Are Sprenger stirrups dangerous?

[Annagain]

One of the trainers we had a camp mentioned that the latest thinking on stirrup technology is that Sprengers are dangerous because the rubber on the sides causes friction and could mean a foot gets stuck in them more easily, especially if (as I do most of the time) the rider wears chunky boots with a thing rubber sole as the tow lots of rubber cling to each other. I must admit I really like my Sprengers and was a bit suprised to hear this. I've heard many people lament their lack of stability but never question their safety. Has anybody heard or read anything along these lines?

 

[SussexbytheXmasTree]

There was some discussion awhile ago about them. I’ve got them myself.

https://forums.horseandhound.co.uk/threads/harry-meade.795964/page-2#post-14430057

 

[Annagain]

Thanks, that was an interesting read. I suppose all types have their own risks. Having had a peacock stirrup ping on me half way round a fun ride years ago and trying to keep my foot in the stirrup for an hour while my friends still wanted to gallop, I'm aware they're not perfect either. Luckily I was on Monty who just trundled along at the back at the speed I wanted to go at!

 

[Red-1]

I had a horse slide from under me on slippery going, and the situation was ripe for a foot being caught, but I saw the Sprenger use the hinges to allow my foot to slip out. I am a fan.

I think the only one where you wouldn't get caught was a Barnes Buckle, but then they said you would never be released unexpectedly/unnecessarily, and mine let me go several times in a dressage lesson, so I stopped using them!

It is even possible to get caught with a peacock one, as you can rotate linearly, and then you get caught top to bottom. I know because it happened to me! That is where the Sprenger is good as the foot bed moves with you.

 

[teapot]

I'd take Sprengers any day over peacocks or bent leg irons!

 

[Marigold4]

I'd take Sprengers any day over peacocks or bent leg irons!

Why don't you like bent leg irons - just curious

 

[teapot]

Why don't you like bent leg irons - just curious

Generally - they can encourage weaker riders to ride with toes turned out (years of watching them being used) and personally I've had them catch on long boot laces.

 

[Casey76]

I shiver when I see adults using peacock stirrups. They have a fairly low weight limit on them.

 

[maya2008]

I shiver when I see adults using peacock stirrups. They have a fairly low weight limit on them.

I have closed ring treeless saddles so have always used Peacocks for safety without issue - 20 odd years at 9-9.5 stone.

 

[Nicnac]

Have Sprengers on all saddles. There has been talk of the lookalike fake Sprenger type stirrups snapping, there was a lot of talk about the stirrups with the spiky bits on the tread being dangerous too. I used to have the MH stirrup treads with MH boots and never had an issue but some did.

Only way to zero the risk is to ride without stirrups imo,

 

[rextherobber]

I've seen the bent leg ones get caught on a gate

 

[SpotsandBays]

I have closed ring treeless saddles so have always used Peacocks for safety without issue - 20 odd years at 9-9.5 stone.

I was reading something that suggested that 9stone ish is about the max capacity for peacocks.

 

[Renvers]

I have Sprengers, I think as long as you have the right size to allow room between boot and foot there is not a risk of becoming stuck anymore than with other stirrups.