Bates stirrup leathers

[milliepops]

I’m in the market for some new stirrup leathers for my jumping saddle. I had a look at some in my local tack shop yesterday and out of the selection they had, the Bates ones looked the nicest, but they only had Webbers, so I’m going to have to go mail order for some.

If anyone has some, I need some info about the holes! The hole I usually SJ on is about 40 inches from the buckle – obviously I need a few holes either way to allow me to put stirrups up/down for XC and hacking. So am I better off getting the 48” leathers or the 54”? My old leathers were 54” but I’ve had them so long they have stretched enormously and I’ve put in so many extra holes that I can’t use those to judge any more.

(ETA - for anyone without a tape measure

or that way inclined, I am 5'6 and ride fairly short)

Also, how easy is it to make new holes? I’ve only ever had normal leathers before!

 

[posie_honey]

i have 54" ones and love them!

i'm 5'6 and they are at hole 11 for jumping and 10 for schooling (i'm not good with long stirrups! lol) you can see my jumping length in my sig...
i don't think they'd be easy to add more holes to TBH....
hope that helps

 

[posie_honey]

i'm actually 5'5 but i can't seem to get the post to edit sucessfully!!!

 

[htlmales]

See if you can find a pair of harry dabbs with the curved buckle - fantastic english leather, webbing inside so non stretch, lots of adjustment - not cheap but they do me jumping, to dressage and you can add holes if you need to unlike dressage leathers.
I have also ridden in shorts and they do not pinch at all
hmmmm.....might go and ride they are so good

good luck

 

[milliepops]

p_h how many holes do you have above that? Are you near the top hole?

Thanks

 

[posie_honey]

ummm - i'm not too sure i'm afraid - i'll try to remember to look tonight... but wont be on here till mon...
but - had 5'2 friend who rides short ride my horse and she only had to go up a couple of hole from me and still had holes above if taht helps...?

 

[connie1288]

I am 5'6, I have the pony/child length ones to go short enough for XC, each saddle has different bars so it is the actual measurements you need!!

 

[milliepops]

Yeah, I know, but I can't find any in the flesh that I can measure - I know I need a load of holes around 40". Realistically I should get the 54" as if I ever need to do flatwork in them I'll be screwed with 48" but I was worried that the holes might not go high enough for xc...

Maybe I'll just get some normal leathers!

 

[oldvic]

If you need more holes take them to a saddler and they will put them in for you. Mine doesn't charge for this and it takes about 5 mins. They are much the best leathers.