More about Stirrup Locks!

One of the first things we learn to do as a new rider is to run up our stirrups immediately after we dismount.

But what if you have single-strap leathers? Or a set of tech stirrups with the large, open eyes? Or slippery leathers that won't hold a run-up? Or, what happens when your horse gets a little rambunctious on the end of the longe line? 

Will your run-up survive?

 Our Stirrup Locks are simply better!

One of our Stirrup Locks is the perfect "run-up" solution for your leather/stirrup combination

* For traditional leathers and stirrups with traditional eyes – choose any Stirrup Lock 

* For traditional leathers and stirrups with large/open eyes, like the Free Jump and Ophena– choose any Stirrup Lock

*  For single strap leathers and stirrups with traditional eyes – choose the Stirrup Bar Lock or the Toggle Stirrup Lock 

*  For single Strap Leather/ stirrups with large/open-eyes -  Our Toggle Stirrup Lock is for you! 

Whatever style leather and stirrup you use, make sure they hang high and tight with our simple Stirrup Locks - so nifty and neat your stirrups will never bang you or your horse again!

Stirrup Bar Locks

They can tuck up under the skirt while you ride!

Toggle Stirrup Locks

Can travel on your D ring while you ride!

 

Mari Pitts 

Run up those irons.

A warning is circulating about an accident where a horse caught his jaw on a stirrup iron while biting at a fly. Sorry, folks, this should be a no-brainer.

Yet constantly we see pictures of riders of all ages leading horses with the irons down, portraits being taken with stirrups swinging, ditto with horses waiting for classes or being cooled out, even in lessons when riders drop their irons.

I have no sense of humor about such things. When the foot is not in the stirrup iron, it is either run up, crossed over the horse’s shoulders, or woven up for longeing. It is never, even for a few minutes, allowed to swing and bang against the side of the horse.

Note that one useful exception to this rule is in teaching a green horse to accept the irons bumping his sides while on the longe. Better he blows up momentarily in the longe line, than when we are on him!

Running up one’s irons takes only a moment, shows you care, and shows that you’ve been well taught. It is a shining beacon to younger riders who may look up to you. One small effort will prevent the panicked horse with his bit caught, or the child run over when her stirrup gets caught on a stall door.

Teach your children to run up their irons, first thing when they dismount. There is a reason this has been a safe practice for more than a century!