Choosing the Best Stirrup Leathers

Stirrup leathers are designed to attach your stirrups to your saddle, making riders feel balanced and secure in the saddle. Here are some things to consider when shopping for your next pair of stirrup leathers.

Material: There are leather and synthetic stirrup leathers on the market today. Leather looks more traditional, lasts longer, but is harder to care for. While synthetic is less durable, it is much easier to clean. Leather is recommended if you plan to show or already have a leather saddle. If you have a synthetic saddle you’ll probably want to match it with synthetic stirrup leathers.

Color: Make sure your stirrup leathers match the color of your saddle. This is especially important if you plan on showing.

Size: Make sure you get the right size when shopping for stirrup leathers. Since they are inherently adjustable almost all riders ride in 54-inch stirrup leathers. However, there are also 48-56 inch options available. In addition, there are also stirrup leathers sized for children.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stirrup Leathers

What do stirrup leathers do?

Stirrup leathers attach the stirrup iron to the saddle. They are long pieces of leather that go from the stirrup bar to the stirrup irons.

What size stirrup leathers do I need?

Almost all riders use 54-inch stirrup leathers since they are adjustable. However, if you are very short or very tall you could opt for 48-inch or 56-inch stirrup leathers, respectively.

What is the correct stirrup length?

To check the length, place your fingers on the stirrup bar and pull the stirrup iron towards your arm. The bottom of the stirrup bar should be in your armpit. This measurement will give you the approximate length your stirrup leathers should be.