Safety stirrups

Safety stirrups: types at a glance

A safety stirrup is designed to prevent your foot from getting stuck in the stirrup in a fall. There are different solutions for this. Exactly how a model's system works is described in the manufacturer's item description.

• Rubber ring or elastic band: the classic Fillis-style safety stirrup has a rubber ring on the outside instead of a fixed arm, hooked onto a leather loop. Under pull the ring comes off and the foot can slide out. Advantage: simple, proven technology; rings and loops can be replaced. Disadvantage: rubber ages and must be replaced regularly, and the stirrup must be hung with the ring on the outside.
• Folding or release mechanism: one arm opens outwards under pressure or load, often via a hinge, and then clicks back into place or closes by itself. Advantage: the stirrup looks and hangs like a normal stirrup. Disadvantage: the mechanism must stay clean and move freely, and here too the fitting side matters.
• Flexible arm: an arm or top band made of flexible plastic gives way under high load. Advantage: no moving parts that can get dirty. Disadvantage: the material can age; check it regularly for cracks.
• Curved arm or special stirrup shape: here the shape of the stirrup is designed to make it easier to release the foot in several directions. Advantage: no mechanism. Disadvantage: how well this works depends on the model and the fall.
• Magnetic stirrups: a magnet in the tread holds the foot in position via a metal plate on the sole of the shoe and releases under strong pull. For this you need suitable shoes or insoles. We do not currently stock magnetic stirrups.

What a safety stirrup cannot do

No stirrup can prevent a fall or an injury. Safety stirrups can reduce the risk of getting caught in the stirrup. Whether and how reliably a system releases depends on the model, the course of the fall, your footwear and correct fitting. So always ride in sturdy footwear with a heel and make sure the size is right.

Size and fitting

There should be some room to the right and left of your boot. Manufacturers state, for example, at least 0.5 cm per side. Many safety stirrups have a fixed outer side that carries the ring, hinge or jointed arm. Hang them as the manufacturer specifies, i.e. with the release part on the outside.

Safety stirrups for children

There are special models for children with a smaller tread width, for example 10 or 11 cm. Make sure they wear sturdy footwear with a heel and use short stirrup leathers of the right length. A toe cage that you fit into normal stirrups is designed to additionally prevent the foot from slipping forwards through the stirrup. We will be happy to advise you on the size.

Care and regular checks

• Before riding, check rubber rings, leather loops and flexible parts for cracks, stretching and porosity. Replace them in good time.
• Check that folding mechanisms open cleanly and click back into place, and that screws are tight.
• Remove sand and dirt from joints and hinges and care for them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• After a fall or a hard knock, check the stirrup particularly thoroughly.

Brands

Here you will find safety stirrups from brands including Freejump, Waldhausen, Acavallo, Veredus, BR, Busse, Samshield, Tech Stirrups and Sprenger.

More safety when riding

Jointed stirrups, leathers, treads and covers can be found in the Stirrups & stirrup leathers category. Body protectors and airbags protect your upper body, and tips for hacking can be found in our guide Hacking out safely. If you have any questions, we will advise you by phone, WhatsApp or video.