How to Turn Stirrups

Western saddles come with heavy leather "fenders" that hang down the sides of the horse and hold the stirrups in place. Most Western fenders lie flat against the horse, meaning the square stirrup lies perpendicular to the rider's ankle. This parallel angle places undue strain on the rider's knee and ankle joints and can be painful after only a short time in the saddle. Many Western equestrians train the leather on the saddle fenders to turn the stirrups to a more comfortable angle so that they can spend more time on their favorite sport without aching legs and feet.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle stand
  • Long, heavy pole or broomstick
  • 2 clean sponges
  • Clean water
  • Clean rag or towel
  • Leather oil or conditioner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set your saddle on a saddle stand and remove the stirrups from the fenders. Re-buckle the ends of the fenders.

    • 2

      Dampen each fender liberally on both sides with a sponge and clean water. Dry with a clean towel.

    • 3

      Rub a good leather oil or conditioner into both sides of each fender using a clean sponge or rag.

    • 4

      Turn the left fender so that the inside leather faces the pommel -- the front -- of your saddle and the end sits at a 90-degree angle to the saddle. Insert the pole or broomstick into the stirrup buckle.

    • 5

      Turn the inside of the right fender to the front of the saddle like you did the left and pull the pole through the stirrup buckle. Align the pole so that its weight rests evenly between the two stirrups.

    • 6

      Allow the saddle to completely dry overnight and re-condition both fenders before replacing the stirrups.