Shopping for Stirrup Irons
About Stirrup Irons
You can choose from a wide array of stirrup irons that can benefit you in various ways. Irons have evolved over time, resulting in a range of types of stirrups, from the traditional Fillis iron to those designed for easy release, to ease joint pain, or to provide distinct competitive advantages.
Traditional Look
The most traditional types of stirrups are the Fillis, which are manufactured in varying grades of stainless steel and available in a range of prices. For many riders, simple Fillis irons are a good choice. Their classic appearance makes them popular, acceptable, and affordable for both casual riding and the show ring.
Some manufacturers have enhanced the traditional Fillis iron design for hidden benefits to the rider. Offset stirrup irons are one example. Herm Sprenger, in addition to their Fillis stirrups, designed their Offset Eye Stirrups to help the stirrup leather lie flat against the leg and saddle, giving the rider assistance in keeping the stirrup straight against the ball of the foot. Because the design of these types of stirrups eliminates twisting of the stirrup leather, lost stirrups can be easier to recover.
Another innovative Fillis design comes from Korsteel through the Flex II Stirrups. These irons provide a one-way swivel action in the footpiece, which swivels to a perfect 70° angle to assist the rider in keeping the heel down.
Quick Release Stirrups
Quick release stirrups are intended to prevent a rider's foot from being caught in a stirrup. The most traditional form is the Peacock Fillis Stirrup, in which the traditional Fillis iron has an open side that is then "closed" with a rubber ring hooked at the top and attached to a leather tab at the bottom. The rubber rings (or bands) are the breakaway feature of the stirrup; they can be replaced inexpensively when needed. These types of stirrups are popular with many riding schools and camps that teach beginners, as well as with therapeutic riding centers, Pony Clubbers, and trail riders. Another popular type of quick release stirrups is the Foot Free Stirrup, a centuries-old style revisited. These stirrups have a sculpted design on one side of the iron to allow a foot to slip free when necessary.
Technologically Innovated Stirrups
Many types of stirrups have been developed in response to issues experienced by avid or competitive riders. To help alleviate joint pain, manufacturers built flexion into the sides, or branches, of stirrup irons. The Herm Sprenger line of 4-F stirrups pivot in four directions simultaneously, allowing greater comfort and flexibility to help alleviate tension and pain in the hips, knees, and ankles by softening the impact on joints, cartilage, and ligaments. From the 4-F line, riders can choose the Original System 4-F with treads that adapt to the foot for consistent contact, or the Bow Balance Stirrups with shock-absorbing footbed and anatomical design.
Horse-S Jointed Irons and Intec UMS 6-Way Stirrups allow flexion in the stirrup branches to help absorb impact and alleviate knee and back pain. MDC Ultimate Stirrups have a patented, adjustable top that allows the rider to select one of three stirrup positions—traditional, 45°, or 90°—along with flexible sides for greater comfort. Royal Rider Flexible Stirrups combine the advantage of a lightweight material with flexion built into the stirrup branches.
Competitive riders looking for the lightest weight stirrups can choose Composite Stirrups, Equi-Wing Wide Track Stirrups, or Royal Rider Original Stirrups, all weighing 200 grams or less.
How to Select the Right Size Stirrup Iron
No matter what kind of iron you plan to ride in, the most important aspect is correct sizing. Your irons should be one inch wider than the width of your boot at the ball of the foot. When your foot is in place, you should have ½ inch of space on each side. While you don’t want your boot to fit too snugly into your iron, you also don’t want your stirrup to be too wide. This could allow your foot to slip “home” more easily, and you may struggle to keep your stirrups in the correct position on the balls of your feet.
Helpful Tip: Buy a new pair of winter boots? Remember to check the width of your stirrups. Winter boots are usually wider than all-season boots.
Curious? Ever wonder why stirrups on an English saddle are called irons? The answer is simple—they were originally crafted of iron!
