Experiences of plastic stirrups??

I

I'll Give It A Go

Active Member
Joined
24 January 2012
Messages
47
Visit site
I am considering buying a pair of black plastic stirrups as I am looking for something light weight for SJ & XC. Can anyone tell me what these are like to ride in? I have only ever ridden in the traditional irons so I am interested to find out how they compare.

Thanks!!
 
I've used them for years as I hate anything heavy.

I use the Escape Smartrider safety ones now and I'm perfectly happy with them
http://www.smartrideruk.com/

I also use the caged endurance stirrups for hacking too.

I don't think I would ever use clangy, metal ones any more.
 
Compositi are very good manufacturers of plastic stirrups and in my opinion they have many advantages over metal irons. I can also confidently tell you that the compositi stirrups have been safety tested upto 700kg and still showed no sign of strain so who knows how much they can bare!

Advantages are...

1) they don't conduct cold making your feet feel like ice! (for this reason the Scandinavians love them)

2) they truly are stronger than many metal stirrups

3) they dramatically reduce the weight of a saddle

4) very inexpensive

For you I would recommend something like the compositi reflex which offers great stability in the saddle and the pivoting footbed absorbs shock and relieves tension and stress from the riders joints. I only have experience with compositi stirrups but I know there are many other great designs by other manufacturers.
 
I use them, mine are from shires, as came with a saddle off a lady at the yard. It was unsure at first but love the light weight and want to get a second pair for my other saddle.
 
I love mine! They are v light, so if you lose a stirrup, they stay where they are rather than flying about & whacking you on the top of the foot.

T x
 
I love mine. Was unsure at first as they are so light and 'strange feeling' compared to metal ones but now I hate riding in metal stirrups. I do mounted games so really plastic stirrups are for me an essential piece of kit. When im on the ground picking something of the ground if they hit the back of my hat its not an issue whereas with a metal stirrup at speed it could be a whole different story. Also when riding if you take your feet out of your stirrups and they hit against your ankle they dont cause pain!!
 
I use Flex Ride stirrups with cage toes (optional) and I love them. If I ride in normal stirrups I get pain in my knees, but not with these. I'm taking them with me when I go to ride with my friend on her horse in Ashdown Forest next week!
(Ooooh... desensitise youngters to bashing stirrups before getting on? Lunge with them down maybe? Or is that too "NH"? )
 
(Ooooh... desensitise youngters to bashing stirrups before getting on? Lunge with them down maybe? Or is that too "NH"? )
Click to expand...

My youngster doesn't give a toss what you thump her with :eek: but my ex-racehorse has a problem with being knocked, as does my other TB-he has sensitive skin anyway (snake bite), and is just one of those touchy types.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top