Alternatives to Sprenger Bow Balance stirrups?

[flippa_t]

I currently ride in sprenger bow balance stirrups which I really like. But my saddler has recommended flex on (safe ons) for a bit more stability….I am hyper mobile, I have a big moving young horse and ride in a flexible wow saddle so she thinks the sprengers have too much movement.

When I rode in standard irons I got ankle pain, so what is a good alternative to sprengers? And if flex-ons then is the inclined or flat footbed best?

 

[Britestar]

The best thing I did was go to a try day run by a saddler.

I got to ride in 5 different pairs of stirrups. I really didn't think there could be that much difference, but there was.

I didn't like the flex ons. Ended up with freejump airs.

Maybe ask if the saddler does that kind of thing, or knows someone who does.

 

[flippa_t]

Great idea - will see if I can find one of those!

 

[sbloom]

Great idea - will see if I can find one of those!

They're rare, it costs so much money to keep all this stuff to hand, and space in the van! I always recommend borrowing/trying stirrups, they're so expensive, and we're yet to totally nail what each rider needs.

@Britestar which fitter offered this, I'd love to find out more?! And yes, they can make a vast difference to lower leg stability, as can the right shaped seat and bulk of flap etc of course

 

[Britestar]

They're rare, it costs so much money to keep all this stuff to hand, and space in the van! I always recommend borrowing/trying stirrups, they're so expensive, and we're yet to totally nail what each rider needs.

@Britestar which fitter offered this, I'd love to find out more?! And yes, they can make a vast difference to lower leg stability, as can the right shaped seat and bulk of flap etc of course

Gammack Saddlery.

She also does try days for girths, and pads. My friend ended up with a Jeremy Rudge, after trying it and 4 others. Turns out her horse doesn't like elastic.

 

[Skib]

I ride in Sprenger stirrups which are straight and the conventional shape. I was advised to ride in them by our RI as i was hacking for hours and they reduce the wear and tear on one's ankles, but they are at the same time very strong.
I use the stirrup for both mounting and for dismounting (safety cavalry style). I find them very comfortable both sitting and when in light seat. They dont slip and I dont think I have ever lost a stirrup.
Even when I was learning to canter out hacking I would put my feet further into the stirrups for stabiity, knowing that my foot would not get stick if I fell.

 

[GreyDot]

I love my Acavallo Opera stirrups, they have helped me tremendously. Worth a try, if you know someone who has a pair, to try before you buy.

Acavallo

www.acavallo.com

 

[BunnyDog]

I love my Acavallo Opera stirrups, they have helped me tremendously. Worth a try, if you know someone who has a pair, to try before you buy.

Acavallo

www.acavallo.com

I'm with @GreyDot

The Opera's changed my riding 180 degrees and improved things tremendously. And they have a safety aspect to them as well. The stirrup can expand to allow a foot to fall out given that it's two separate arms.

Em