I have some ankle problems from running for years, and longer rides in my plain irons with cheese graters make my ankles hurt, even with the leathers at dressage-length. If I drop my leathers any longer, I won’t be able to post.
I was looking at the EZ Ride stirrups. Are those the best or is there something better?
those are what i use and they are very comfortable. more like a platform on which to rest aching feet. i got mine with the cages, which are hideous.
i may cover the cages with tapedaros which will help.
the down side is that they are heavy and bang your legs while carrying.
I used to have a lot of ankle pain on longer trail rides. I switched the irons on my dressage saddle out for these:
http://www.horse.com/item/polymer-comfort-cushioned-trail-stirrups/SLT735457/
HUGE improvement. They also help my knees. Now my ankles are the last thing to get sore on a long ride. 
EZ Ride stirrups are very comfortable for distance. It gives your foot a nice wide base of support and does away with losing feeling in the foot after several hours in the saddle
However, I have terrible knee pain so switched over to MDC Ultimate Stirrups that have rubber hinged sides for shock absorption and the swivel option so you can position them at different angles to relieve pressure. It’s really made a difference even at 50 miles and worth every penny.
I love the Reflex Stirrups
You can still run 'em up like regular stirrups, they’re very lightweight and the rocker helps with fatigue.
I used EZ Ride stirrups for endurance riding for about 8 years, went through 3 pairs, and when I wore them out, switched to Clouds. The Clouds are heavier and more expensive, but provide more cushioning and stability for my aging knees over 50+ miles. I use the Sprenger jointed stirrups for dressage and jumping, and they provide excellent knee and ankle pain relief. Everyone who has ridden my horses with both those types of stirrups comments on how nice they feel. I don’t know if the Sprengers would hold up over an entire endurance ride, as they are not designed for that.
Kelly Ahearn-Wagner
Oregon
I’ev used EZ rides, like the wide tread, cushion and traction. I always use the basketed version and yesterday ripped a pair for the first time.
3 pair of EZ rides worn out in 8 years is a size large amount of miles ahorseback, Kelly. I bow to you.
What i actually found helped me more than changing irons was to get a pair of really good shock absorbing insoles for my boots (like the Thinline ones). It made a world of difference in knee and ankle pain for riding.
I’ve had EZ rides and they work very well. I used them without cages. I currently have some like these but without the cages: https://www.actionridertack.com/p-1631-haf-501-aluminum-endurance-stirrup.aspx They look good on an English saddle. They have a wider foot bed which, for me, helps with comfort.
Some of my friends like the cages, but there have been incidents when the basket cages got caught up in branches and twisted a knee, and one lady complained that the solid cages pressed on her toes causing pain and loss of toenails. The cages would keep your foot from going through the stirrup and I have heard some horrible stories of riders being dragged by the foot on a run-away horse. I usually wear hiking boots for when I have to get off and run next to my horse on rough terrain. However I had a potentially dangerous incident this summer at the Bryce Canyon ride. We were on the edge of a very high drop-off on a narrow trail. I jumped off to lead up the side of a cliff but the tread on my hiking boot stuck on the tread of my Cloud stirrup and my foot would not release, and I slipped under my horse’s belly. Luckily he just stood still on the edge of the cliff while I disconnected my foot and crawled out from under him. I switched to the Twisted riding boots after that. They have a heel, light tread, and roomy toe box for stability when hiking on rough terrain.
I rode in some of the MDC ones, not the jointed but the plain with swivel top, and HATED them. I don’t know why, but I felt no stability at all. But I also don’t have knee pain, just ankle and hip. Or rather, riding doesn’t hurt my knees.
I don’t ride for this long too often, maybe a couple times a month, but when I do the pain lasts for a few days. So I don’t need something that will last through tons of abuse, just the occasional ride
Thanks for the suggestions!
I bought Super Comfort Stirrup Pads for foxhunting this year. They made a huge difference – my toes would go numb after a long ride of galloping and jumping.
These are inexpensive and you can install them on your standard stirrups.
I realized what a difference they made when I switched saddles without switching leathers and rode with my Royal Rider stirrups (used to think they were comfy until I tried the pads).
I did have the EZ ride stirrups a few years back that I used for long trail rides, but I like riding in jointed stirrups and this allowed me to adapt the stirrups I already own.
I’m going to put them on all my stirrups this year.
Wow! Glad you were able to free yourself and your boy was so level headed to stand still.
This is my greatest fear!
We’ve had some very cold days followed by warm thaw which lead to some slippery spots on the trails.
Just this past Friday, my mare and I were on a slight hill and her feet just slipped out from under her and she ended up falling on me.
As she was getting her feet under her to get up, I was able to roll away from her.
So now I’m looking for safety stirrups… Scares the crap out of me to get hung up like you did.
I must be a bit older and no way could reach the stirrup to release myself. 
I also use the EZ rides and find them very comfortable.
Does anyone know if you can by the basket/cage separate?
As mentioned, I already have the stirrups, so I’d hate to have to re-buy them just to get the attached cage.
I do know you can get the cages separately.
I also have a pair of the Twisted X steel-toed rider boots. I have to wear steel toes at work, and these are the most comfy ones of 4 pairs I’ve ever had. And they are very cute too. Nice smooth yet slightly grippy sole, so you’re less likely to get stuck. I want another pair for my summer-weight socks.
I think I’m going to go with the EZ Ride ones. I’m worried about jointed ones feeling unstable since I didn’t like the MDC with the twisty part at the top.
Herm Sprenger Bow Balance Stirrups
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.aspx?p=x1-0772
Am I the only one with these? They are great.
Yes these are the ones. I have one set for my dressage saddle and one set for my jumping saddle. When my trainer hops on she always comments how nice the stirrups are. A very green rider did not like them at all as she felt unstable so I switched her to peacocks. I guess it depends on whether you keep your leg on your horse and not floppin’ around.
I am so glad you are OK! That could have been a tragedy. Spreading the word about the little details that are actually so important can keep others from getting hurt. For example, a young rider who comes to my barn to train once got her boot through the stirrup as she was getting bucked off. Her horse bolted, dragging her full blast for some distance. The little hook that keeps the stirrup leather on the saddle was in the up position so did not release. She told me she was only 16 at the time and was sure she was going to die. Finally the stirrup leather broke. She survived with concussion and broken bones. Now she always checks that the stirrup bar is down before she hops on any horse.
Wow! Very scary indeed and could have been much worse. :no:
I found these: http://www.american-flex.com/stirrups.htm
Not too ugly…lol But, better than getting hung up.
Thanks Kelly… My outer leg was really swollen where she landed on it, but surprisingly no bruising. Strange.
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