While stirrups can be used in any discipline (assuming they comply with the rules if you’re competing), some designs are made with jumping in mind. By investing in a quality stirrup that guides you into the right position, you can begin to develop improved feel, coordination and technique. With the different leg positions and demands on the body in each discipline, some stirrup designs will be more beneficial to you than others. Using the best stirrups for jumping with not only aid your leg position, but can help alleviate pain, too, while many also have quick-release safety features.
We’ve sorted through all of the best technical stirrups and best safety stirrups – including some that we’ve been able to try out – and selected a few that we think are particularly good options for showjumpers and event riders.
Best jumping stirrups: the contenders
Flex-On Safe-On Stirrups
Colours: 11 frame, 3 footbed and 17 elastomer options
Sizes: Adult or junior (for riders under 40kg)
Weight: 500g each (adult), 275g (junior)
RRP: £244.95 (adult), £145.95 (junior)
H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved
Based on the design for Flex-On’s Green Composite Stirrup (featured below), the Safe-On also has lots of customisable features. The outer branch is designed to open when at least 40kg is exerted on it in the event of a fall. They are also available in a junior size (for riders under 40kg).
They are designed to offer shock absorption, which should protect your joints. The off-set leather slot is angled for comfort, while the angle of the tread helps you to maintain the correct leg position.
We put these stirrups to the test and loved them so much we rated them H&H Approved. We thought they were particularly well suited to jumping and the inclined option was really effective at ensuring your leg was in a secure position. Read our full Flex-On Safe-On stirrups review.
In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk or amazon.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Flex-On Green Composite Stirrups
Colours: 10 frame and 17 elastomer options
Weight: 400g each (adult), 300g each (child)
RRP: From £185.95 (adult), £79.95 (child)
H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved
These stirrups are shock absorbing and have an off-set leather slot that helps achieve the optimum leg position. The generous footbed gives a wide area of support and the inclined angle encourage the heel to stay down. The ‘Green’ refers to the environmentally sourced polyamide frame covering. They are also available in a junior size (for riders under 40kg) – ideal for the young showjumper.
We put these stirrups to the test, and Becky commented that she found these stirrups particularly good for jumping and hacking, feeling very secure in the leg. She also noted how shock absorbing she found these stirrups when jumping. Read our full Flex On Green Composite Stirrups review.
In the UK? View at amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
JS Italia Jin Air Stirrups
Colours: 17 options
Weight: 480g each (adult)
RRP: £229 (adult), £169 (junior)
H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved
These smart stirrups have a wide anatomical footbed that provides a high level of comfort, grip and stability, which also helps to prevent you losing your stirrups. The smart-release mechanism with flexible arch allows your foot to exit in all directions should you fall before automatically returning to its original position.
We found these stirrups to be well suited to jumping. They also felt very springy, which suggests they offer good shock absorption. Read our full Jin Air stirrups review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Freejump Soft’Up Classic Stirrups
Colours: Black, silver, pearl navy or pearl red
Weight: 456g each
RRP: From £255
These stirrups combine the comfort and technology of the FreeJump single-branch stirrups with the classic design of a straight-eye stirrup. The straight eye helps to maintain a straight and stable leg position. The Soft’Up Classics have slightly reduced dimensions so are particularly suited for women or those up to size UK 8½. The Soft’Up Lite is available if you’re looking for a version suitable for children.
The soft outer branch is designed to open under pressure and enable foot release in the event of a fall. The footplates with removable and replaceable steel cleats offer great grip. The shifted centre of gravity allows a natural inclination and encourages the descent of the heels.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, naylors.com or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
LeMieux Vector Balance Stirrup
Colours: Black, black/aluminium, aluminium, carbon grey, auburn, rose gold or navy
Weight: 419g each
RRP: £159.95
These stirrups have a slight incline of 5° and a studded grip surface. It also benefits from an integrated hinged arm that releases when abnormal pressure is applied during a fall, and allows the foot to come out of the stirrup.
They are shock-absorbing, which reduces fatigue at the knee and ankle, particularly as your horse lands. The eyelet for the stirrup leather is recessed and off-set at 45°, which makes it easier to regain a lost stirrup.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or naylors.com
Ophena S Magnetic Safety Stirrups
Colours: Silver or black
Weight: 650g each
RRP: From £289
H&H Review: 8/10
The Ophena S magnetic safety stirrups have a unique open design and magnetic system to prevent you getting caught in the stirrup with no room for error. They are designed to help improve your control, leg position and confidence. These stirrups include a pair of magnetic insoles that create a magnetic connection between the stirrups and your boots, which provides you with better grip and control no matter the conditions.
The Smart Attach technology allows you to attach the stirrups without completely removing the leathers by threading the leather through the double arm, which saves you time and preserves your leathers. They can still be run up and attached at the top of the saddle when not in use.
These stirrups can be used in British Showjumping competition, but not British Eventing.
Read H&H’s independent Ophena stirrups review.
You might also like:
Unsure which jumping whips comply with the rules? Check these out
Technical stirrups — what’s on the market?
Safety stirrups – what are your options?
A selection of stirrups under £50
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