Alternative to Freejump? Is there one?!

[cruising_for_you]

Hi! Recently as I've gotten more adventurous going fast in jump-offs I've started loosing my stirrups. My heels are really good in the first round, they are flexed down and don't move an inch over the fence either. But in jump-off's with all the -necessary- kicking I tend to loose them, which is very annoying!
Alot of people in my area have the Freejump boot\stirrups but they are extremely dear, so I'm just wondering is there an alternative a bit cheaper? Please please please don't suggest putting up my stirrups or putting my heels down because I've already had that said to me, but my stirrups are at my ankle point and ofcourse I try and put my heels down! Basically with all the kicking my feet just slip out
Thanks and sorry if I've come across as rude I don't mean to

 

[nix123]

Im not going to tell you to put your stirrups up but........ there is no actual length for a jumping stirrup. As a general rule you say around ankle length but it varies from person to person. My dressage stirrup is very long, its almost like me riding without any, yet my jumping length is very short, i tend to put them up 4 holes from my normal hacking length. So i would suggest before you go and spend mega bucks on new stirrups maybe try doing the first round in your usual stirrup length and popping them up a hole or two for your jump off. See how you go and take it from there. You could also try not to kick, kick, kick (if you find you are having to do this maybe a lil more schooling to get him more responsive off your leg, so you dont nag him) and ride more from your seat.

 

[Wheels]

I would say you should concentrate more on keeping your balance, tight and accurate turns and approaches are what win jump offs. If you are really having to kick to get your horse to moved then you need to work on this I would think. Short term you might not win everytime but long term correct riding and schooling will pay dividends