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Stirrups are the pair of lightweight frames or rings that attach to the saddle via a strap and hold the feet of the horseback rider in place. The strap that attaches to the stirrups is adjustable, giving the rider freedom of movement in their legs. Stirrups aid in the mounting of the animal, they support the rider once mounted, increase control of the animal and allow the rider to stay firmly in the saddle. Horse Supplements Being adjustable, the stirrup strap lets the rider maintain their center of balance while riding.

On most modern stirrups, this attachment strap is called the stirrup leathers. Because the stirrup leathers are adjustable, the rider can sit comfortably, keep balanced and move their legs with the momentum of the horse. The stirrups attached to western saddles, unlike on English saddles, are not designed to give way in case the rider falls off.

Designed to detach in case of a fall, safety stirrups are a more recent invention. With the outer branch made of a thick rubber band and leather, safety stirrups are also called peacock stirrups. In the event that the rider falls off the mount, the safety stirrups allow the feet to come free. A complaint, however, is that the rubber can wear away and break suddenly, making safety stirrups more dangerous than a traditional stirrup.

What comprises traditional stirrups is called the stirrup irons. The irons is the frame or ring into which the feet go and are supported. The tread, inner and outer branches and the eye are the parts of the stirrup irons which is tied to the stirrup leathers. Horse Saddles The tread is grooved for the sole of the shoe. Horse Rugs The two vertical pieces making up the sides of the irons are the branches.

An integral part of horse tack, stirrups are both useful and necessary. Some insist that they helped set the course for western civilization, their invention was so important. Stirrups help the rider mount the horse, keep balanced and keep the animal under control.

Tags: bitless bridle, comfort bridle, double bridle, dressage bridles, dressage saddles, english saddles, Equestrian bridles, fly ru, Horse Bridles, Horse Rugs, Horse Saddles, saddlery, safety stirrups, stirrup irons, stirrup leathers, Stirrups, treeless saddles, western saddle