Your first goal in selecting stirrup leathers should be the effectiveness of your riding. Appropriately sized leathers allow you to make the proper length adjustment for your legs and riding discipline. Your second goal in choosing stirrup leathers is to coordinate their color with the color of your saddle.
Types of Stirrup Leathers
Three types of stirrup leathers are available: traditional, lined (nylon-core), or synthetic.
Traditional Stirrup Leathers
Traditional stirrup leathers typically last a long time and maintain their appearance. You can add holes or have leathers shortened by a saddler if needed. The drawback of traditional leathers is that they may stretch slightly over time and use, and can do so a little asymmetrically depending on rider habits. Traditional leathers are easy to clean and condition.
Nylon-core (Lined) Stirrup Leathers
Nylon-core stirrup leathers were developed to guard against stretching. Nylon webbing (which has very little stretch) is surrounded by a thin layer of soft leather. Drawbacks: holes cannot be punched and the leathers cannot be cut if needed. Depending on the soft leather used, they may not be as durable as a heavier traditional leather. These leathers are easy to clean and should be conditioned with a lederbalsam.
Synthetic Stirrup Leathers
Synthetic stirrup leathers are produced by synthetic saddle manufacturers. Although there is no rule against pairing synthetic leathers with a leather saddle, synthetic materials can sometimes scratch leather saddle flaps. Synthetic leathers can be cleaned with a mild soap-and-water solution.
Stirrup Leather Preferences
Leathers are available with holes spaced at one-inch and half-inch intervals. Some riders prefer the more precise half-inch (half-hole) adjustment.
Leather width is another consideration. Common widths are 1", 7/8" and 3/4". Riders looking to reduce bulk under the leg often choose narrower widths, which are also helpful for children and small riders.
Buckles are usually stainless steel and come in curved and flat designs. Curved buckles can tuck into the stirrup bar area more smoothly and reduce bulk under the thigh.
Finishing options include beveled edges or subtle stitching for added style. After deciding on type and finish, consider color and length (guidance below).
Color of Stirrup Leathers
Dressage saddles are commonly black, so matching stirrup leathers is straightforward. Brown jumping saddles can be more challenging to match exactly because different leathers accept dye differently. Used brown saddles often darken with time and conditioning; match the current saddle color with the leathers, keeping in mind both will age.
If your saddle is new, consider how both will change hue with conditioning. Quality leather stain and conditioning oil may be used to darken leathers if needed.
Helpful Tip: If you want to reduce bulk under your leg as much as possible, consider Bates Leather Webbers, which use a single piece of leather under the leg for a closer contact.
Stirrup Leather Lengths
Correct stirrup leather lengths vary by discipline and are important for supporting your position and effectiveness during a ride.
Hunter, Jumper and Cross Country
For jumping disciplines, an average adult uses 54" leathers. Shorter riders may use 48"–52"; taller riders may need 56". Children often use 48", with some Pessoa children's non-stretch leathers available in 42" for very young riders.
Note: If you ride in an all-purpose saddle for both jumping and dressage work, choose leathers long enough to accommodate a longer leg for flatwork.
Dressage
Dressage riders typically use 60" leathers to allow a long leg and maximum contact. Shorter riders may prefer 56" or 58"; taller riders can find 62", 64" or 67" lengths.
How to Measure Stirrup Leathers
- Measure the length of your arm from your armpit to the tip of your fingers for hunt seat, or measure your leg inseam to the ankle bone for dressage.
- Double that measurement.
- Add a few inches for hunt seat, or add 6–8 inches for dressage.
Remember the height of the stirrup iron adds about 6–8 inches to the overall length. This method gives some surplus to tuck into the leather keeper on the saddle flap, reducing bulk and friction under your leg. Avoid excessive leather that looks untidy or may distract a judge in the show ring.
This technique is a guideline—adjust measurements for your build and personal preference.
Stirrup Leather Care
Clean and condition your saddle and stirrup leathers regularly to keep them healthy. As you do, keep these points in mind:
- Stirrup leathers are under stress while riding. Monitor the leather near the buckle and the iron to ensure there is no cracking.
- Replace leathers if stitching loosens or cracking appears.
- Ensure the release latch on your saddle's stirrup bar is always in the open position so the leather can slip from the bar if necessary.
