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How to Pick English Stirrup Size

A stirrup is a light metal frame used to hold each foot when horseback riding. Attached to the saddle by a strap, stirrups are used to mount or dismount a horse, and to provide support and control to the rider. Ensuring proper size is critical in selecting a stirrup. A stirrup that is too small may make it difficult to remove your foot in the event of a fall; a stirrup that is too large makes it difficult to keep your foot in place. Both can lead to rider injury.

Things You'll Need

Ruler

Instructions

- 1
  Place the stirrup on the ground so it is standing upright.
- 2
  With your riding boots on, insert your foot into the stirrup so the ball of your foot is resting on the flat plate of the stirrup.
- 3
  Use a ruler to measure the gap between your boot and the stirrup frame on each side of your foot. These gaps should be approximately three-quarters of an inch.
- 4
  Verify both stirrups hang at even lengths from the saddle on both sides. After mounting, check the angle between the thigh and lower leg. The legs should be bent at a comfortable angle, both feet securely in the stirrups.

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