Turning Western Stirrups

Not if one leg is 1/2" shorter then the other (lol).

As for the hobble question, "yes" the hobble will keep the twist in the right position.

It is a lot simpler then it may seem, Bobbie. Just have faith - you'll get it right!

Iride, couple more dumb questions... Warm water - HOW warm? Not boiling I assume...

Kitten, I use it hot from the tap. It doesn't need to be too hot to handle but close. The temp is not real critical but cold or lukewarm water just doesn't penetrate the leather as well. Remember that your saddle has a lot of oil in it even if it's brand new and the hot water needs to get beyond the oil to make it pliable.

LOL I was going to ask the same question, Val!

Does anyone know if you can get docked in a horsemanship class for having your stirrups "preturned"? I have actually used this method for awhile because I needed to get my stirrups a half inch shorter so a friend could use it, but I don't want her to get penalized.

I don't know for sure but I really doubt it. On many upper end (cost wise) saddles the stirrups come from the saddle maker already turned.

I'm going to agree with Vida. With so many saddles coming from the maker pre-turned, I highly doubt you'd be penalized.

Requires a sticky

The problem with me though is I can't wet my saddle, because it will darken the leather. (its my show saddle) so I put it on a saddle rack then stick a broom in there and wait a few days. All good!

I asked a question about this and was linked to this thread before it was a sticky. I used the stick in the stirrups for 2 weeks, and it made a significant difference (I didn't even wet the fender). I got 2 rides out of the saddle before I ended up with a herniated disk and couldn't do anything...(30 more days until I can ride again) but the main reason I asked was because my knee was killing me at the end of a ride. It was so different and relieved so much of the knee pain. Since the saddle has been out of use for 5 weeks now, it's sitting on the stand with the stick in the stirrups right now, but my daughter takes it out at least once a week to see if it sticks...so far it has. This saddle is 40 years old and has been through my grandpa, my aunt, me and soon my daughter so it was sort of "set in its ways" so to speak...but we're gently persuading it to change for us. It works.