Ophena S Pro contrapart, but they are equaly exceptional stirrups that offer superior grip, comfort, and safety, thanks to its cutting-edge technology and sleek styling.

Pros:

• Very good grip and Integrated dampening
•  The Twister™, a patent pending flexible silicone arm that can release in all directions
• Approved for all disciplines
• High-end materials: the core is made out of solid aerospace-grade aluminum

Cons:

• Only available for adults
• Not the cheapest safety stirrup

 

Which stirrups are the safest?

If we have to rank stirrups from safest to least safe, we would rank them according to their likelihood of getting your feet caught in case of a fall. Open stirrups like the magnetic safety stirrups from Ophena would rank the safest, together with fully-enclosed endurance stirrups like the one from Royal King. Stirrups with an opening or break away mechanism, which shall release your feet when a certain force is applied, come second. The third place goes to models with flexible joint arms and those with bent arms, which make it less likely to get caught but are not really safety stirrups either. The least safe are, of course, traditional stirrups which simply don't provide any safety features at all.

You can see an overview below:

Safety Level	Stirrup Type	Examples
Very safe	Stirrups with an open side or full enclosure	Ophena, Royal King Endurance
Quite safe	Stirrups with an opening or break away mechanism	Freejump, Peacock
Less safe	Stirrups with flexible joint arms or bent arm	Sprenger Bow Balance, Equiroyal
Not safe	Traditional, closed stirrups	various

 

How to pick the correct safety stirrups?

As we have seen above, not all models are alike and there are big differences when it comes to the level of safety they provide. When choosing one for yourself, the first thing you should decide how important safety is for you. For instance, showjumpers and eventers need a model that is very effective and safe, because severe accidents are more likely to happen in showjumping and eventing than in dressage, for instance. Then again, accidents can happen in any discipline. And if they do, you'll be thankful if you have better safety gear.

Apart from that, take into account the style and material that you prefer. Most riders prefer heavier stirrups (e.g. from stainless steel or aluminium) over those made of plastic, but some riders like the lightness that plastic ones provide.

In addition, consider the price you are prepared to pay. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for, and you should invest money for your safety. It is of course understandable that not everyone has hundreds of euros to spend on stirrups, but make the math: If you buy a high-quality safety stirrup for, say, 300€ and use it for at least 3 years, that's 100€ per year. If you ride twice a week that's less than 1€ per ride! Doesn't sound that bad anymore, does it?

Can you try safety stirrups before buying?

When investing in equipment, you of course want to make the right decision. So how can you be sure? Test first! Some brands and retailers offer the possibility to try the stirrups out and return them if they are not for you. For instance Ophena offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. This is a huge advantage and should certainly considered when making a purchase. 

 

Frequently asked questions

What size stirrups do I need?

Your safety stirrups should measure the size or your foot plus one inch, or 2,5 centimeters. You can measure this with a measuring tape, or by placing your foot in the stirrup and then placing your index finger next to it. Note that magnetic stirrups typically only come in one size, which works perfectly well for children and adults alike (more about that here).

Does my child need safety stirrups?

Absolutely! However, keep in mind that children should have smaller stirrups than adults. If the stirrup is too big, your child's foot can slide through it, creating dangerous situations. Some brands offer safety stirrups for young riders. Magnetic safety stirrups usually only come in one size, because the magnetic system keeps the feet in place.

Are magnetic safety stirrups, such as Ophena S, accepted at horse shows?

Magnetic safety stirrups are approved by the FEI and many other equestrian federations for. You should check with your national federation about this regarding shows in your own country. When it comes to our Ophena S magnetic safety stirrups, you can see the list of federations that have approved these stirrups.

How to use safety stirrups?

The best part about these products is that you don't have to do anything to activate them. In fact, you don't even have to give them another thought after you have attached them to your stirrup leathers. The only thing you should do is clean them regularly, particularly the tread.

What are Freejump stirrups?

Freejump safety stirrups are stirrups from a French brand, aimed at show jumpers. They have been designed in cooperation with some of the best riders in the world.

Freejump stirrups have gained a lot of popularity, but in a recent five star Grand Prix showjumping show, Henrick Von Eckermann fell off of his horse, Mary Lou, when his Freejump stirrup broke. Freejump stirrups breaking is an unfortunate event, and the company says they are investigating why this happened.

How do Ophena magnetic safety stirrups work?

These stirrups contain magnets and come together with a pair of magnetic insoles (included in the price). That way, you can use your existing riding boots: simply put the magnetic insoles in there and you are ready to go. The magnetic feature holds the stirrups to your feet and release safely in case of a fall or when you need to. You can also find more detailed descriptions here and a video below:

Should I buy the Ophena A or the Ophena S?

Both Ophena S and Ophena A were designed for maximum safety. Both have a sophisticated design and patented technologies to maximise your safety. And both started with the idea of an open design. 

The Ophena S has a fully open design, which provides a large area for your foot to escape in case of a fall. There are no release mechanisms in the way, allowing for a clean and easy dismount. The magnetic connection, which keeps your feet securely attached during the ride, easily breaks in case of a fall, providing added safety for riders. The Ophena A, on the other hand, features a closed design with a soft piece called the Twister™, which is connected to the main stirrup body at two separate points. The Twister™ is designed to release in any direction and regardless of where the force is applied, providing a very high level of safety for riders. 

Besides the safety feature, consider which discipline you practice and your level of experience. The Ophena A  is a classic safety stirrup suitable for all disciplines, while the Ophena S is magnetic safety stirrup best for showjumping or riders that want to gain confidence and improve their overall posture. You can find a deeper comparison here.

 

 

Conclusion

These models are one of the most important pieces of safety gear you can get when you're riding. They are important for every rider, no matter their level or discipline. Take a while to compare and review different types of safety stirrups and pick the ones that suit you the best. If you have any questions, you can always reach out to our team.