Stirrup Recommendations

[Stenners]

I have used the flexi stirrups for years and years (the black bendy ones) but looking to change. I went on hound exercise yesterday and after 3 hours in the saddle my ankle was killing and also my knee a bit! I broke my ankle years ago so do get trouble with it sometimes.

What stirrups do you all recommend?

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Acavallo Operas changed my whole leg position and relieved the knee pain and stiff ankles I used to get. I don’t think I will ever go back to traditional stirrups ever again.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

I use the Royal Rider perfect flex, can happily ride for a few hours daily in them or a brisk 10 to 17 mile + fun ride, inc jumping, having broken my ankle 7 yrs ago and have arthritis in thr right ankle.

 

[Sprogladite01]

I have osteoarthritis and also a yet-undiagnosed type of inflammatory arthritis in my knees and hands respectively. I use flex on stirrups which help with the knee pain but honestly the best thing I've found is taking Naproxen regularly (I'm on it daily) and topping it up with ibuprofen before I ride.

 

[teddy_]

I have ouchy ankles too.

There are two types of stirrups I use.

My preference are the Sprenger Bow Balance, these might not be suitable if you aren't getting on with your standard flexi stirrups however, I would say, these are a cut above most flexi stirrups.

The second pair I use are MDC Sport Classic stirrups. These may offer more stability to stop your ankle over-flexing however, the stirrups still aren't a completely fixed style.

Edited just to say, I tried Jin stirrups and they left me in so much pain so personally, I'd steer clear of these.

 

[flat3]

I also have a dodgy ankle and found the Operas comfy, but swapped them for Rid'Up stirrups when I decided I wanted a safety element. The Rid'Ups are equally comfy

 

[mustardsmum]

Acavallo Arena Alupro - secure and really comfortable. I only hack but found I am much more confident popping logs with these stirrups! I get a lot of hip and ankle pain and I found these were really comfortable. Had the flexi sided stirrups (can't remember make) and they left me in a lot of pain after riding. The grip is wide and keeps your foot stable plus I really like the idea of the safety release at the side. I have silver ones, which are a bit more traditional looking and daughter (who jumps) has Titanium ones, which are really smart.

 

[mustardsmum]

I have osteoarthritis and also a yet-undiagnosed type of inflammatory arthritis in my knees and hands respectively. I use flex on stirrups which help with the knee pain but honestly the best thing I've found is taking Naproxen regularly (I'm on it daily) and topping it up with ibuprofen before I ride.

@Sprogladite01 just check with your Dr but I don’t think you should take Naproxen and Ibuprofen together! I also take Naproxen and it’s not a good idea to mix NSAIDs. Edited to add - I was advised to take paracetamol when I need more pain relief.

 

[sbloom]

It's a minefield, as a saddle fitter, and from my own experience when I rode, my favourites all have angled slots at the top. I had MDCs and used them at 90 degrees for flat work, some angle is better than none though, and for me I hated hinges, made my legs feel "swimmy"! I like a wide footbed for stability but think excessive grippy treads are a bit dodgy.

 

[muddybay]

Another vote for acavallo alu arena pros! I love mine and they really help my pains from hypermobile ankles

 

[HeyMich]

Yep, another another vote for Acavallo AluPros. They're comfy and have the safety aspect too. My son (Tetrathlon and eventing at 80/90) and I (hacking, gentle schooling) both use them all the time now.

 

[MuddyMonster]

I have ouchy knees and ankles and find endurance stirrups really comfortable..I use Raddery Flexi (with and without cages) which have a wide footbed. I've gone from 45 minutes hacking hurting to being able to ride for 3 hours plus at trot and canter and can even jump in them.

Love them! I rode in MDC stirrups for 30 minutes last year and it was a painful experience.

 

[fidleyspromise]

I get sore knees regularly/struggle up stairs/find hacking uncomfortable and bought raddery stirrupd not long ago. I love them and find my knees are great when I finish long rides.

 

[Stenners]

Yep, another another vote for Acavallo AluPros. They're comfy and have the safety aspect too. My son (Tetrathlon and eventing at 80/90) and I (hacking, gentle schooling) both use them all the time now.

These. Seem to be very popular!

 

[awelshandawarmblood]

My Sprenger bow balance stop all my ankle & knee pain, but my Acavello AluPros hold my foot & position really well! So love them both for different reasons.

 

[Stenners]

My Sprenger bow balance stop all my ankle & knee pain, but my Acavello AluPros hold my foot & position really well! So love them both for different reasons.

I literally can’t decide between the 2! They are both expensive!!!!

 

[Bonnie Allie]

As someone who poo pooed the rise in marketing of stuff I didn’t need such as the innovative stirrups, anatomical bridles, comfort girth’s - as soon as arthritis in my feet set in, out I went and bought every type of stirrup to relieve the pain.

My favs are the Acavallo Operas but everything I tried had benefit over and above the standard stirrups.

Off to be relieved of more money as I pursue bridles, girth’s and all things fluffy and sparkly.

 

[Stenners]

I am undecided! The sprengers are a bit more aesthetically pleasing that the Acavallo but obviously i want the ones that will help the most!

 

[awelshandawarmblood]

I literally can’t decide between the 2! They are both expensive!!!!

eBay & FB Marketplace - I've had loads of bargains!

 

[Stenners]

eBay & FB Marketplace - I've had loads of bargains!

I'm going to have a good look!