Shock Absorber Stirrups

kal40

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I currently have a pair of cheap (DH's own brand) shock absorbing type stirrups and they do help with my problem leg.

Given that I will have this problem with my leg forever more I was thinking of treating myself to some better ones.

A friend has the sprenger ones but I have just seen a pair on Robinson website for about £60-ish.

Has anyone used the Robinsons ones or should I go the whole hog and buy the sprengers?
 
I was hoping someone would say that
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I have tried alsorts of brands and havnt come across anything better than sprengers. The flexiblility of the chain link/rubber in the cheaper copies certainly arnt as flexible. The sprenger foot plate really can curl up against itself.
I have invested finally in a pair of sprenger bow balance after struggling to find a pair that do what they claim. Ive had major pelvis surgery to correct my shallow sockets and these really do ease the jarring of my knee and hip.
I like them so much I got a second pair for my dressage saddle!!
Buy cheap, buy twice is now my moto!
 
If you have problems with your knees, I would go for the real deal. I haven't used the Robinson ones, but I have used the thorowgood ones and the sprengers are much better quality and more flexible.

My OH bought me sprengers for my birthday and they are FAB. I want another pair for my dressage saddle now.

The way I see it is that I wouldn't hesitate to spend £90 on my horse if he had a dodgy knee and they will last forever.
 
I have an absolutely knackered left knee (5 surgeries and more physio than most people have had hot dinners). Previously if i rode for more than 20 minites i was in agony. I winced, breathed deeply and bought some sprengers - and have never looked back. I know they are hideously expensive but they really do make a massive difference.
 
Definitely Sprengers if you've got any sort of problem with knees/ankles. I tore the ligaments in my ankle a few years back and got some Sprengers, they are wicked and I can totally feel the difference now when riding with normal stirrups. Well worth the money!
 
The sprengers are fantastic, I wouldn't think anything else will match the quality and last as well. You get what you pay for and they are well worth the money.
 
Great way to think of it BH.

I was hoping the Robinsons ones would get the thumbs up but I'm a firm believer in 'you get what you pay for' so I had a funny feeling the sprengers would come out top.

I've badly damaged my leg in an accident and after 8 surgeries I'm lucky that it's still there. Looks like I will be pampering it and treating it to some new spengers. I'm having a fab time riding atm and my new boy is just wonderful. I want to get the most out of the summer and ride as much as I can. I'm starting to get some confidence back so the last thing I want is to be in agony all the time.

Next Q does anyone know where the cheapest place to get them is?
 
Which sprengers do you all use? as there are the bow balance (look wonky and have blue treads)which seem quite different to the system 4(which everyone does copies of) - sorry if this is thread hijacking!
 
I have the system4, Just because they look a bit neater IMO. Also I have heard that the slantyness of the blue one can make it harder to get your stirrup back if you lose it. No experience of them myself though.
 
Sprengers are def the best, I had the four way ones then the bow balance and now have bow balance on both of lf my saddles as found them to be easier and also more supportive as they have a wider footplate, I also have got the cheesegrater treads on both pairs, hunt in them and everything, rode two days after minor knee surgery in them, meant to have twoo weeks off, and they def help!!!
 
I have arthritis and Lupus (a muscle problem) and my Sprengers with offset eye are by far the best stirrups I have ridden in. Worth every penny in my opinion.
 
As I stated in earlier post I have the bow balance stirrups and find them better than the system4 Wider foot plate, two types of rubber treat for extra grip and the 'slantyness' of the stirrup is similar to the bent leg safty irons and are designed to be easier to get back on your foot if you loose them just by tapping it with the side of your foot it flips back over your toes. The shape have been designed and researched to help with the leg position. I have no feelinging in the lower part of my left leg due to nerve damage from surgery and no longer suffer with duck feet!
Just read the product description to see other advantages to this design

http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/P/Sprenger_Bow_Balance_Stirrups-(700).aspx
 
I want to get a pair of shock absorbing stirrups, but don't know where to get them from, don't want to break the bank, any help would be grateful
 
After visiting friends who produce event/jumping horses, I wondered whether anyone had come across problems riding in these stirrups. Friends had themselves, and knew of others, had crashing falls and blamed the stirrups. On young and sharp horses , if they suddenly spook/jink badly theres no support under your feet. Without that support rider is then flung badly . Are friends correct - or have they been unlucky?
 
I used to ride a mare who had Sprenger stirrups on her saddle, while she never threw me about, I definitely felt more balanced/secure in the saddle with them.
 
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