Wow stirrup leathers - do you really need them?

Llee94

Llee94

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As per title really.
I am having my wow xc saddle fitted this weekend (so excited!) but I have noticed that there is no stirrup keeper on the saddle.
Are wow stirrup leathers required for a wow saddle or can I get away with using normal stirrup leathers?
Or are there any alternatives to wow stirrup leathers that don't cost a fortune?
 
My friend bought a Wow saddle last year and I'm pretty sure they bunged the leathers in with the costs of the saddle. Don't quoite me on that though just in case I've got it wrong!

Anyway, I think the reason they go for this type of leather is because it's very slimline under the leg and that is consistent with the monoflap saddle approach. I don't see any reason why you couldn't use ordinary leathers but obviously with there being no keeper then the end bit would be flapping around so it would depend if that got on your nerves or not.

Otherwise there are other companies who make the same type of T bar leather which might be cheaper. Bates do one and I'm sure there are others too.
 
I bought a WOW a year ago and they did include a pair of the leathers with the saddle.
You can buy a cheaper version of the leathers, I think they are made by Bates. But would definitely would not use normal leathers particularly for XC as I think there is a real risk the leather could come away from the bar.
Hope you enjoy your new saddle.
 
I had some thrown in with mine when I bought a new saddle though this was yonks ago now :) OP you aren't clear whether it's a new saddle or just new to you?

I do think they are worth it - there's not a huge amount of space under the 'skirt' to accomodate normal stirrup leathers with the buckle & extra leather. When I needed to use normal ones for a short time I popped them upside down so the buckle was at my ankle instead.

I have used bates webbers before (i found the leather rubbed through eventually), you could use the wintec ones, but I do think the Wow ones are worth the money. I've had mine in regular use for, ooh, 8 years or so and they are still going strong. Plus you can buy them in 2" increments so you can get exactly the right size.
 
Sorry, I wasn't very clear. It is just new to me. Couldn't afford a new one but managed to get one for an amazing price second hand.
Looks like I will be purchasing some new stirrup leathers as well then!
 
As others have said they come with the saddle when you purchase new - the person you bought the saddle off must rate them or they would have passed them on ;)

I wouldn't use standard stirrup leathers - yes you can fit them under the flap but the idea is to relieve the bulk so....

you could try any make of dressage leathers but the wow ones are particularly un-bulky
 
I use wintec webbers on my dressage saddle and just normal leathers on my GP, I used to have some wow leathers too, but sold them as the size I had was just a bit too short. Tbh they all feel the same to me....but my thighs are quite chunky :D
 
So had my saddle fitted today and was very pleased with it. My first time riding in a WOW and I loved it. My youngster felt back to his normal self which was great. The only slight problem was that the fitter wasn't 100% sure about the tree in the seat. I was sold it as a curved Y bar (apparently the person I bought it off was told this by WOW) but she has her doubts and thinks there is a small chance that it could be a flat tree which is annoying so I have to ring up WOW with the serial number on Monday and pray that it is what I was sold it as! It didn't feel 'flat' to ride in though so fingers crossed!

Onto stirrup leathers - my fitter didn't have any with her as she thought I already had them with the saddle which is fine. She said any of the bates/wintec ones will be fine but I have just gone to order them and seen that people won't jump in them as they have a habit of coming undone! Has anyone had this happen? I was planning on using them for everything including going XC and showjumping but now not sure what to do?!
 
Did the fitter check the fit? If it fits it doesn't matter whether it's a flat or curved Y bar and if necessary you can use a different depth of panels at the back. As long as it isn't bridging you might be ok with a flat y bar anyway.

So - yes call wow to find out whether you have a curved or flat Y bar but don't get hung up on the answer - if it fits then it fits :)

Did the fitter set it up for you and check the flair etc?

Did the say there were any issues with the fit?
 
ihatework said:
I use regular leathers, they are fine once on but a PITA to get under the stirrup bar to start with!!!
Click to expand...

This! Although I dont find them such an issue to put onto the bar (although I use the usual bar, not the dressage type one which would be more difficult). Ive always used normal leathers with mine and have evented etc. no problem - never had one fly off!
 
Wheels said:
Did the fitter check the fit? If it fits it doesn't matter whether it's a flat or curved Y bar and if necessary you can use a different depth of panels at the back. As long as it isn't bridging you might be ok with a flat y bar anyway.

So - yes call wow to find out whether you have a curved or flat Y bar but don't get hung up on the answer - if it fits then it fits :)

Did the fitter set it up for you and check the flair etc?

Did the say there were any issues with the fit?
Click to expand...

Turns out it was a curved tree! Phew!
I asked the fitter to fit it regardless as I didn't want a wasted trip for her or us if it had been the right tree. She checked the saddle fit and the flair and was happy but she was just worried as he is quite a sensitive horse that if the tree wasn't the right one for him then it might cause trouble further down the line.
Rode in it again yesterday and love it and my horse seems to approve too :)
 
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