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.
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.
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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!
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Sam Jennings is a professional event rider who started her eventing career in 1999 as a young rider and was shortlisted for the British team that year. Based at her friendly and professional yard in Kent, Sam regularly competes a range of horses from intro to four-star level, as well as providing clinics and training. As a member of the H&H product testing team, Sam is very thorough when reviewing products and is great at assessing the finer details you might not have considered.
