How to Measure Stirrup Leathers for Dressage Saddles

The definitive rules of dressage coincide with the precision of its equitation. Regulations, such as the formal attire of the horse and riders, must be strictly observed for competition. The leathers, which are the straps that hold the stirrups to the saddle, are adjustable and have to be set at the correct length for the proper seat. When you adjust your stirrups for the first time on this saddle, you should have a helper to make the adjustments and to check your alignment.

Instructions

    • 1

      Center a white, dressage saddle pad over the horse's back behind his shoulders.

    • 2

      Measure the length of your boot from the ball of your foot to the back of your heel (it should be between six and seven inches). Position the saddle behind the horse's shoulders so that the weight will be distributed over the horse's back and will not pinch or dig the horse or restrict its movements. Proper saddle positioning is a key to ensuring that the stirrup length will be correct.

    • 3

      Visualize a vertical line that runs perpendicular from the deepest part of the saddle downward, parallel to the stirrup leather. Measure the distance between the visualized line and the stirrup leather. It should be the same length as the boot measurement that you just took. If the distance is too wide, your leg will be too far forward. Move the saddle back a bit. If the distance is too small, you'll be unbalanced. Move the saddle forward a bit to correct. Tighten the girth enough so that the saddle will not slide when mounting.

    • 4

      Mount the horse. Sit in the deepest part of the saddle with your back straight, shoulders back and down, head up, facing forward. Let your legs dangle, but keep your feet positioned so that the soles are parallel to the earth (if your feet were touching the ground, they'd be flat to it).

    • 5

      Have your helper visualize a straight line that goes from your ear through your shoulder to your hip. Flex your knee enough so that your heel intersects the line.

    • 6

      Hold your position steady while your helper adjusts the length of the leathers so that the stirrups exactly meet the balls of your feet. Have the helper stand back and scan your alignment to make necessary adjustments on both sides.

    • 7

      Check your balance, considering that when riding dressage, that leg aids are an integral factor of proper equitation, and that you will need to make optimal use of them. Make small adjustments if you do not feel balanced.