Best alternatives to sprenger bow balance stirrups?

[greycobb]

Broke my ankle 7 weeks ago and will be back riding fairly soon, however don't think my standard stirrups will be too comfortable. Have been recommended the Sprenger bow balance stirrups but don't think I can really afford to pay that much!
Anyone know of any good alternatives or are the sprengers worth it?

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Acavallo Opera from Horse Health. Hang naturally from the saddle so no twisting the foot, lightweight, wide tread and very comfortable for dodgy knees and ankles.

 

[eventer and proud]

apparently these are actually bad for leg postion/ankles due to the twisted shape and that they move offering no support. I have compositi ones with a sping in the tread which are good

 

[NZJenny]

Acavallo Opera from Horse Health. Hang naturally from the saddle so no twisting the foot, lightweight, wide tread and very comfortable for dodgy knees and ankles.

Another vote for these. Love mine.

 

[FfionWinnie]

JW air, I’ve got these and sprengers and other than the tread is a little wider on the sprengers, I can’t tell the difference when I’ve forgotten which I’ve got on. Quite like the cheese grater tread on them as well.

 

[Junebug44]

There's a good piece comparing stirrup irons in another major horsey magazine this month....

 

[NiceNeverNaughty]

and another vote for acavallo operas. love mine

 

[FestiveFuzz]

Acavallo Opera from Horse Health. Hang naturally from the saddle so no twisting the foot, lightweight, wide tread and very comfortable for dodgy knees and ankles.

Another vote for these. Love mine.

and another vote for acavallo operas. love mine

And another, I actually sold my bow balance and replaced them with operas...even had change to spare after which was a bonus!

 

[Tiddlypom]

Did a quick google on Acavallo opera stirrups, and even the maunfacturers own website lists the sizing available as 'one size' . Well, that't really helpful, isn't it (not).

Would some kind person with such stirrups tell me how wide the tread is? I need a 51/4" width.

 

[LadySam]

The measurements I've found say the interior pad measurement is 4.5".

 

[HappyHollyDays]

I can measure mine later but I ride in Mountain Horse steel toe capped boots which aren't dainty and there is plenty of room.