How to Adjust Stirrups to the Right Length Before Mounting a Horse

There is a way to adjust your stirrups to the proper length before you mount your horse.

It is disconcerting to mount a horse and discover your stirrups are either way too long or way too short. If you are on a trail ride, you will be fumbling with the buckles on the stirrup leathers while the other riders head off down the trail. There is a way to determine stirrup length before you mount your horse, saving you lots of time and frustration.

Instructions

1. Stand on the near, or left, side of the horse facing the saddle.

2. Place the tips of the fingers on your left hand on the stirrup bar. The stirrup bar, or metal bar that holds the stirrup leather, is underneath the saddle flap.

3. Lift the stirrup with your right hand and place it in your armpit.

4. If the stirrup doesn't quite reach your armpit, lengthen the stirrup leathers by unbuckling the buckle and moving it down one or two holes on the leather.

5. If there is slack in the stirrup leather, shorten it by unfastening the buckle and moving it up one or two holes on the leather.

6. Repeat the same process on the right, or far, side of the horse.

7. Before you mount, stand in front of the horse and look at the stirrups to make certain they are even. Be sure the horse is standing squarely and not resting a hind leg. This can make the horse's body lean to one side and the stirrups will appear to be uneven.

Tips & Warnings

• This is a general guide for determining stirrup length. You may need to make minor adjustments after mounting. If your stirrups are the correct length, your knees should be slightly bent and you should be able to push your heels down with the stirrups on the balls of your feet.

• The same process will work for stirrups on both English and Western saddles. The leather buckles on an English saddle are similar to belt buckles. Western saddle leathers have locking slide buckles with brads that fit into the holes in the leathers. Open this buckle by sliding the locking cover back from the metal plate with the brads. Place the brads in the desired holes, then slide the cover back into place.

• If your foot slips out of the stirrup while you are riding, do not attempt to lean over and slide the stirrup back onto your foot. This will throw you off balance and you could fall. Sit straight in your saddle, look forward, grip with your knees and feel for the stirrup with your toe. When you find it, slide your toe in.

References

• Woodland Horse Center: Mounting the Horse
• Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food & Rural Affairs: Safety For Hunt Seat Riders and Their Horses
• University of Missouri Extension: Safety for Hunt Seat Riders