Flex-on Green Composite stirrups

If you are looking for a pair of the best technical stirrups then you have probably already heard of the French company Flex-on. The Flex-on Green Composite stirrups (GC2) are the best-seller of the Flex-on range, and I was looking forward to finding out why.

Having previously spent most of my life riding in traditional bent leg iron stirrups, the GC2 stirrups certainly look very different to what I was used to – and I was quite amazed by how many features could be personalised.

First and foremost, the stirrups promote comfort, and Flex-on states the GC2s help to “provide stability to the leg and enable perfect positioning”, thanks to an offset stirrup leather slot which the company claims “encourages optimum leg position”. The stirrups are shock absorbing, and weigh 800g for the pair.

The stirrups are hot-forged and treated to prevent oxidation, and increase strength and longevity. They are also covered with environmentally-sourced polyamide material.

Personalisation

There’s definitely an element of fun about personalising your kit – and the Flex-on GC2 stirrups not only allow you to choose technical features, but also colours.

You can choose between a standard or ultra-grip tread, and whether your footbed angle is inclined or flat. You then can choose the colour of your iron, tread, shock absorbers, and magnet colours. You can go all out bright and blingy, or more traditional, and the Flex-on website allows you to choose and view your designed stirrups before committing.

I opted for the ultra-grip tread and inclined footbed, with showjumping in mind. When they arrived they were beautifully presented in their box, and there was definitely a bit more excitement opening something you’ve “designed”.

I tried the stirrups on the flat, showjumping and hacking. One thing I noticed was the stirrups felt quite light compared to what I am used to, and on the flat I’m not sure they were quite as supporting as the Sprenger Bow Balance stirrups (that I’ve also tested) – which also encourage a better leg position and balance.

However, the inclined footbed definitely helps your heel naturally stay down, and when jumping and hacking, I felt very secure in my leg. I definitely noticed the shock absorbance of these stirrups when jumping – it’s really a step up compared to basic traditional irons and as someone that can suffer with some aches and pains, I think this will be really beneficial.

The ultra-grip footbed does what is says on the tin, and even when the footbed got sand and grit on it from a few days’ use, it was still super-grippy. I would just urge a little bit of caution when doing up your stirrup leathers as I noticed they can catch on the spiky footbed grips if you’re a little too hasty!

Verdict

H&H Approved – I really like the Flex-on GC2 stirrups for hacking and jumping, where I want that bit more security in my leg and the shock-absorbing performance. For flatwork I found them a little bit light for my liking, but I am happy to switch stirrups depending on what I am doing, as I would with any other equipment. Being able to choose your tread and incline is a massive bonus – and the vast amount of colours definitely adds the fun factor. As well as treating yourself, they would also make a lovely gift. Technical stirrups do come with a substantial price tag, and the GC2s are £185.95 (at the time of testing), but I think this is fair, especially given the customisable options.

Who tested these Flex-on stirrups?

Becky Murray started freelance writing for Horse & Hound in 2016 alongside other equestrian titles, before joining the H&H news team in July 2018. She was made senior news writer in January 2022. During her time at H&H she has reported on a broad range of topics across the equestrian industry including welfare issues, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings, rider safety, and road safety campaigns. In 2019 she attended the national Strangles Symposium and the Scottish welfare conference.

Becky was part of the home remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympic Games and the European Showjumping Championships and has reported from Morris Equestrian, the Royal Highland Show and Blair Castle International Horse Trials. She also regularly contributes to the weekly H&H podcast.

Based in north Scotland, Becky learnt to ride at the age of five. She got the showjumping bug with her 13.2hh older pony Phoenix, who used to particularly enjoy a chase-me-Charlie. She went on to compete in British Showjumping and riding club activities as a teenager with her pony Sparkle. After losing two horses in 2015 to illness and injury, Becky is now producing her Irish mare Chloe, and has returned to the showjumping ring. She also has two miniature Shetland sisters, Mootie and Poppet, who keep her on her toes.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also be interested in:

Technical stirrups — what’s on the market?

Sprenger Bow Balance stirrups *H&H Approved*

£195

Flex-on Safe-on safety stirrups review *H&H Approved*

Find out how professional event rider Sam Jennings rated these technical stirrups in Horse & Hound’s independent group test

£224.95

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Sprenger Bow Balance stirrups

When a product claims to “encourage perfect leg position and balance” it definitely gets my attention. Having ridden in the more traditional bent leg stirrup irons for years, I was very interested to try something that offer more, and the Bow Balance stirrups by Sprenger do just that.

The stirrups feature the Sprenger four-link system technology; and have a safety standard 1,600kg breaking strength. The “bow” aims to reduce the risk of the foot becoming trapped and offers enhanced security, by being able to pivot in four directions simultaneously. The stirrups are also shock-absorbing and claim to be “gentle on ligaments and joints”.

What struck me first is the Bow Balance stirrups’ unique style, with the “bow” shape – and then the rubber in the lower half of the stirrups, and I think they look smart enough for competitions – or everyday riding.

When I first put my feet in the stirrups I definitely felt instantly supported by the extra wide footbed. I was concerned the flexibility of the stirrups might offer almost too much mobility, having been so used to traditional stirrups, but I really liked the feeling they gave me when I was riding. I put them through their paces riding in the arena, field, and out hacking, and in all scenarios they felt very comfortable.

I struggle with some stiffness through my right hip which I’m working on with the help of a physio, and I definitely felt the Bow Balance stirrups helped me secure my right lower leg a bit better. I tend to ride quite short, but I found myself feeling comfortable enough to drop my stirrup leathers down a hole, which was a real positive – and I’m sure my flatwork coach will be happier for this too!

My main discipline is showjumping, and while I definitely like knowing the safety they offer with the 1,600kg breaking strength and the bow reducing the risk of the foot becoming trapped, I do find the stirrups ever so slightly clunkier and heavier than the ones I’m used to – but with that said, I think over time I wouldn’t notice.

Verdict

*H&H Approved* – The Sprenger Bow Balance stirrups have won me over, and I would recommend them to others. I think it’s a bold claim that a stirrup can help with leg position, and the cynic in me wondered if they were having a placebo effect, but I definitely have a more secure lower leg when using them and I am interested to see how they feel in a few months down the line. They are quite pricey compared to traditional stirrups (RRP £195) but they sit comfortably in this price bracket alongside other brands of the best technical stirrups.

Who tested these Sprenger stirrups?

Becky Murray started freelance writing for Horse & Hound in 2016 alongside other equestrian titles, before joining the H&H news team in July 2018. She was made senior news writer in January 2022. During her time at H&H she has reported on a broad range of topics across the equestrian industry including welfare issues, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings, rider safety, and road safety campaigns. In 2019 she attended the national Strangles Symposium and the Scottish welfare conference.

Becky was part of the home remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympic Games and the European Showjumping Championships and has reported from Morris Equestrian, the Royal Highland Show and Blair Castle International Horse Trials. She also regularly contributes to the weekly H&H podcast.

Based in north Scotland, Becky learnt to ride at the age of five. She got the showjumping bug with her 13.2hh older pony Phoenix, who used to particularly enjoy a chase-me-Charlie. She went on to compete in British Showjumping and riding club activities as a teenager with her pony Sparkle. After losing two horses in 2015 to illness and injury, Becky is now producing her Irish mare Chloe, and has returned to the showjumping ring. She also has two miniature Shetland sisters, Mootie and Poppet, who keep her on her toes.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also be interested in:

Technical stirrups — what’s on the market?

Jin Air stirrups review *H&H Approved*

Find out how professional event rider Sam Jennings rated these technical stirrups in Horse & Hound’s independent group test

£225

Flex-on Safe-on safety stirrups review *H&H Approved*

Find out how professional event rider Sam Jennings rated these technical stirrups in Horse & Hound’s independent group test

£224.95

Equipe safety stirrups review *Score 8/10*

£299

Sprenger Flexcite Grip stirrups review *H&H Approved*

£212

Safety stirrups – what are your options?

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Welcome to our group test of technical stirrups and safety stirrups. All of the stirrups in this group test have been put through their paces by professional event rider Sam Jennings. Find out what she thought below

Official description: Flex-on Safe-on safety stirrups

The outer branch of the Flex-on Safe-on safety stirrups is designed to open in the event of a fall when at least 40kg weight is exerted on it. It can quickly and easily be re-attached using the tool supplied. The Safe-on has all of Flex-on’s technological innovation and attention to detail – the elastomers provide superb shock absorption to protect joints, while the off-set leather slot ensures the stirrup sits at the optimum angle. The choice of tread angle helps the rider to maintain the correct leg position for their particular discipline and needs.

These stirrups are available in a choice of eight different frame colours, 14 elastomer colours, 6 tread options, plus more than 30 different options for the decorative magnetic inserts.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

First impressions

My groom, Sian, was very excited that these arrived, so I was keen to try them out. They have a great grip on the tread and look smart.

Overview of performance

They’ve been used regularly for 9 months and haven’t worn at all. The safety mechanism is very safe – one side is rubberised and your foot can ping out. They key to reattach the mechanism is easy to use – you just need to remember to have it with you. However, you could carry on riding without a problem if you forgot the key as the rubber doesn‘t disappear.

The angle of the footplate encourages your heel down and helps educate it to stay. They’re suited to jumping and have good shock absorption. Because they hang at an offset angle, they’re easy to find it you lose them. The treads can be unscrewed so you could probably replace them, although I don’t know why you’d need to..

Sam’s likes and dislikes

They’ve not marked any of my boots and the tread hasn’t worn at all. They were also really light. We loved them!

Verdict

*H&H APPROVED* I’d definitely recommend these stirrups – they were really great!

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

You might also like:

Safety stirrups – what are your options?

Technical stirrups — what’s on the market?

A selection of stirrups under £50

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Welcome to our group test of technical stirrups. All of the stirrups in this group test have been put through their paces by professional event rider Sam Jennings. Find out what she thought below

Official description: Sprenger Flexcite Grip stirrups

The Flexcite Grip stirrups from Sprenger feature a bow shape to help provide perfect balance to set the riders leg in the correct position whatever the discipline. Shock-absorbing and gentle to ligaments and joints, the grip supports the release of the foot in case of an emergency. The extra-wide foot pad has a stainless steel grip inlay for a non-slip, secure hold and has a hermetically sealed, water protected stainless steel joint.

First impressions

I have a really, really old pair of Sprengers that I still use, so I was keen to see if these were as good. They don’t have a side release like many of the others I tested, but I loved the shape and design.

Overview of performance

I love these stirrups and I found them to be really shock absorbing. I regularly use these with my main horse as I find for me they do everything right. I would be more than happy to ride in these every single day. They’ve lasted really well and the tread doesn’t seem to have altered at all. Although it does look like the tread can be replaced if needs be.

Sam’s likes and dislikes

I love everything about these stirrups. However, when I started comparing them all by weight I hadn’t realised these were so heavy, so I did have to deduct a few points for that.

Verdict

*H&H APPROVED* A fantastic pair of shock-absorbing stirrups.

You might also like:

Technical stirrups — what’s on the market?

Safety stirrups – what are your options?

A selection of stirrups under £50

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Welcome to our group test of technical stirrups. All of the stirrups in this group test have been put through their paces by professional event rider Sam Jennings. Find out what she thought below

Official description: Jin Air stirrups

The aluminium Jin Air stirrups have been created to combine the best of safety, design and comfort. The anatomic footbed, already approved and patented, guarantees maximum comfort and grip and helps to prevent you losing your stirrups. The smart-release mechanism allows the foot to exit in all directions in the case of a fall.

Its new structure, equipped with a part of the external arch in flexible material, allows the easy exit of the foot in case of need, still guaranteeing lateral support of the foot thanks to a truncated cone design. It automatically returns to the initial position without causing structural changes. The anatomical pad also provides more stability and the ergonomic shape helps to maintain the correct posture of the body while it is in the saddle.

Available in 16 different colours.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

First impressions

As soon as I got on, my heels were much lower without even thinking about it.

Overview of performance

I really liked these stirrups – they’re well suited to jumping and I felt very springy. They helped get my heels down and I was surprised at how far they went down without me even thinking about it! The grip on treads was really good. The outside smart-release arm is ‘pingable’ but quite rigid at the same time.

Sam’s likes and dislikes

I liked the simple design, although found this particular colour a little bright for me. They were, however, really lightweight, which was great.

Verdict

*H&H Approved* A lovely lightweight pair of stirrups that really get your heels down for jumping.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

You might also like:

Technical stirrups — what’s on the market?

Safety stirrups – what are your options?

A selection of stirrups under £50

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Welcome to our group test of technical stirrups. All of the stirrups in this group test have been put through their paces by professional event rider Sam Jennings. Find out what she thought below

Official description: Equipe safety stirrups

The Equipe safety stirrup was born from the idea of creating a functional accessory, with clean and elegant lines, and yet original in its innovation and design. They are made of high-quality materials with a simple yet effective mechanism design. The mobile silicone gullet allows for a simple release in case of a fall – the upper part of this gullet is engaged by a pin built into the fixed gullet and during a fall is easily released. No tools are required to restore the stirrup.

The lower section of the silicone gullet works to prevent the stirrup from loosening under conditions of normal use. The simple release system has no springs, hooks, magnets or other elements that could break or get stuck. The black tread of the stirrup, equipped with holes and grip finish has a special scratch-proof treatment. The main fixed gullet is made of ergal, which is a superior alloy. They are available in a range colour combinations.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk

First impressions

I thought these stirrups looked rather stylish. I also really liked them in black because it meant I could use them for everything.

Overview of performance

These stirrups have a really simple release mechanism and you don’t need tools to restore it, which is handy. The tread is amazing and didn’t mark my boots at all, even though the grip feels prominent to touch. You can also change the treads if you need to. They’ve worn really well and show no signs of scratching. I liked the angle as it makes the stirrups easier to regain if you lose them. Overall they’re nice stirrups and are useful is you don’t want your heels to be forced down because they’re flat.

Sam’s likes and dislikes

These stirrups were really comfortable and they don’t force your heels down, which in some situations is what you want. They were the most expensive pair I tested, but they were lovely and did a great job.

Verdict

Really stylish stirrups that you can use for everything.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk

You might also like:

Technical stirrups — what’s on the market?

Safety stirrups – what are your options?

A selection of stirrups under £50

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Welcome to our group test of technical stirrups. All of the stirrups in this group test have been put through their paces by professional event rider Sam Jennings. Find out what she thought below

Official description: Ophena S magnetic safety stirrups

The Ophena S magnetic safety stirrups bring safety to the next level. Thanks to a unique open design and an advanced magnetic system, getting caught becomes virtually impossible. The soft magnetic connection is enabled through a magnetic insole, which is included. And Smart Attach technology enables quicker attachment. Made in Sweden. BS Legal.

View at ophena.com

First impressions

My first thought was “wow”. I thought they were a beautiful and elegant design and they came in lovely packagaing. I was intrigued to find out how they worked and how strong the magnets were. ow does it work? How strong are the magnets? I found getting the insoles in to be a bit tight, so I would consider ordering a smaller size in the future..

Overview of performance

These stirrups were so interesting to test and I enjoyed riding in them. The magnets worked really well and were more powerful than I expected. They really keep your foot in place and if you lift your foot the stirrup comes too. They are, however, perfectly safe and would definitely detach easily if you fell off. I can see where Ophena are going with this and I’m sure it will help some riders with their position and foot placement but, personally, I like to be able to rebalance myself. I think they help you stabilise your foot to allow your hinges to work, but I wouldn’t say they enhance the comfort and support for your joints. They were also quite heavy.

They look gorgeous and the packaging was lovely. They’re so nice that I put them back in the box each time I use them, which is a faff and I’d say they were high maintenance to look after, but it shows how lovely they are. They’re not legal for BD or BE as they’re magnetic, but they are permitted by BS.

Sam’s likes and dislikes

Overall, I enjoyed riding in these stirrups but they weren’t ideal for me on an everyday basis. If you’ve got the spare cash I would say they’re a good tool to help with your training. They are really easy to attach to your stirrup leathers as you don’t need to completely remove the leather from the saddle to do so.

You might also like:

Technical stirrups — what’s on the market?

Verdict

A great pair of stirrups, particularly if you showjump.

Welcome to our group test of technical stirrups. All of the stirrups in this group test have been put through their paces by professional event rider Sam Jennings. Find out what she thought below

Official description: Silk Steel Flexbalance safety stirrups

The Silk Steel Flexbalance safety stirrups allow forward, backward and sideward movement. They combine flexibility and safety.

View at kramer.co.uk

First impressions

These were the most basic in appearance of all the stirrups that I tested. I really liked the colour because they look smart and go well with everything.

Overview of performance

I used these stirrups really regularly over a number of months and was really happy with them. They’re nice, simple stirrups – they don’t need to be all singing and dancing because they definitely do the job. The treads are well made and hard-wearing. You might need to change them eventually, but I didn’t notice any wear in the time that I used them. They had a slight flex – not as much as others I tested, but I didn’t expect that for the price.

Sam’s likes and dislikes

These stirrups are quite heavy, but they are so affordable.

You might also like:

Technical stirrups — what’s on the market?

Verdict

An affordable pair of stirrups that do the job.

Welcome to our independent group test of half pads. All of the half pads in this group test have been put through their paces by professional event rider Sam Jennings and her team. Find out what they thought below.

Official description

The Climatex Trapez Pad from Eskadron has been developed in collaboration with saddlers, osteopaths, physiotherapists and chiropractors. It is designed specifically to support development of the trapezoid muscle by stabilising the saddle and at the same time ensuring the necessary freedom of movement of this area. The pad can be placed on top of a saddlecloth or positioned directly on the horse’s back without any adverse effects.

First impressions

I liked the shape of this mini half pad and the fact that it is small and lightweight. I ride a lot of youngsters that are still growing and developing and I was excited to see how handy it would be.

Overview of performance

I found this pad very useful for when you just needed to make a little adjustment to how the saddle sits on the horse’s back. It was very quick and easy to put in place and liked how versatile it was in terms of where you could place it. The change it caused on the saddle fit was subtle, which I liked. It didn’t slip at all and washed really well. I found it the most useful pad in the group test for my yard. Because all my saddles are made-to-measure, I found some of the other pads were too thick and bulky in comparison to this one.

Likes and dislikes

I really like how well this half pad does its job without affecting the feeling between my seat and the horse’s movement. I also like how breathable and lightweight it is. It would be the most stylish look as you can barely see it, but it is excellent at doing its job.

Verdict

This mini half pad is extremely useful and can go under any saddle on all types of horses.

Welcome to our group test of tack cleaners. All of the tack cleaning products in this group test have been thoroughly tested on the yard of professional dressage rider and trainer Rob Waine. Find out what he thought below.

Stormcare’s official description

Natural glycerine and lanoline make Storm Saddle Soap ideal for cleaning all smooth leather. It is a high quality leather soap based on traditional products and methods. The light foaming action gets to work cleaning leather and tack effectively, ensuring longevity of service.

View at amazon.co.uk

Rob’s first impressions

The product could be more eye-catching. The labelling is quite plain and wouldn’t catch my eye on the shelf of a tack shop.

Overview of performance

Really super, this was our favourite product. It was easy to use, long lasting and conditioned the leather well.

Rob’s likes and dislikes

I like the fact the cream has a good texture so it goes further, and how well it soaks in.

Verdict

This was our favourite from the group test. Would definitely recommend.

Welcome to our group test of tack cleaners. All of the tack cleaning products in this group test have been thoroughly tested on the yard of professional dressage rider and trainer Rob Waine. Find out what he thought below.

NAF’s official description: NAF Sheer Luxe Cleanse & Condition

For a luxurious finish, NAF Sheer Luxe Cleanse & Condition deep cleansing formula is easy to use and leaves a non-sticky natural finish.

In the UK? View at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk, naylors.com or elandlodge.com

In the US? View at amazon.com

Rob’s first impressions

A stylish bottle that looked very professional

Overview of performance

This cleaner was easy to use and gave a good clean finish that lasted well.

Rob’s likes and dislikes

Tack looks very clean, it’s long lasting and good value for money

Verdict

I would recommend this tack cleaner to a friend.

You might also be interested in:

The best tack cleaners and conditioners that will bring shine to your tack room

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Welcome to our group test of tack cleaners. All of the tack cleaning products in this group test have been thoroughly tested on the yard of professional dressage rider and trainer Rob Waine. Find out what he thought below.

Absorbine’s official description

Absorbine Leather Therapy Wash deep cleans from the inside out, lifting dirt and grime from the inner fibres of leather to prevent deterioration and cracking — without leaving surface residue. It’s gentle on leather and stitching, and can be used for leather tack, boots, shoes, and jackets — even synthetic leather. It’s ideal for cleaning western tack with tooling because the residue-free formula eliminates build-up in detailed areas.

Absorbine Leather Therapy Restorer & Conditioner helps maintain the durability and extend the life of leather by penetrating to lift embedded oils and soaps to the surface while replenishing moisturisers to leather’s inner fibers — which also restores its supple feel and rich colour. Regular maintenance with this leather conditioner will inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. It is suitable for use on leather and synthetic tack, riding boots, work boots, and leather apparel.

View at viovet.co.uk

Rob’s first impressions

Label is quite busy and not immediately clear that it’s a tack cleaner.

Overview of performance

These two tack cleaners worked together to do exactly what they claimed to. The wash was effective at lifting dirt and the conditioner kept the leather supple.

Rob’s likes and dislikes

I found them easy to use, straight forward. I liked that the two parts worked well together.

Verdict

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Welcome to our group test of tack cleaners. All of the tack cleaning products in this group test have been thoroughly tested on the yard of professional dressage rider and trainer Rob Waine. Find out what he thought below.

Renapur’s official description

The Renapur Clean & Feed Kit includes everything you need to clean and feed your leather at your fingertips. The Renapur Clean & Feed Kit includes: 1 x Renapur Leather Balsam 200ml, 1 x Renapur Leather Cleaner 250ml and six application sponges.

View at amazon.co.uk

Rob’s first impressions

A clean cut bottle that looks like it’s a general leather cleaner rather than a specific tack cleaner

Overview of performance

A really good all-round leather cleaner that lasts well and could be used on your riding boots as well.

Rob’s likes and dislikes

I liked that you don’t need to use a lot of it for a good result

Verdict

I woudl recommend this to a friend

Welcome to our group test of tack cleaners. All of the tack cleaning products in this group test have been thoroughly tested on the yard of professional dressage rider and trainer Rob Waine. Find out what he thought below.

Amerigo’s official description

Amerigo Soft Care is suitable for the daily maintenance and care of saddles and bridles. It is is a deep cleansing and conditioning product to maintain tack in the best condition.

View at viovet.co.uk

Rob’s first impressions

I thought this was a smart and eye-catching bottle that looks professional.

Overview of performance

The cleaner wasn’t too oily, was easy to use and soaked into leather nicely giving a nice result.

Rob’s likes and dislikes

I liked that it wasn’t too oily, but the bottle is very hard to open.

Verdict

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Welcome to our group test of tack cleaners. All of the tack cleaning products in this group test have been thoroughly tested on the yard of professional dressage rider and trainer Rob Waine. Find out what he thought below.

Carr & Day & Martin’s official description

Carr & Day & Martin Belvoir Tack Cleaner gently lifts ingrained grease, sweat and dirt to enable you to wipe off dirt easily. The pH neutral formula will not rot stitching or over dry the leather, while the antifungal formula helps prevent the growth of mould and mildew. Belvoir Tack Cleaner can also be used to hygienically remove existing mould from affected saddlery, leaving the perfect surface for the immediate application of a conditioning soap or oil.

View at viovet.co.uk

Rob’s first impressions

This had a stylish bottle compared to the others in the group test.

Overview of performance

We found this was not particularly good at cleaning the leather and the bottle was hard to use. However this is the least expensive of the group and it is good value for money.

Rob’s likes and dislikes

I don’t like the continuous spray feature that Carr & Day & Martin is now using on its spray bottles.

Verdict

Although good value, I wouldn't recommend this tack cleaner to friends

Our tester was impressed with the secure feel and customisable design of this stylish saddle

The Aiver Sport Performance dressage saddle is an attractive, smooth leather saddle, with white line highlight detailing. I tried a model with a thigh block at the front, but none at the back, though that variation is available.

The first thing I noticed, before sitting on the saddle, was the way it curved up from my horse’s back.

For full disclosure, I have been riding in the predominantly the same saddle for over 10 years, the Ideal Suzannah, which is very deep-seated and with very large thigh blocks, so many of my observations come as a relative comparison.

The Aiver Sport Performance dressage saddle is designed to gently curve away from the back, eliminating the possible pressure point from a traditionally-shaped flocking panel which can look as if they are wider at the base than at the point they leave the seat of the saddle. It is an attractive looking saddle, and has scalloping round the bottom edge to double up the leather layer and prevent the stirrup leather rubbing it away.

When sitting in it, the thigh blocks give a secure feeling without being restrictive. I was testing the saddle on my four-year-old mare who is pretty laid-back about life, but having the feeling of security in the saddle is always welcome, no matter how placid the horse you’re sitting on usually is.

Aiver Sport’s website states that the tree is made from polyurethane, so “when the horse turns or bends his body the tree encourages the horse to use their back because of ability to flex and adjust”. It also comes with a five-year warranty. Handy!

One thing I did notice that felt different to the saddle I was accustomed to was the amount of movement, particularly in trot. I felt that the Aiver saddle almost came up to meet me in rising trot, which was a bit of a departure. The horse seemed very comfortable in the saddle though, and worked just as well as in her own saddle previously.

Another neat design feature is the changeable width at the head of the saddle, allowing for horses to change in shape and muscling and remain comfortable in the saddle. The gullet is also shaped anatomically so as to minimise pressure below the withers, which is why it is angled backwards, like a V with bent legs. To change the width at the pommel, all you need is an Allen key, which is handy, though it is of course still a good idea to consult a qualified saddle fitter to find out which of the three gullets (narrow-medium, medium-wide or wide-xwide) is most suitable. Although it’s a great feature to have, it did not turn me into a saddle fitter overnight! It’s particularly useful though if you are using the saddle on multiple horses of varying shapes.

And it’s not just different shaped horses that this saddle can accommodate; the seat and panels are all fully customisable for the rider, too.

The girth straps were sturdy and made of pleasingly thick leather. They didn’t feel like they would stretch and become thin like some models do after a couple of years’ use.

Buy now: the Aiver Sport performance dressage saddle

Verdict

All in all, the saddle feels like a qualify product, is aesthetically pleasing and performs well.

Our reviewer liked the look of this bridle and found it highly adjustable, good quality and good value for money

There’s a certain feel to decent quality leather that you just can’t replicate with the cheap stuff, and it’s a hard quality to assess — particularly when shopping online. This bridle does not disappoint on the quality front.

The horse it was tried on is a 15.2hh warmblood, whose head seems to fluctuate between cob and full, dependant on the brand. The cob size bridle was far too small for her, so I’d recommend anyone wavering between the two to bear that in mind.

We went for a full size in the end, which was an excellent fit.

Some double bridles I’ve tried have been bulky behind the horse’s ears and ended up pressing on the base of them. The way the Swindon is shaped behind the horse’s ears means it sits well behind the sensitive bulbs of the ears and remains clear of them even after a ridden session. The section over the poll area is wider, to distribute the pressure more evenly.

The browband is very sparkly, with two rows of large, clear crystals. They’re well set with strong clasps which don’t catch in the sponge when cleaning. Running a damp cloth over the crystals (no saddle soap) brought them back to a brilliant shine.

I used the bridle for eight months both for everyday and competition use and it has stood up to the task really well. No stones are loose or have fallen out and the construction of the whole bridle feels sturdy.

However, the BR website states that the throatlash is rolled, but it isn’t in the picture or in reality. I like how the throatlash buckles up at the bottom, leaving clean lines on the horse’s face on both sides. There’s also a little flap of leather to protect the horse’s cheek from the buckle of the throatlash. The rolled elements refine the overall look and the rolled leather feels durable and well made.

The noseband is wide, which helps out horses who don’t have the most beautiful face, but not so wide that it swamps them. The white padding option is great for horses with no or little white on their face.

The browband is gently curved, another bridle feature that I feel helps horses to look more attractive. It slides up and down easily on the headpiece, so you can position it where you want.

The padding around the noseband – including on the back of the crank – is lovely and soft. The noseband is shaped, being a bit thinner on the sides than over the bridge of the nose. This means the horse isn’t pinched below it when the rider takes up a contact and the bits lift in the horse’s mouth.

I’ll admit that I didn’t clean the white padding as carefully as I could have every time I used the bridle, but before shows I gave it some TLC and the white leather came up very clean.

Bridles where the keepers don’t fit properly drive me mad. Luckily the Swindon’s keepers are all the right size and you don’t find yourself fighting to push a strap through a minute hole or with flapping bits on the cheek pieces where they’ve fallen down during a ride.

The patent leather on the noseband has a robust finish and has not worn or scratched, unlike some cheaper patent-look nosebands I’ve used. Still, I would not allow my horse to rub her head on anything (her own leg included) while wearing the bridle!

Verdict

All in all, this is a quality bridle that works well anatomically, is highly adjustable and looks great. It’s not cheap, but it feels like a product that would last and last, making it good value for money. I’d definitely look to this model and brand again in future. Just remember that it doesn’t come with reins

Our reviewer found this saddle paddle perfect for competition but also useful for when schooling at home

I tested a navy blue Microperformance + advanced saddle pad in full size. The first thing that I noticed about this saddle pad was it’s attractive appearance. It has a diamond quilt pattern and 6mm edging cord around the outside. This means that I have found the pad smart enough to go to showjumping competitions in, however I do use it for all disciplines at home.

It is a general-purpose pad and has an ergonomic design — it fits under the saddle neatly, as you can see from the photos. The saddle pad is also very lightweight and features a specially formulated cool dry mesh lining on the underside, which wicks away sweat from the horse’s body.

The saddle pad is therefore both breathable and sweat absorbing, making it perfect for summer riding, competitions or more intense schooling work. The benefit of this is that the horse does not lather up under the pad, as commonly found after extensive exercise, and instead remains dry and comfortable. I have tested the pad in a range of temperatures, and when performing a variety of different exercises and have found it to perform well, even when the horse gets very sweaty.

In addition to this the saddle pad is anti slip (I have found that the lining grips the horse well and the pad also features has girth loops). The lining also dries quickly after exercise, meaning that the saddle pad does not smell and is ready to use again the next day. I have also found that I’ve not needed to wash it as often as my other pads.

It would be nice to see this saddle pad available in a wider variety of colours, as it’s currently only available in navy blue, black and white and a version with smaller branding on the side could be beneficial, as the Microfibre+ logo is quite big.

Verdict

Overall I would recommend this saddle pad to anyone who wants a functional, yet smart pad that will keep their horse cool and dry throughout different levels of exercise

Our reviewer loved this girth for its high performance qualities

Having tried all manner of girths on my little horse, this one is a clear winner for me.

Even many modern cut-back girths have interfered with the back of her shoulder and cause rubs and hair loss. Some even make a strange clicking noise as her elbow passes over them. As a sensitive mare she doesn’t appreciate that!

After testing this girth for four months it has become my firm favourite.

It is lightweight and butter-soft while being easy to use and clean. The leather is smooth and soft and it’s easy to clean it to a good shine as it feels like high quality. There are no sharp edges anywhere or areas that rub.

The elasticated panels on both sides mean the girth is easy to do up and allows movement, rather than restricting it.

The wider panel over the sternum allows for a wider distribution of pressure, which I imagine makes life more comfortable for the horse.

There are no sharp edges and the cut-back is positioned in just the right place.

The panels on the end under the buckles are not quite symmetrical, allowing them to sit flush against the horse’s side.

I tested a 26-inch model on my 15.2hh warmblood mare. I like the buckles to be high up by the saddlepad as I have used shorter girths in the past and found that when the buckles were lower, they interfered with my horse’s elbow.

The girth features a sturdy silver ring in the centre, very useful if you wish to ride in draw reins as you don’t have to faff about looking for a loop to go around the girth to clip the running reins to. It’s not so big and intrusive that you can spot it when it’s not in use though.

The keepers are well placed. When I’m in a hurry I’ve sometimes just put the free ends through only the big keeper, which works fine. But when at shows or trying to be smarter, the loose ends of the girth straps easily tuck through and sit flat and neatly.

Because the keepers are sewn-on hoops — an not ones that slide up and down the leather straps — they remain in the right place at all times.

All in all this is a simple, brilliant girth offering an excellent experience for both horse and rider. It might be coincidence, but it’s also the girth that’s accompanied my horse’s journey from medium level to her first advanced test. It is expensive at £135, but it’s worth the money for a happy horse athlete.

Verdict

Despite this product being slightly on the pricey side, it is now a firm favourite with our reviewer

Our reviewer found that the style of these stirrups may not be to everyone's taste, they were technically brilliant

The Aphrodite Tech Stirrup is a lightweight stirrup of aluminium construction. It has been produced entirely in Italy and has been designed to have a greater concentration of its weight in the foot bed to allow for greater stability.

The design of the stirrup eliminates the usual rubber insert to provide grip and instead maintains the aluminium design throughout with a number of sharp peaks on the foot bed to provide grip/traction.

On initial inspection we thought the foot bed was incredibly sharp and while it has not detrimentally affected riding in any way, we have resorted to wrapping the stirrups when run up and stored overnight as it has proven very easy to accidentally scratch the leather of either the saddle or stirrup leathers. While this is a little bit of a hassle, the design has proven to be very effective while riding. It allows very easy adjustment of your foot to find an optimum position on the stirrup.

The stirrup itself looks and feels like a quality product, well made and substantial in design, but may not be everyone’s cup of tea as they do look a little different to the norm, with squarer edges to the arch and a matte silver appearance. However, they have also apparently been treated to preserve their aesthetic quality and at present they show very little sign of wear and tear.

The very top of the arch is designed with a slight cut away on each side to encourage the stirrup to hang on a slight angle on the leather to aid the position for the rider and this does seem to work well.

Verdict

These stirrups allow very easy adjustment of your foot to find an optimum position

Our initially sceptical reviewer is now a massive fan of these reins, which have become her rubber reins of choice for jumping, hacking and schooling.

Having ridden a friend’s horse in reins similar to these and not been too keen on the feeling in my hand, I was a little sceptical when these were passed to me to test. However, I have been totally converted by riding in them regularly and now far prefer them to other rubber reins in my tackroom.

The reins are extremely light and flexible in your hand, which does give a different feel if you are used to riding in traditional rubber reins with leather running through them. The rubber grip has a nylon core, which is securely stitched on to quality English leather at both ends.

When riding on the flat, my horse can drop behind the contact at times and when he did this the rein went complete slack in my hand. With my traditional rubber reins, the weight of the leather used to hide this slightly. The clear and immediate feedback in my hand offered by these reins has helped me to focus on keeping him forward to the bridle and I believe his general way of going has improved as a result.

While out hacking in poor weather, the reins have provided me with excellent grip during fast work (when my former Flat racer has absolutely no problem taking the contact forward!) and I also find them very easy to gather up quickly if necessary. I have quite small hands (size 7 glove) and find the lack of bulk makes them extremely comfortable in my hand.

The reins are a good length for me and my horse. Whether working in an outline, or relaxing on a long rein, I do not find myself holding on to the area where the rubber joins the leather. I haven’t yet been cross-country schooling with them, but I believe they are long enough to allow my horse to use his neck off a step or drop without my hand accidentally interfering with his mouth, but the slack doesn’t gather down around my stirrup when I have my stirrups and reins short during fast work.

I’ve now been riding in the reins for schooling, jumping and hacking five days a week for 10 weeks and there is no sign of wear on the grips. The leather is of good quality and cleans up well. If the rubbers become dirty, a quick scrub with a tooth brush brings them up like new. As yet they haven’t rubbed my horse’s clipped neck, while he is showing some hair loss in other areas where his tack fits closely. It will be interesting to see if this continues to be the case as his coat changes.

These reins are available with buckles, hook stud fitting or clips to attach to the bit, plus leather martingale stops. I had a pair in black leather with hook studs, which is my preference, and leather martingale stops. Personally I would have prefered the buckle at my hand end to have been silver coloured, rather than brass, because it would then have fully matched my bridle, but this is my only issue and it’s purely a matter of asthetics.

Due to the leather martingale stops, which could be cut off if necessary, I wouldn’t wear these reins in competitive dressage (and I don’t show), but I will use them for any jumping competitions I attend in the future, as well as at home.

Update: twelve months on and these reins are still going strong. The leather work is in excellent condition. The rubber bobbles on the reins have worn down where I hold them, but I still find I have a fair grip. I’m using them for schooling at home and competing in all three phases when eventing. I haven’t changed my original verdict: these are a great pair reins that are well worth the investment.

Verdict

I would choose these reins for all my riding at home, plus while out competing in showjumping and cross-country. Not cheap, but good quality and worth the investment

Details

Bit fastenings: Buckles, hook studs or clips

Colour: Black or Chestnut