How to Adjust the Stirrups on Your Saddle

Whether you're a beginning rider, new horse owner or you just work for a recreational facility, such as a summer camp, where horse riding is offered for kids, it's good to know some basics about horses and riding equipment. Sometimes various people end up sharing the same horse throughout the day, so start with learning to adjust the stirrups on your saddle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Locate the stirrups on your saddle. They are located on each side of your saddle and this is where you put your feet when riding. Know that you want your stirrups to be long enough for you to keep your feet in them, but you also want to be able to keep your knees slightly bent while riding. usually in a western saddle this puts the stirrup just below your ankle when sitting in the saddle with feet out of the stirrups.
2. Look for the locking sliding buckle on the inside to adjust the stirrups on your saddle. Shorten your stirrups by pulling the bottom end up so that it's near the top of the saddle to take up slack. Slide the clip over it to lock.
3. Lengthen your stirrups by sliding the clip up so that you can undo the brads. Slide them down and insert them into the holes at the bottom of the stirrup to adjust the stirrups on your saddle. Lock them into place.

Tips & Warnings

• Improper stirrup length can impair your ability to stay on the horse while it is in motion.