What’s new: “Intelligent” stirrups
With new saddles appearing every year, the humble stirrup iron has not escaped the attention of product developers and the new MDC Intelligent Stirrup is the latest to join the line-up.
This stirrup has an adjustable top, allowing the angle between the stirrup leather and stirrup iron to be customised to suit the needs of horse and rider for different disciplines.
The angle can be set at a choice of 45 degrees, which is thought to be ideal for jumping, or 90 degrees for dressage, hacking and endurance. Alternatively, the stirrup can be left at its traditional setting flat against the horse’s side. It remains at the chosen angle while riding, making it easier for the rider to retrieve a lost iron.
The stirrup is available in two styles: the MDC Comfort Stirrup has traditional solid appearance, while the MDC Ultimate Stirrup (pictured) has sprung and hinged sides. Both styles have been ergonomically engineered to aid correct, comfortable and balanced riding.
Launched in the UK at BETA 2004, they cost around £110 per pair for the Comfort style and around £125 for the Ultimate. These brand new products are expected to be available in all good tackshops from May.
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.