Stirrup bar - open or closed?

[smiffyimp]

Society of Master Saddlers say leave it open

 

[pipper]

My pony bucked a while ago whilst cantering on a hack... the bars are always open and the leather slide on and off easily - I am very glad they do as i was bucked off - both leathers came off the saddle - probably saved me being dragged and breaking a leg/ankle.
Always leave them open!

 

[miss_c]

Definately Open!

 

[Sealine]

I was always told open when riding, only close when lunging although I don't bother.

 

[hayinamanger]

Yikes!!! OPEN, NEVER, EVER, EVER CLOSED!

 

[ellie_e]

ok i ride with mine open, but why are you able to close them? if for health and safety reasons they should always be open, why do saddle makers, make them so you can close them?

 

[mollichop]

ok i ride with mine open, but why are you able to close them? if for health and safety reasons they should always be open, why do saddle makers, make them so you can close them?

So the stirrups stay in position when carrying the saddle and lungeing (without a rider onboard). With todays thickish leathers, chances are they won't anyway but the option is there.

It is frightening the amount of bars I have had to put back down on childrens saddles when they have come for lessons - many people think they are there to keep the stirrups on!

 

[Molly'sMama]

! I have no idea if mine are open or closed....Can someone (if you have them or know where to find them) post pictures of open&closed?One side is a bit dented :O Oh oh dear. I may have to fix this then , I DO not want to be dragged.

 

[c2b]

Some treeless saddles have totally closed ring for leathers to attach to!! it is suggested that they use the barnes buckles on them.

 

[mini-eventer]

Open

Safety stirrups do not guarantee you will not be dragged

I have seen a rider dragged wearing safety stirrups