Side release safety stirrups

[awelshandawarmblood]

I'm getting acutely aware of the fact I'll be riding my youngster out next year & have seen some styles of safety stirrups now where the side hinges or pops off under pressure - I think I'd like a pair more for peace of mind than anything.

I have a set of Sprenger bow balances which I love on my other horse but thinking these ones with the side release may be good in the event of an unplanned dismount or what not.

I've seen the Acavallo Arena Aluplus which release from the bottom & the Tech Venice safety stirrups which release from the top - both seem to be relatively similar apart from that apart from the price I've heard heard good things about Flex on Safe on stirrups, mixed reviews on Freejumps & there are some more I've seen when googling but not heard of before.

Does any one have any of them & able to tell me how they are or any other suggestions?

 

[Laurac13]

Hi

I bought a pair of bent iron safety stirrups when I started riding merlin when he was four. I fell off for the first time 2 weeks ago he’s now nine! But they worked a treat and released me ?

 

[HeyMich]

I bought a pair of the Acavallo Alupros for my son who fell off onto a jump a month or so ago and his foot got caught in the stirrup. If the absolute saint of a pony hadn't stood absolutely still, which he did, thank goodness, it could have been quite nasty. Anyway, we got him the new safety stirrups and they seem great so far. Only just over £100, really smart looking, and a clever safety design. I might treat myself to a pair too!

ETA I have bog standard bent leg irons and they've served me well for a long time!

 

[Bernster]

I posted a few weeks back and from that I’d go with the arena ones. One for the Xmas list!

 

[Hanno Verian]

I had always ridden with Sprenger Bow Balances, tried the Acavello Alupros, liked them but was quite concerned that they would damage my Dressage Saddle unless the stirrup covers were used every time. I was looking for a set of the slightly inclined tread ones, couldn't find any so ended up buying Flexon "Safe-On" safety release stirrups with the inclined tread for my normal/jump saddle. I absolutely loved them and ended up buying a set to put on my Dressage Saddle.

They are expensive, but they make significant difference, they look great and don't have any rough edges that would damage your saddle.

 

[asmp]

As I just posted on another thread:


I just managed to get a pair of Acavallo Arena AluPro safety stirrups for under £90 as Country and Stable had 25% off their website. Although the offer has finished now (was a Black Friday deal) they may bring it back after Xmas so keep an eye out. I was about to buy the Acavallo Opera stirrups but these were only a few pounds more.

 

[Bernster]

Are the flex on the ones that you have to screw them back on again if they release? That’s what put me off those. I have read that ones like the avacallo can damage your leather so need to be careful with them.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I bought the Alupro ones. I like them and I don’t really see the saddle damaging issues (not directed solely to the poster above who mentioned it, previous threads have had lots of mention)
The treads are sharp but I can easily run them up and put my leathers through without them scratching.... my issue if I keep grabbing the bloody things to pull back down before riding!
That hurts ?

 

[Hanno Verian]

Are the flex on the ones that you have to screw them back on again if they release? That’s what put me off those. I have read that ones like the avacallo can damage your leather so need to be careful with them.

Yes, they give you a tool to do it (Allen Key), I've not had to re-set mine so I cant comment on how easy it is to do

 

[soloequestrian]

I have 'Swiss Clips' that I use with bent leg irons, so a sort of double protection (I hope). Haven't tested them, hope never to.

 

[RHM]

I have the tech stirrups and really like them. I’ve fallen off quite a few times and they have released my foot immediately. They have a great grip (though it does batter your stirrup leathers!). The one thing that does annoy me is if your foot isn’t placed in the middle and are too close to the side they can click open and shut.

 

[blitznbobs]

I have the tech stirrups and really like them. I’ve fallen off quite a few times and they have released my foot immediately. They have a great grip (though it does batter your stirrup leathers!). The one thing that does annoy me is if your foot isn’t placed in the middle and are too close to the side they can click open and shut.

I had these too the opening thing bugged me so
Much I got shut of them

 

[webble]

I have the smart rider ones, the classicstainless version not the endurance and they are fab

https://www.smartriderukstirrups.com/

 

[RHM]

I had these too the opening thing bugged me so
Much I got shut of them

For some reason it only does it on one foot ?‍ Think I am a very wonky rider!

 

[awelshandawarmblood]

Ooh thank you all very much! That's very interesting! One of the things I was wondering about is if they opened & shut at all not needing too much pressure, I'd only find out how wonky I was when I tried I suppose I'll go & have a nosey at the smartrider ones now too. They're all so similar but different at the same time, this could take a while to decide!

 

[BSL2]

Tech stirrups (with shock absorption). Beautiful bit of kit. With a good lower leg position, only cut in when needed. Expensive. But worth it.