Stirrups for knackered knees!

Hazkirbo

Hazkirbo

Well-Known Member
Joined
5 November 2017
Messages
194
Location
York
www.instagram.com
As the title says really!
I’m sure there’s been countless posts over the years, but - as we’re going into 2025 - I imagine there has been plenty new releases over the years!

I currently ride in the Shires Compositi ones, but I’ve had these for years and I’m hoping to upgrade in the boxing day sales! I tore my meniscus (not horse related somehow!) and had surgery back in Jan 2023; so I would like some that offer more ankle/knee support, and - ideally - don’t cost the earth.
We do all disciplines, so need to be good for Flatwork, Jumping and XC.

Thanks in advance😆
 
I've just started riding again after a long break. I am also old so bits of me don't work so well as they used to. Where I'm riding they use only the toe-cage type, these have a very broad base for your foot to sit on and I have found these really very comfortable to ride with as there is more support for my foot, so the rest of my legs aren't as tense. I don't know if these would work for what you want but they are not expensive and can be fitted onto regular stirrups.
Another bonus of these is that I have not lost a stirrup once when I've been on board. I don't know why this is as I am terrible for this usually, but somehow these are working for me.
 
I ride in Sprenger stirrups which have some "give" so reduce the wear and tear on ones joints but are a conventional stirrup shape. I want my weight on my seat bones rather than in my stirrups.
But I was also taught by an RI who advised moderation. I dont ride and canter on two consecutive days.

I should add that my present share has a bumpy canter and I do tend to canter her with my seat slightly out of the saddle.
 
I have had a RTKR and find these the most comfortable. After my operation I couldn't turn my right foot to find the stirrup....had to bend down and twist leather by hand to put foot in with normal stirrups. Tried all the flex type stirrups but too much movement. In these the tread plate is very slightly angled, but wide and fixed in place.
Tried lots of different types but these definitely work best for me.
western-saddler.co.uk

Barefoot® Stirrup 90°

Barefoot® Stirrup 90° lightweight aluminium stirrup 90° angled eye Tread 11,5 cm Unlike conventional stirrups, the Barefoot safety stirrup has a 90° angled eye. No more annoying 'poking around' to pick up stirrup as it automatically hangs at the correct angle for your foot to slot into...
western-saddler.co.uk western-saddler.co.uk
 
I really like the LeMieux Vector Balance. They have a small angle (5° I think) and grippy base. Could help with stability/less strain overall?

Just to add - I personally don’t have any knee/ankle pain or issues to start with, but I do get on well with these in any case!
 
The thicker the footplate the better! I actually also prefer heavier stirrups when I have an injury as it hangs heavier and doesn't have so much jolty movement, but I think thats more person specific
 
I found some Heather Moffet ones that I love when combined with wide stirrup leathers good for my dodgy hypermobile knee and dicey ankles.Screenshot_20241230_091453_Samsung Internet.jpg
 
The reason I dont like stirrups with a larger plate is that once when the RI escort's horse bucked, my RS pony bucked too and I fell off with my boot caught in the RS stirrup. Luckilly the pony remained stock still. But that was the moment when I bought my own Sprenger stirrups and took them to every yard where I hacked. For lessons I continued to ride in normal irons.
 
i have a torn meniscus and a ruptured ACL, i had free jumps which helped me a lot along with strengthening work for your knees, ie standing in stirrups for walk/trot/canter
 
I had bendy no brand metal stirrups irons for years. They stopped my knees aching.
I decided to lighten my pony's load this year and bought second hand a pair of Royal Rider Perfect Flex. They are over £100 new. They are light like the Compositi but have a bendy shank in the sides. I thought I would find it difficult to change but I hardly noticed any difference. I hope my pony did though.
 
I have dodgy ankles and knees. I have tried various more expensive stirrups but most recently polo irons and so far, so good 🤷🏼‍♀️. £40 from Worldwide Tack.
 
For me Freejump pro and flex ons plus wide leathers have made the world of difference. Spendy but allow me to be almost totally pain free (I also have a buggered ankle and arthritis in my toes so they have a lot to contend with 🙄)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top