Stirrup leather recommendations

[scats]

New saddle has arrived and I am looking to buy new leathers for it. I would rather splash out on some good quality ones so looking for recommendations as Ive always had cheaper leathers.
Also been looking at half hole ones as I have found in the past Ive had to punch holes between holes. Anyone use half hole leathers?

 

[RushpolePony]

I've heard good things about Henry James stirrup leathers but like you have always used cheaper ones so can't speak from experience.

Although, I did ride someone else's horse a while back and they used albion leathers, which seemed very good quality.

 

[criso]

Henry James have an outlet section on their website now. They've sold out of the half hole, only dressage left but worth keeping an eye.

Haven't got the stirrup leathers but got a neck strap and reins both of which are lovely and haven't stretched.

 

[JackFrost]

Kent & Masters do quality ones with half holes. They don't seem to wear at all and haven't stretched.

 

[milliepops]

I much prefer mono leathers now having ridden my own horses in them exclusively for about 12 years
But I'm super fussy and like to get the size exactly right so the t bar is right above the stirrup then it can't wear your boots or saddle. so I am forever wedded to Wow ones as they come in 2" increments and the holes go right to the end. many other makes start the holes randomly half way up so it's hard to set the t bar in that ideal place.

i had half hole albion leathers way back when and tbh didn't really notice a difference.

 

[Skib]

I am horrified to see what my leathers now cost. They are Amerigo, Italian leather. Bought on impulse at Olympia in 2011. Used only once a week for 10 years but still in good shape.
They replaced a pair of unbranded Italian leathers from Martin Wilkinson, saddlery. One of them had stretched a lot on the hole I used.

 

[splashgirl45]

i bought some albion leathers a few years ago and they were stretch proof and also not bulky under your leg. cant remember how far apart the holes were but they were closer together than my old leathers..they were about £80 so ;pretty pricey

 

[scats]

Thanks all, I ordered some Wembley pro half holes for just under £60. Decided if I don’t like them, they haven’t broken the bank. Ordered another pair of Bow Balance irons too, as I have these on my GP saddle and really rate them.