Are the "fancy" stirrups really worth it?

[AmmyHunter]

@Pally

Anyway, any time the fancy stirrup topic comes up, my advice is ALWAYS try before you buy, as much as possible. It’s such an individual feeling and preference, the best way to find out is to try them. Ask around the barn for what you can borrow!

Couldn’t agree more!!! It depends so much on what level of riding you are doing, and what your individual issues/needs are.

Personally, almost every “fancy” or new option I’ve tried has ended up getting returned or sold. It turns out wide tread footbeds really keep me from getting my heels down, and led to some standing on the balls of my feet o/f that was never previously happening with normal width treads, and went away as soon as I switched back. For me the offset eye didn’t really make a difference, and I found I don’t like the really lightweight ones, I find them harder to pick up if you lose them. So, the only “new” aspect I’ve ended up liking is a small amount of flex. I had the Sprenger 4-ways for a while, but found I really preferred the MDC hunter ones with the flex. Slightly less flex than the Sprengers and perfect for me! But I learned all of this through trying them, it’s the only way to see what works for you!

[MrsFitzDarcy_amp_Feliks]

@Cabaret_SK

Yes. Both my mom and I noticed a HUGE difference in comfort with the expensive stirrups. She loves the Royal Rider T3s (with the slight twist), and I have the MDC “S” Classics. For MDC’s, try emailing Martin Cohen to ask about them - he has offered me a better price than list in the pas

How does one get Martin Cohen’s email?

[BITSA]

I tried several different brands. My favorite are the Tech Safety stirrups. I do feel more secure in them and I like the idea of the safety arm. You can find them used on several FB tack pages if you want to try them and not pay a “new” price.

[Jackie_Cochran]

The Tech Venice Slope is the ONLY stirrup I’ve ridden in that I can FORGET.

My foot stays still, my ankle does not collapse to the outside, just enough slope in the right direction to make my feet and ankles HAPPY, plus it is a safety stirrup too.

I love riding in them. Nothing in my experience compares based on MY basic foot/leg conformation, they work very well with my feet. No numbness or soreness, when I get off the horse I can still walk without hobbling from pain.

[Cabaret_SK]

mdc@mdcstirrups.com!

[pwrpfflynn]

I love my free jump pro + stirrups . Pro plus have a wider foot bed than the regular free jumps. I also have the the stirrup leathers. I feel so much more secure & the leathers really keep my leg in a great position. I also like them because there is weight to them so you can pick them up easier if you lose one.