Hook stirrup bars

[Monty's Mum]

Hi

your advice / experiences please

I have just come across saddles with hooks, instead of traditional bars.
These appear in high end saddles, as well as cheaper synthetics, so I can't believe they are un-tested.

How do the hooks allow for the stirrup leather to come off in case of a drag incident, as the end is curved upwards, and surely in most cases the drag force would be downwards?
I always learnt with traditional bars you can leave the flip-up end downwards when riding for safety.

Thanks in advance

 

[dorito]

I, too would really like to know.

 

[Cortez]

All I know about them is that when my horse decided to high tail it just as I was hopping to get on, the leather came off just fine, so I can attest to the efficacy of the hook stirrup bar (on a Bates dressage saddle).

 

[cobgoblin]

I think you are supposed to use a safety stirrup with them, unless there is a new form of 'hook'. I thought they were for use with looped leathers to reduce bulk.