The Horse Forum banner

What do you think of "bendy" stirrups?

  • Pretty cool, I guess.

    Votes: 0 0.0%
Status
Not open for further replies.

What do you think of "bendy" English stirrups??

5K views 18 replies 14 participants last post by  TurboCharged 
#1 ·
Thoughts??

I'm interested in getting them.
 
#2 ·
You mean like the ones that can go on an angle?

I have the Herm Sprenger Bow Balance stirrups and they do have some play in them where they can go on an angle. Though it's not like others out there that can noticeably do it.
But i have found that my heals are down as soon as i put my feet in the stirrups and the don't come up.. unless i do it.
 
#7 ·
I LOVE THEM! haha. If you're getting some, go with the Herm Sprenger ones, most deff.They have like links in them that help you keep your heel down majorly. The cheaper ones are just broken in the middle and the rubber can be cheap and crack and break. But if you're on a budget, go ahead, but keep in mind quality lasts.
 
#8 ·
They ARE miracle stirrups for me! I have tendon problems and without them can barely get my legs into a correct position at a halt with someone pulling on them, and had to sit and roll my ankles for nearly 5 minutes before I got off unless I wanted to collapse when I hit the floor, it hurt so much, but things go much better with them. They've really helped my ankles and knees and let me relax through my legs because I'm not in pain. I've also found they've eliminated the awful problem I had with losing my stirrups at every opportunity.

But I'd definitely go for sprenger or something equally reputable. I've tried budget versions and they made next to no difference.
 
#9 ·
Thanks guys, good to know about the "budget" ones, cuz that's what I was kind of going for. Maybe its not worth it.

Does anyone recommend/use "safety" stirrups?
 
#10 ·
The (good) bendy ones work as safety stirrups.

Safety stirrups themselves come in different kinds - are you looking at the ones with the rubber band or the 'bent leg' ones? I've heard bad things about the former, such as the band pinging off at inoppurtune times and the iron bending out of shape when under the stress of jumping. I think they're for kiddies really, where the weight or strain on them isn't going to be as much.
 
#11 ·
IMO - don't get them unless you need them, i.e. you have joint problems.

I think too many people get them because they're the "in" thing or because they think it's going to make them have amazing heels. The purpose of the stirrup is to relieve joint pain, not to be trendy or improve your eq.

I'm going to be getting some. I'm currently not riding because I tore my ACL and fractured my tibia, so I can't even walk let alone ride... Once I can though, you can bet I'm buying some to try and keep the pain down in my knees.
 
#13 ·
My stirrups, the "bendy" kind were on sale but I bought them for 30$ pretty cheap comparing to other kinds of stirrups and they seem very durable.
I would recommend these to anyone to use as safety stirrups, they're pretty much the same price as regular safety stirrups. Without them if your foot slids through the stirrup you are in trouble.

These are mine.
http://www.applesaddlery.com/riding/english-tack/c233913/p16538317.html
 
#15 ·
I LOVE some "bendy" stirrups...HATE others!

LOVE: My old-school Herm Sprengers with only a single joint. Somehow, they are perfect for my body and my knees don't hurt anymore and I never lose an iron!

LIKE: My newer Herm Sprenger System 4. Still alleviate my aching knees, but they seem to feel too "loose" on my foot.

OKAY: Knock-off brand with single joint. Okay, but the rubber cracked within a year.

HATE: Those Korsteel Flex II Irons! http://www.doversaddlery.com/korsteel-flex-ii-stirrup-irons/p/X1-0707/ There's no rubber covering, so when you ride w/o your feet in the irons, they clang around like CRAZY!

If you do decide to spend a pretty penny on some Herm Sprengers (or equivalent), be sure to order the proper size! I tend to like my irons smaller so I don't have too much wiggle room to possibly lose an iron. My snug 4.25" Herm Sprengers have always released my foot during my (many, many) falls though!
 
#18 ·
In the defense of safety stirrups- they really are mucher safer than usual stirrups. There is absolutely no way to get your foot caught in one. My last trainer saw a horrific accident at my old barn where a girl fell off her horse with her ankle in the stirrup, the horse jumped out of the closed arena and smashed her into the side of the fence. (She lived).
I use them on one of my saddles and they have never broken or fallen off- the key is to replace the leather and ruber bits with good quality ones before they get really old.
But yes they're silly looking :lol:
 
#19 ·
I've had my safety stirrups for 3 years, done trail riding, jumping and cross country in them with no problems. I lost one rubber piece when i got bucked off on the trail but didn't notice until i got home.

I'd rather look stupid than get dragged.

I have the bendy stirrups on my dressage saddle and like them.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top