Stirrups

Riders' stirrups are an essential part of their equipment. Although they are often seen as a natural part of the saddle, the choice of stirrups has a major impact on balance, comfort and safety when Riding. The right stirrups give the Rider a stable base, help position the foot correctly and make it easier to follow the horse's movements.

At Unamari, you'll find stirrups in many variations, so you can choose the solution that suits your discipline, experience and preferences.

What is a stirrup?

A stirrup is the stirrup that hangs from the stirrup straps on either side of the saddle and that the Rider places their feet in while Riding. A pair of stirrups act as a support for the Rider's foot and help create the balance and stability that makes it easier to sit correctly and ride the horse with confidence and precision.

In practice, the stirrup has several functions:

• It helps the Rider maintain a stable position
• It relieves the body while riding
• It makes it possible to stand up easily in the saddle

It benefits not only the Rider, but also the horse, because a more balanced rider often loads the horse's back more evenly.

That's why stirrups are far more than a small detail in your riding gear. They affect everything from the comfort of your ankles, knees and hips to the feeling of contact, control and safety.

The interplay between a pair of stirrups, saddle and stirrup straps

Good stirrups work best when they work properly with the rest of your gear. The stirrups, saddle and stirrups should fit together to give the Rider a stable and consistent feel on both sides.

If the stirrups are too small, the foot can get too tight. If they're too wide, you can lose some of the support and precision that many riders want. The opening should therefore fit both the foot and the riding boot to get the right balance between freedom of movement and safety. This is especially important in the event of a crash, where the foot should not be prone to getting stuck.

Classic stirrups

Classic stirrups are still among the most popular stirrups, and for good reason. The simple design is familiar, functional and suitable for many Riders and disciplines. Stainless steel models are especially popular because they are durable, timeless and easy to integrate with other equipment.

For many riders, classic stirrups are a safe choice because they provide a familiar feel without too many technical elements. They work well for everyday Riding, teaching and Riders who want a more traditional look. At the same time, they are often easy to maintain and look great over time.

This doesn't mean that classic models are the right choice for everyone. Some riders want more shock absorption, a wider tread or extra safety features. But if you prefer a traditional look and a simple, reliable solution, classic stirrups are still a strong place to start.

New stirrups with a focus on comfort and safety

New stirrups are developed with a much greater focus on ergonomics, weight, grip and safety than before. While classic models are known for their simplicity, modern variants are often designed to relieve the Rider's joints and improve the position of the foot in the stirrup.

Many new stirrups have a wide footplate, which provides better support under the foot and can significantly increase comfort - especially on longer rides or during intensive training. Other models are designed with an angle to help the Rider bring the heel down more easily and maintain a more stable position.

In addition, modern stirrups often have non-slip treads in rubber, metal or combinations of materials for extra grip. Especially in Jumping, where the movement is more dynamic, this can be a big advantage.

Different stirrups in different materials

The choice of material has a big impact on how the stirrup feels in use. Stainless steel remains a popular choice because it is robust, classic and has a solid weight. Aluminum is lighter and is often used in stirrups where light weight and modern design are the focus. For many jump riders, this is an advantage because lightweight stirrups can feel more supple in use.

Composite, polyamide and plastic have also become more common. These materials make it possible to create stirrups with low weight, flexibility and ergonomic shapes that can be difficult to achieve in more traditional materials. At the same time, they allow you to make more of a design statement, so you'll find everything from muted models to more colorful variants in pink, light blue, black and brown.

Rubber often plays an important role on the tread surface, where it contributes to grip and comfort. It's not just about the material itself, but the interplay between surface, structure and support. The right combination can make a noticeable difference for the Rider, especially when riding many hours a week.

Safety stirrups and the risk of getting stuck

Safety is one of the most important parameters when you need new stirrups. Safety stirrups are designed to reduce the risk of the Rider getting their foot caught in a crash. This can be done through different mechanisms depending on the model and construction.

Some safety stirrups have an elastic side, others a release arm, and some are designed with a magnetic opening. What they all have in common is that they should make it easier for your foot to be released if you fall off your horse. This is especially relevant for riders who ride Jumping, ride young horses or generally want maximum safety in their equipment.

Most popular stirrups depend on discipline

The most popular stirrups are not necessarily the same for all riders. The choice largely depends on how you ride and what you need in the saddle. A dressage rider often focuses on calmness, stability and comfort, while a jumper typically prioritizes grip, light weight and safety for more explosive movements.

• For dressage, many riders choose stirrups with a non-slip tread and good support so that the leg can lie still and the aids are delivered more precisely. Comfort is important here because small tensions in the foot, ankle or knee can quickly affect the rest of the set-up.
• For Jumping, you often see models with a wide footplate, lightweight aluminum or composite construction and a surface that provides extra grip. As the rider gets up in the saddle, lands after jumping and works at a more active pace, stability and quick release become even more important.

For experienced riders, the choice can be very deliberate and technical. For newer riders, it's often more about finding a pair of stirrups that feel safe, stable and easy to ride with. Both are equally relevant.

Accessories for stirrups

To get the most out of your stirrups, it's not just the stirrup itself that matters. The right accessories can help improve both comfort and durability.

Good quality stirrup straps are the foundation for keeping your stirrups stable and correct in relation to the saddle. Leather straps and straps need to be durable, flexible and able to withstand daily use without losing shape or function. They also affect how the stirrup hangs and how easily you can access it while Riding.

In addition, stirrup inserts can make a noticeable difference in everyday life. With the right inserts, you can achieve better grip, increased comfort and a more stable position of the foot in the stirrup. This is especially relevant if you ride long hours or if you want extra support and slip resistance in different disciplines.

Cover for stirrups is a practical solution that protects both saddle and equipment from wear and scratches - especially during transportation or storage. At the same time, they can help extend the life of your stirrups and keep them looking good over time.

Find stirrups that suit your Riding

At Unamari you'll find a wide range of stirrups for Riders with different needs, preferences and disciplines. Whether you're looking for classic stainless steel stirrups, lightweight aluminum models, functional composite variants or modern safety stirrups, the goal is the same: to give you better support, higher comfort and more safety in the saddle.

The right stirrups can make a bigger difference than many expect. When the stirrup fits your foot, your Riding and your comfort requirements, you get a better starting point for balance, stability and contact with your horse. Browse our wide selection on this page and find the stirrups that best suit you and your riding style.