Stirrups & Safety Stirrups as the Key to Balance
For a stable seat in the saddle
Stirrups are essential for you as a rider, as they ensure a stable seat in the saddle—especially at faster gaits or on uneven terrain. Choosing the right stirrups not only makes mounting easier but also helps train your leg position over time, which significantly improves your balance. Non-slip treads provide more control and safety while riding, even in wet weather. High-quality models are designed to prevent pressure points on longer rides and increase overall comfort. In case of a sudden fall, the right stirrup shape is especially important, as it greatly reduces the risk of getting your foot caught. Choosing the right stirrups for you and your horse therefore means not only more stability, but also a key contribution to your health and well-being while riding.
Our Range of Stirrups
In our online shop, you can order Freejump stirrups in various widths for professionals, experienced riders, young riders, and children. These stirrups have proven to be comfortable, safe, and easy to use. They feature a patented outer arm made of Elastollan®, which releases the foot easily in the event of a fall. A wide footbed with non-slip studs, an ABS arm and shell, and a coil spring ensure high user comfort, perfect foot positioning, and optimal shock absorption.
Sprenger stirrups, available in our shop in various models and sizes, are particularly sturdy while remaining comfortable and optimally balanced. They fit perfectly against the horse and provide extra grip thanks to a wide tread and inserts made of two different rubber hardness levels. Their proven safety system ensures foot release in the event of a fall – which is why they are also known as safety stirrups. The flexible movement in four directions helps protect ligaments and tendons. Sprenger also offers individual stirrup inserts, including stainless steel options.
We also offer innovative stirrups from Prestige. With their interchangeable footbeds, they allow for a quick change between different tread weights (400 g / 650 g) and offer great comfort for every rider.
Material Choices for Functionality and Style
Stainless steel stirrups are known for being particularly durable and low-maintenance, giving your gear a timeless, classic look. If you prefer lightweight equipment, aluminum stirrups are an excellent choice—aluminum not only reduces weight but also offers a wide range of color options to reflect your individual style. Plastic stirrups stand out for their modern lightness and are often designed with shock-absorbing features for added comfort. A powder-coated surface protects your stirrups from scratches and weather influences while creating a refined appearance suitable for both competitions and everyday riding. Many materials are available in sporty or elegant designs, allowing functionality to meet style. This way, you can find the perfect material for your riding style. If you're looking for a special highlight, gold-colored stirrups offer a stylish way to complete your look.
Finding the Right Stirrups for Every Rider
It’s important that your stirrups and stirrup leathers are perfectly tailored to your needs, as they cannot fulfill their purpose otherwise. One essential factor: the size of the stirrups must match the rider’s foot and the size of the riding boots to ensure optimal functionality.
Stirrups contribute not only to riding comfort but also to the prevention of riding accidents—which is why they have been in use for centuries. The first stirrups made of wood or metal were already used in 4th-century China and later spread through Japan and Korea to Europe. Today’s models are mostly made from stainless steel, but materials like aluminum, plastic, or leather (for Western stirrups) are also common.
Stirrups are part of the basic riding equipment and help you maintain a flexible and balanced seat. The following types of stirrups can be distinguished:
- Classic stirrups
- Safety stirrups
- Icelandic stirrups
- Stirrups with offset eyes
- Western stirrups
Classic models, also known as English stirrups, are narrow and usually equipped with rubber inserts to prevent the foot from slipping and to provide a secure grip. These types of stirrups are available in our online shop and are used in various riding styles and disciplines, including dressage and show jumping.
A particularly safe version of classic stirrups are safety stirrups, which can also be ordered in our shop. Their non-slip rubber tread and the joint mechanism in flexible stirrups ensure that the foot cannot slide through. There’s no risk of the foot getting caught during a fall, as the joints bend and release the foot when needed. Additionally, the stirrup’s position adapts to the rider’s posture, reducing strain on the foot, knee, and hip joints. The footbed is always aligned at the correct angle to the boot sole — many safety stirrups are perfectly balanced for this purpose. They are also easy to pick up and sit closer to the horse.
For further guidance, check out our blog post "How Should Riding Boots Fit?".
Good to Know Topic: Stirrups
Choosing the Right Stirrup Size
Some of the worst riding accidents occur when riders get caught in the stirrup during a fall and are dragged by the horse. That’s why you should pay special attention to selecting the correct stirrup size. If your stirrups are too large, your foot may slide through too easily and get stuck. If they’re too small, you may not be able to slip out in an emergency. The stirrup width should fit your foot precisely. Stirrups are available in widths of 10, 11, 12, or 13 centimeters. Ideally, there should be about half a centimeter of space between each side of your boot sole and the stirrup side. Keep in mind that winter riding boots are usually bulkier than summer ones—make sure your stirrups also fit well in colder months.
Smart Combination of Safety and Technology
Modern stirrups are often equipped with innovative release systems that automatically open in the event of a fall, helping to prevent injuries. Jointed stirrups allow for flexible movement, significantly reducing strain on the ankles and knees. Non-slip inserts made of rubber or metal provide reliable grip—even in rain or muddy conditions—which is especially important for stirrups with slip-prevention features. Shock absorber systems minimize impact stress during intense training or trail rides, ensuring greater comfort. Clever technology, complemented by stirrup covers, helps you improve posture and balance while allowing you to support your horse more effectively. A perfect combination of safety and functionality.
Also discover our range of stirrup leathers.
Experience Comfort on Every Ride
A wide footbed provides greater comfort and stable support, even during longer training sessions. Special cushioning systems reduce pressure on the joints and significantly improve the riding experience. Non-slip surfaces ensure even distribution of force, minimizing fatigue and making riding easier. Thoughtful ergonomics support the natural position of the rider’s leg, which is especially important for those who spend hours in the saddle. Children also benefit from specially adapted children’s stirrups that combine safety and comfort. For dressage riders, we also offer the best stirrups.
Quality, Safety, and Style Combined
Stirrups form the essential link between rider and horse, providing increased safety, balance, and optimal performance. Whether for dressage, jumping, or leisure riding, the right model effectively supports your seat while protecting your joints in the long term. Ergonomic design combined with modern materials makes a decisive difference both in everyday riding and at competitions. Technical innovations offer additional protection during falls while noticeably enhancing comfort. The wide range of colors, shapes, and brands allows you to perfectly match your stirrups to your riding style and skill level. Discover high-quality, lightweight stirrups now at Reitsport Schockemöhle and sustainably improve your riding experience.