Tack Shop: Stirrups

When you’re buying horse tack at the tack shop, there are several horse accessories that you need to consider, and stirrups will be amongst the most important of all items in your horse tack collection.

Stirrups have been used in horsemanship for hundreds of years, and are vital in both the English and the Western riding style. However, it can be tricky for the first time rider to choose the right stirrups for their needs, so in this guide we offer some tips on how to find stirrups that offer the correct fit.

Tack Shop In Profile: Stirrups

Anybody buying stirrups for English style riding at a tack shop should look for stirrups that offer a secure fit; in essence, stirrups that are not too tight yet ensure the foot cannot slide or slip during riding. It’s always important to get the fit right first time to encourage safe, controlled riding.

Novice riders buying stirrups for the first time should always seek advice from an experienced horse rider before putting stirrups to the test for the first time. The advice from someone who has years of knowledge of choosing horse stirrups could prove invaluable. Never purchase this item of horse tack unless you have complete confidence that the fit is appropriate.

It’s important to remember how influential balance is in encouraging successful riding. Stirrups that are ill-fitting can become a distraction as you ride, and rider discomfort can often be a key cause of avoidable accidents. Therefore, always measure up for stirrups before you buy. Read our guide to adjusting horse stirrups to discover how to find the perfect fit.

In terms of horse accessories, stirrups are amongst the most culturally and historically significant articles of horse tack. As early as the Middle Ages, stirrups were used in warfare to offer more power to the rider, and many experts have even hailed them as one of the most important inventions in early history. Naturally, the design of modern day stirrups has somewhat softened, with designs aimed at encouraging rider safety and enhancing sporting performance.

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