Flexi Stirrup Irons

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Horsemad12

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I was reading one of my many "improve your riding" books and it mentioned flexi stirrups to help with turning your toes out.

So can I ask, do you use them? Why? which ones are the better / safer ones?

I can offer a millicano coffee.........
 
I love the Flexi stirrups. I will only use Stubben ones, I have their plain ones and the Bow Balance, and don't really feel much difference between them. The Bow Balance footbed is wider so better for jumping, maybe.
I don't see that it makes a lot of difference re: turning toes out, but it definitely helps with shock absorption for dodgy joints (twice rebuilt knee in my case). Really recommended. I can ride really short with flexi stirrups and think I'd suffer if I was using normal stirrups!
 
I bought cheap ones which were fine but have rusted a bit and I don't find them very grippy. Bit the bullet and bought sprenger bow balance nearly new on eBay, the benefit of nearly new on eBay is a saving of 30 quid (I have been watching them for ages! And if you don't like them you can sell them for the same price again :). Mine should arrive today, along with my new jumping saddle. Happy days :D
 
kerilli said:
I love the Flexi stirrups. I will only use Stubben ones, I have their plain ones and the Bow Balance, and don't really feel much difference between them. The Bow Balance footbed is wider so better for jumping, maybe.
I don't see that it makes a lot of difference re: turning toes out, but it definitely helps with shock absorption for dodgy joints (twice rebuilt knee in my case). Really recommended. I can ride really short with flexi stirrups and think I'd suffer if I was using normal stirrups!
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I think you mean Sprenger ;)

I use the Sprenger Sytem 4 stirrups, the older style ones, not the new Bow Balance ones.

They are fantastic for my wobbly joints, again I can ride short in them comfortably, wheras I'd be crippled in normal irons.
 
I ride in Sprengers. They don't help with the toe direction but, as mentioned above, they're great for joint relief.
 
sprenger bow balance stirrup irons are soooo nice! great for jumping as they really help your balance and comfort! they are a bit expensive (i got mine for £146.50 from townfields saddlers) but they are so good, we now have them on all our jumping saddles! xx
 
I personally dont trust them, I saw someone come a cropper where the stirrups actually broke.

I use the black lightweight plastic ones or plain stainless steel ones. Only time Ive ever had a hangup whilst riding was in a racing saddle.
 
I have the sprenger system 4 on one saddle and the bow balance on another and I love them. Really like the look of the off set eye flexi sprengers but can't justify yet more stirrups!!
 
Having had mine snap after the first fence at Borde Hill and then having to complete XC with 1 stirrup I would avoid unless using for dressage only.
 
I've never heard of Sprengers snapping or in any way falling apart? Only the cheaper "knock-offs". Would be very interested to hear of any Sprengers snapping.

I have normal Sprenger flexi irons on my dressage saddle, and bow balance on my jumping saddle. Had to invest in them due to my dodgy knee, and there are a total godsend. Not sure they've made any difference to my (hopeless) position but that's probably beyond redemption anyway!!

I don't understand anyone who says the cheaper ones are just as good - they aren't. Ive ridden in Sprengers and non-sprengers and they do feel different and the Sprengers to me feel better. Definitely worth the investment.
 
BeckyD said:
I don't understand anyone who says the cheaper ones are just as good - they aren't. Ive ridden in Sprengers and non-sprengers and they do feel different and the Sprengers to me feel better. Definitely worth the investment.
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Yes I agree. When I was buying before folk said there was no difference but I find the sprengers are better. Wider tread, better grip, not rusting :rolleyes:, and I pulled up the sleeve on the cheap ones yesterday and all I can say is :eek::eek:
 
The risk of snapping is what worries me, but surely there must be other quality brands out there other then Sprenger???

Still watching on ebay.
 
I have to say having ridden in Sprengers and non-sprengers there is a big difference, the Sprengers feel much better. They are definitely worth the investment. I have managed to find a top supplier of Sprenger products and at a resonable price! Seriously Equestrian have a really good range of sprenger stirrups:

http://www.seriouslyequestrian.com/product-category/shop-by-brand/sprenger/

My recommendations are the Sprenger bow balance stirrups, I won't be get cheaper one's again. :o
 
I have some royal rider cheese grater stirrups that aren't quite flexi but theydo help with feet and leg position
 
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