Peacock, Flexi or Bent Leg?

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Mitch&I

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I've picked up a lightly used Wintec for breaking. It's an old version, nice and light but without flaps and I can't recall whether it has safety latches on the stirrup bars. Even in childhood, I never had safety stirrups but on this occasion I'm considering it (and definitely will do in the absence of latches).

So my question is, could anyone please let me know which type of safety stirrup they consider to be the best?
 
Unsure what you mean by safety latches. The part of the stirrup bar that folds up is not a safety device and it is only folded up at right angles for storage.

Peacock safety stirrups are only suitable for up to around 7 stones from memory.
 
If you are breaking you would probably be best off with lightweight stirrups? Peacocks are a safety nightmare IMO. Bent legs are fine but are heavy and will both startle the horse and seriously hurt you if you are hit with one in a fall. Flexis are slightly lighter and don't have the "bump" which might cause you injury but the lighter weight plastic angled types might be safer. I'm worried that you might think the right angled bit on the stirrup bar is a safety feature? This should not be angled up when being ridden - as others have said - its for storage.
 
Sorry, 'safety' latches in the sense that they are opened to lay flat as opposed to the more curved e type bars which I'm not too keen on! I came across both these and stirrup rings when researching treeless as a potential option for breaking. I feel open latches are safer and my late night brain transferred that into my speech with all the talk of safety stirrups. Apologies for worrying you!

Thank you so much for all of the info. Lightweight angled composites seem like a good way forwards at this point. Neither those or flexi were really commonplace back when I did my exams and I agree about the issues with peacocks. Although I don't intend for her to be tacked and unattended, there's always the possibility and getting hooked by her tack really would be a disaster at this stage.
 
I've been riding for 10+ years in the same pair of peacocks. I weigh ten stone. I jumped with them hunted etc. Never had any problems. I can only judge by my own experience on those!
I have heard bad things about bent irons but not had them myself. I would like to try flexi ones but I don't understand how they work to release your foot? If anyone knows more please enlighten me :)
 
Good question! I'm interested in knowing too. I assume the flexion expels your foot, whereas with straight, set irons the foot can become wedged at an angle?

Peacocks are a funny one. I know my parents didn't like them because of catching risks but many people obviously use them successfully ��.
 
What about caged endurance stirrups? They tend to be very light, have good, wide shock absorbing treads and the cage makes them very safe.

stirrup-al-cage-web.jpg
 
I have bent leg irons. Have always used them because they came with my first horses tack. And I do like them.

Have heard bad things about peacock stirrups. And having seen a girl fall off after one snapped half way over a jump at a show, I would avoid them.
 
Thank you all! Cages could be a good option.

I've always used standard stirrups and haven't had a fall yet where I felt at risk of a foot being trapped, however, I have arranged for a girl to help with breaking - mainly as a handler for me but if I do decide to put her up, I want her to be as safe as possible ��
 
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