How to Attach Stirrup Leathers

Stirrup leathers, the belt-like straps that support stirrups on English saddles, are a vital component of saddles that are often unfamiliar to those more accustomed to using Western saddles. The leathers are detachable for adjustment, so it is important to know exactly how to properly attach them for safety and comfort.

Things You'll Need

  • English saddle
  • Stirrup leathers
  • Stirrups
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the leather bar on one side of the saddle. It will usually be hidden underneath the skirt, and is a small, horizontal metal piece.

    • 2

      Open the leather bar, if necessary. Some leather bars have an additional piece that swivels to help lock the stirrup leather in place. If your saddle has this feature, you will need to turn this piece so that it forms a straight line with the leather bar in order to attach the stirrup leather.

    • 3

      Thread the stirrup leather through the stirrup.

    • 4

      Thread the end of the leather that does not have the buckle behind the leather bar so that the end is pointing up and the buckle and stirrup are hanging down below the bar. The amount of the leather you thread through will vary depending on your stirrup height preferences, so bring the buckle up to the bar to make sure the stirrup will hang at your desired level.

    • 5

      Buckle the leather together over the leather bar. The buckle should rest flat on top of the leather bar, and the extra length of the end of the leather should now be hanging down.

    • 6

      Close the leather bar by swiveling the locking piece back into place (if the saddle has them).

    • 7

      Thread the hanging end of the leather through the leather keeper, which is a loop or hole below and toward the rear of the saddle from the leather bar.

    • 8

      Repeat the process on the other side, making sure to adjust the second leather to match the stirrup height of the first.