traditional stirrup leathers vs dressage T bar leathers??

[Mel1]

I'm looking for a new pair of stirrup leathers, I have a dressage saddle and I don't jump,
so I'm tempted by those dressage stirrups with T bar fastener that are supposed to reduce the bulk and increase contact with the horse.

what do you think of these compared to traditional ones?

 

[Kiristamm]

I really like them. I didn't notice the difference they made until I got on a dessage saddle with normal stirrup leathers and you really notice the lump under your leg/bum.

Pain in the arse to change length though!

 

[Booboos]

I like mine as well and don't find them at all difficult to change the length.

When I was reading up on treeless vs treed saddles, the only thing everyone agreed on was that the dressage stirrups had less potential for putting pressure on the horse's back than the traditional ones.

 

[rossiroo]

I have bought a pair of those T bar type but have never used them. I thought that they looked a bit weak and although I am not heavy felt that they may not be strong enough. I use the Bates ones as they lie very flat due to the curved buckle, well worth the money and come in various sizes and colours.

 

[Stroppy Mare]

I've ridden with them previously and found that despite my chaps, they rubbed holes in my legs from the buckle midcalf! Painful to say the least!

 

[sbloom]

I like single thickness leathers but only Conway buckles - T bars can wear through leather depending on the design and have been known to break.

 

[Kiristamm]

I have bates slimline stirrups too, and even these make a difference from the dressage leathers! Try them, I am a whopping 13 stone, and mine have never even blinked.

I have bought a pair of those T bar type but have never used them. I thought that they looked a bit weak and although I am not heavy felt that they may not be strong enough.

Try them!

I like mine as well and don't find them at all difficult to change the length.

Can you bend down and change them with your foot still in the iron? I have to take my foot out and bring the leather up to change them..

 

[Capriole]

Tbars, I dont like them. I have some, I find them a pain to alter for a start. Secondly, I dont like the tbar as it either rubs the saddle or my leg, depending on which way round I put the T's to save saddle or leg.
Also, one stirrup gave way on me once. Luckily I wasnt doing anything exciting but had been earlier, (when it must have weakened), so the stirrup just dropped leaving me surprised but not on the floor. I afterwards heard of other peoples tbars failing, in one case with bad consequences.

So mine are abandoned in a box somewhere, and I replaced them with the slimline riveted top Bates ones. Reduces the bulk under the thigh but I feel safer with them.