How to Select Western Stirrups

The stirrups of western saddles come in many varieties based on the type of riding for which the stirrups were invented. The differences are in the shapes and widths of the stirrups. Beyond these types, you also have a choice in the material from which the stirrups are made. Traditionally stirrups are leather-covered or plain wood, but stirrups can also be made of metal or synthetic materials.

Things You'll Need

  • Ruler
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your foot while wearing your riding boots. Measure across the widest part of the ball of your foot, right behind your toes. Any of the stirrups you buy should be this width plus the width of two fingers, to give your foot adequate space to slip out should you fall off of your horse. If you don't know the measurement of the stirrups you're interested in, measure along the treads where your feet will rest from inside branch to inside branch. Some riders choose to buy two sets of stirrups, one being even wider than normal so that you can wear insulated winter boots.

    • 2

      Consider the type of riding you do most often to decide what type of stirrups to buy. If you do any type of long-distance riding, you'll want a wide bottom on your stirrups, so you'll probably like roper, bell or moran stirrups. These stirrups have increasingly larger widths and flat treads. Most arena disciplines prefer oxbow or visalia stirrups because the narrower stirrups allow riders to keep their seats deeper in the saddle. Oxbow stirrups, with their rounded shape, also help riders keep their feet in the stirrups. Visalia stirrups are narrower with flat treads.

    • 3

      Choose materials that are comfortable for your feet or appropriate for your discipline. A heavy stirrup, such as one made out of metal, won't move around as much and will provide a more stable base, but heavy stirrups may tire your feet. Many long-distance riders prefer synthetic materials. Metal is often seen in performance-horse disciplines such as reining and cutting, and roper stirrups were invented for ropers. Barrel racers and other speed-event contestants like lightweight stirrups.