My daughter needs 36 inch inch stirrup leathers. I have had difficulty finding 36 inch length ones, but have seen a few options. She has had two pairs, the quality of both was poor. The first pair was advertised as HDR, but did not have any brand on them when they arrived and they were lovely and soft but within a few days of riding the leather had completely rubbed off and they looked terrible. I purchased another pair of HDR leathers (bought both at the same time, different vendors), they were better quality and actually had HDR stamped on them. They have been used for about 6 months and I have just noticed the same thing happening - the dark leather is rubbing off, leaving a visible white area underneath. So, once again I am back in the hunt for short stirrup leathers. I have found three contenders, the Tory Leather Child’s stirrup leathers for $45 or the Ovation stirrup leathers for $57 or the Beval stirrup leathers for $85. I would be willing to spend more (now that I know 36 inch is the right length and that she has growing room, she’s on the second to top hole in them), but I want to make sure they actually last. Of these three, which is the best quality and likely to last the longest?
I have had the best luck with my Beval leathers. They lasted great and sill looked brand new even after years of daily use.
EDIT: Gary appears to be on hiatus. 
Beval is a good alternative.
None of the above. Get yourself a pair of custom Gary Mundy stirrup leathers. They’re dirt cheap even if you customize them to the nines–I’d be shocked if you cleared $50 shipped for a set of 36" children’s leathers. There’s a lengthy forum thread of people singing his praises, but I’ll link you to page 10, which shows several pictures of recent orders. His email address is on page 11.
(For the record, Beval leathers are nice too. I use the Beval Italians on my Amerigo saddle. But for what you’re describing, hands down I would use Gary instead.)
Skip the Tory leathers- I picked up a pair for my daughter (age 3) last year, and she rides at the walk after being lifted on her pony for about 15 minutes a week. The leathers are cracking seriously under the buckle. Took them back to the tack shop who called Tory, and they said that was “normal wear”. I just replaced hers with Ovations about a week ago, so no real review.
