How to Attach Stirrups to an English Saddle

Proper stirrup attachment is important for riding comfort and safety

Horseback riding can be therapeutic for the mind and body, but not if your equipment is assembled incorrectly. Piecing together riding gear may seem confusing, but it's important to get the hang of it before saddling up. On an English saddle, stirrups that are attached incorrectly will bulge beneath the legs and be uncomfortable for the rider. They also pose a potential danger if you fall or are thrown, as your feet could get stuck in backwards stirrups.

Instructions

1. Thread the stirrup leather through the stirrup iron. There is a hole specifically for the leather at the top of the iron. Buckle the stirrup leather. Don't worry about adjusting the stirrup length; you can do this later when you are in the saddle.

2. Hold the stirrup leather so that the buckle is facing toward you. Lift the skirt (the small panels on each side of the seat), and slide the stirrup leather onto the stirrup bar. The buckle should still be facing you, on the outside of the stirrup bar.

3. Pull the stirrup leather down so that the buckle is tight against the stirrup bar, locking the stirrup leather into place. Thread the end of the stirrup leather through the keeper to keep it in place.

4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 with the other stirrup leather and iron on the opposite side of the saddle.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean and oil your saddle and stirrup leathers before assembling them. Clean, supple leather is much easier to work with than dry, dirty, cracked leather.

• If you have safety stirrup irons, make sure the elastic breakaway is facing outward from the saddle flap. This ensures that your foot will escape from the stirrup in case of a fall.

References

• AlphaHorse
• RaraEquus
• The Ultimate Horse Site