Sprenger bow balance stirrups

[Donnie Darco]

Please help me stop spending lots of dosh!!

I really need *want* some stirrups (insert Sprenger bow balance stirrups here!!) that stop my knees/ankles hurting on long rides - and have read only good things about them relieving the pain of getting older :-o

We are only happy hackers, its not like we compete or do anything exciting, so are these stirrups only for people that compete ?? Would I be like "all the gear no idea" ?!! :-D

Or any recommendations for any other stirrups (a bit more reasonably priced!!) that would help with knee/ankle pain ? Or are sprenger bow balance (the ones I want) really the way to go ?

Please share your experiences!!

Thanks in advance

 

[Goldenstar]

I use them . I got them when I was relearning how to ride after a accident.
They make a huge difference .
In my case defiantly worth the money .
I have only recently sussed jumping in them but now I have they are helping a lot for that too.

 

[Copperpot]

I have them and love them. Worth the money in my opinion.

 

[kerilli]

i really love mine. I have 2 pairs of Bow Balance and 2 pairs of regular Sprenger bendy irons. If you want to try first, and don't mind paying postage both ways, I don't mind lending them for a few weeks, if that helps. Then you'll know if they make a difference or not. I'm not using 4 saddles at the moment so can spare a pair! Would definitely want them back though!
Price-wise, if you know anyone in Germany, get them to check prices there and send them over. I got mine pretty much half price that way...

 

[FireFly29]

I bought mine after I had a knee op last September and I really like them.
I think its worth spending the money on them as I have heard of some of the cheaper bendy irons breaking and they are also supposed to release your foot if you fall which I don't think the cheaper ones do.
I wouldn't worry that you don't compete, I know of people with both types of sprengers who don't do much competing and no one thinks it looks odd that they have them!
Cheapest I found was Wychanger Barton Saddlery at about £130.

 

[Mrs. Jingle]

Worth every penny IMO. I have had mine about 18 months and I no longer get any ankle or knee pain when riding. I only hack but couldn't care less what people might think about me using them, I am happy and that is all that counts.

 

[kerilli]

Agreed, it has nothing to do with whether you're hacking or competing, comfort is what matters!

 

[spacie1977]

How about trying some gel insoles in your riding boots first? They'd absorb the impact for A LOT less money, and you could benefit from them whilst walking around the yard and switch them with different footwear too.

 

[sarahann1]

I *love* them! I rode my YOs horse for a while and she had them on her saddle, they are *amazing*! When I eventually get a rideable horse I will be buying a set and I'm a happy hacking/riding club wannabe

 

[Foxford]

Bought them after I was diagnosed with a hip problem - but they mainly help with my ankles as I've previously sprained one and torn the ligaments in the other! All non-horse related injuried btw!! Not had them long but pleased with the effects so far - 2hr hacks not a problem.

 

[mudmonkey17]

I have them and love them. Definitely worth the money x

 

[spookypony]

I'm really interested in them, and in the idea of getting them from Germany (thanks, Kerilli, for the idea! Will be in Hamburg later in the summer!). I'm currently using a pair of the wide plasticy ones for Endurance, but am not entirely convinced of those. I think my leg stability is suffering.

 

[Madali]

I have them. I brought them after I got dragged round under my horse when I fell off and my foot got stuck in the stirrup. Highly recommend them. I never get ankle pain.

 

[CrazyMare]

I have two sets of the original Sprenger bendy stirrups, I adore them! Really struggle with normal stirrups now.

They are expensive, however my first set were my 16th birthday present and I'm 27 this year and I ride pretty much every day

 

[becca1305]

Totally worth the £££. Stay on your foot well, lovely wide treads and no more painful dodgy ankle/knee that even used to carry on hurting hours after finishing riding. Really notice the difference on landing from jumps and if horse jinks/spooks quickly and your weight gets thrown down one leg, much more shock absorbing.

 

[JC1]

Definitely worth the money. I have had both knees operated on and broken one ankle. I wouldn't be able to do a days hunting without them.

 

[Nicnac]

Now I've discovered them I wouldn't ride in anything else. Knee pain - gone; hip - needs a replacement which isn't going to change but the SBB stirrups have made a huge difference in that I can dismount after riding rather than requiring help to push my leg over the saddle!

Worth every penny imo.

 

[Donnie Darco]

Kerilli - THANK YOU so much for your v kind offer!!! Sorry I couldn't reply yesterday (computer issues&#128533 However I might need man size irons (I have BIG feet&#128522 Not casting aspersions of your feet size!!! 😊

Thank You everyone else for sharing your experiences 😊

It looks like I am going to order a pair 😊 - who needs money anyway??!!!

Thank you all again!! You are all lovely!!

DDx

 

[kerilli]

I'm size 8, so not tiny feet! I don't think you'll regret it, they are excellent. I have a rebuilt knee and don't get any knee pain riding... I never ride without Sprengers. Go for it.

 

[Donnie Darco]

Just ordered some!!! Needed cheering up!!!!

From Rideaway and got 20% off!!! (thanks again to HHO in another thread!!!)

Should be here tomo! Yay!!

Thank you all again!!

 

[jo2507]

Hmm, now I am wondering will these help me

I struggle with my left leg always feels longer than right (problem I am still trying to resolve stretches and massage) but as I get pain in the knee and ankle feels stiffer on the left these migh help.

Just mentioned to OH and said they are expensive I won't type his response so may have to sneek this purchase through