How to Put Leather Stirrups on an English Saddle
Whether cleaning tack or sizing stirrups, there are many reasons to remove and replace stirrups from an English saddle. Putting stirrup leathers and irons on an English saddle is a fairly easy process. It is very important, however, that stirrups are correctly placed on the saddle to promote rider safety. The stirrups also allow proper equitation or position in the saddle, and preserve the quality and lifespan of the leather.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Adding Leather Stirrups to an English Saddle
-
1
Slide the stirrup iron onto the leather.
-
2
Using one hand, lift the saddle skirt exposing the stirrup bar.
-
-
3
With the other hand, take an unbuckled stirrup leather with iron, and place the non-buckle end underneath the stirrup bar. Continue sliding the leather under the stirrup bar and pull over front of stirrup bar down toward the saddle flap.
-
4
Buckle the stirrup leather.
-
5
Take one hand and pull the leather closest to the saddle flap downward. This causes the buckle to slide up to the stirrup bar. Keeping the stirrup bar open, push the leather and buckle to the inside L-shaped portion of the stirrup bar if it is not already there.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Keep the leather clean and oiled to prevent cracks and weak leather. Also, check for loose or missing stitching.
For safety, keep stirrup bars open instead of closed. An open stirrup bar will allow the stirrup to release from the saddle in the case of a fall where a rider's foot goes through the stirrup.
