Stirrup irons

showjumpergirl

showjumpergirl

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Has anyone ever used Offset Stirrup Irons?

I'm looking at some Stubben ones, but I'm not sure whether they're for me, but I can't try before I buy. So any opinions? On the website, it says that they're supposed to keep your knees tighter to the saddle, which would be useful, but I'm more bothered about my achy ankles which come after I've ridden for a few hours - I have to take my feet out of the stirrups and shake them before continuing - like the stirrups are at the wrong angle or something.

Oh, and which way round do offset irons go?

Thanks :D
 
I don't know anything about the offset stirrups - the only thing I would say, is that I wouldn't want my knee held closer to the saddle - if you have the weight in your feet, giving you lower leg security, then your knee will be slightly away from the knee roll, and able to flex to absorb the horse's movement....

If ou're getting aching ankles, then the best stirrups I've found is the flexi-iron - Sprenger did the original, William Funnell do a cheaper version - they allow more flex in your ankle so there's less concussion.

I always ride with mine - and when I ride someone else's horse, without the flexi irons, my knees and ankles ache like anything :)
 
Thank you ^ :)

I'll look into the flexi-irons, sound interesting! From what you've said, it sounds like they work really well, so are worth a look. I think a friend's got them so I might see if I can try them - I didn't really want offset irons anyway - they sound too interfering and I think you're right in that I don't want to be restricted in my riding by my tack.

Thanks again
 
spacefaer said:
I always ride with mine - and when I ride someone else's horse, without the flexi irons, my knees and ankles ache like anything :)
Click to expand...

Same here. The flexi irons are great, you really do notice a huge difference. The offset ones aren't something I'd be interested in personally.
 
Not interested in "rigid" irons at all anymore... I use the thorowgood flexi irons. Cheaper than the sprengers, but just as good and you really do notice a difference if you ride in anything else :)
 
I've got some Sprenger flexi offset eye stirrups.

They don't hold my knees anywhere, but the do help with my aching knees and ankles.

I really like the fact that they are in the right place for me to just pop my feet into, whether it's when I mount or if I lose a stirrup.

Highly recommend them, they're great!!
TSS4-1.jpg
 
flexi irons are awesome! tried the sprenger from a friend and fell in love. couldn't afford them tho so have got some cheap versions. the shire ones are £30 and are strong and durable. I have damaged my knee in past falls and suffer from sore ankles and find that the flexi storrups not only help with the shock absorption when riding but help with my ankle flexion too!!!
 
Thank you all (particularly Ashgrove for the picture :)) - flexi irons sound like a good idea, but I can't really afford Sprengers, so maybe the Thorowgoods would be a good idea. I must check whether they're allowed in BS - does anyone know offhand?

Are they really safe though, do they feel secure? Only that I'm not sure that I'd get along with them if they moved much - my mum has these rocking stirrups which I absolutely hate, but she likes now she has got used to them :confused:

Anyway, thank you :D
 
ive got bad ankles (had surgery on one of them) and the worst things i can ride in is the flexi irons. Made both ankles ach really badly after a few minutes. Ive got the royal rider lightweight ones and a pair of plain metal ones. The lightweight ones help alot, dont know why but they do. The flexi ones allow my ankle to flex too much.x
 
I love my Sprenger stirrups - They must be7 years old now and still looking good.

I take them with me to ride other horses now, as I just ache too much without. I did find they took a little bit of getting used to. You can't 'ram' your heels down in them, as they bend and 'pop' off, but they allow you to correctly put the weight down through thte back of your leg.
 
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