What are magnetic safety stirrups? Questions answered
In the past years, there has been a lot of talk about magnetic safety stirrups. They have raised the interest of equestrians, although there is still a cloud of mystery surrounding them. What exactly are they, and how do they work? And one of the most asked questions: are magnetic safety stirrups legal in dressage and showjumping?
Today, we will answer the most common questions surrounding magnetic safety stirrups and break some myths.
What are magnetic safety stirrups?
Magnetic safety stirrups are stirrups that create a magnetic connection between the stirrups and the rider's boots. The stirrup's counterpart is typically in the insole that the rider slides into their boot. This magnetic connection keeps the rider's foot in place while riding and the connection remains even when the rider lifts their leg.
Magnetic safety stirrups have multiple benefits. For instance, a rider may experience the following:
- Improvements in posture and balance
- Decreased knee, hip, and ankle pain
- Improved use of aids
- Decreased chance of losing a stirrup while riding
You can read honest customer reviews categorized by benefits here.
In addition to magnets, all magnetic safety stirrups have a safety mechanism or safe design designed to release the rider's foot in case of an accident and decrease the chance of severe injury.
For instance, Ophena S and Ophena S Pro have an open design that allows the rider's foot to release from the stirrups quickly.
In the video below, you will see how it works:
Can you get your foot off the stirrups?
This is a question that many ponder before buying magnetic stirrups. The short answer is yes. It is easy to get your foot off the stirrups: simply tilt your foot and the connection will break.
Many believe that the connection is so strong that the rider's foot would get stuck in the stirrup when falling off: this is not the case. The purpose of magnetic safety stirrups is to do the exact opposite.
Are magnetic safety stirrups safe?
Yes, they are. Magnetic safety stirrups have been designed with safety in mind, and their ultimate purpose is to decrease the chance of serious accidents.
For instance, thanks to the magnetic connection, there is a lower chance of a rider losing their stirrup during a showjumping course. Also, the safety aspect of magnetic stirrups is to allow the rider's foot to release easier in case of an accident.
Remember: the stirrups have magnets
When handling magnetic safety stirrups, you should keep in mind that they do have magnets and they will pull towards metal. For instance, you should always remember to keep your stirrups pulled up the stirrup leathers until you are ready to mount. Pulling the stirrups down on the stable aisle for instance, could cause the stirrups to get stuck onto a door handle (for example) and cause your horse to panic. But that is easy to avoid.
Are magnetic safety stirrups legal?
Our magnetic safety stirrups, Ophena S and Ophena S Pro, have been approved by the FEI for showjumping. Many riders have snatched ribbons and medals at shows while using our stirrups.
However, magnetic stirrups are not currently allowed for dressage (excluding para-dressage, pending the judge's approval).
You should always check this matter with your national equestrian federation since rules and regulations between countries may vary.
If you'd like to get stirrups suitable for all disciplines, look at Ophena A, our non-magnetic safety stirrup.
Can kids use magnetic safety stirrups?
Kids can also use magnetic safety stirrups if the stirrup size fits them. It is essential to remember that a child's foot is smaller than an adult's, and the stirrup size should be fitted accordingly. As a general rule, when you place the child's boot in the middle of the stirrup, there should be an inch of space on both sides.
If the stirrups are too big, the kid's foot can easily slip through the stirrup and cause dangerous situations.
Can para equestrians use magnetic safety stirrups?
Magnetic safety stirrups are excellent for para-equestrians. The magnetic connection can help to keep the rider's foot in the stirrups in many situations. For instance, if the rider has lost feeling in their legs or they have nerve damage, magnetic safety stirrups can be a tremendous help.
Are magnetic safety stirrups worth it?
Our magnetic safety stirrups have received over 1,300 five-star reviews, and equestrians worldwide have fallen in love with our magnetic safety stirrups. Remember, you get what you pay for,
Order your safety stirrups at Ophena.com.
Ophena.com focuses on manufacturing safety stirrups that increase the rider's safety. We offer Ophena S and Ophena S Pro, which are magnetic safety stirrups suitable for showing in showjumping.
We also offer Ophena A, a standard safety stirrup without magnets. Instead, it features patent-pending release technology.
You can order your stirrups in our shop with a few simple steps.
- Choose the stirrup model you like
- Choose your preferred color
- (Choose the size of your magnetic insoles for Ophena S and Ophena S Pro)
- Decide if you want to engrave
- Add to cart
Your new stirrups will arrive as soon as possible, and you will have a 60-day money-back guarantee: that's how much we believe you will fall in love with your stirrups!
