Composite stirrups breaking?

[Sticky_Situation]

I’m an event rider, but I figured I’d post here because it seems like the jumper riders have been using composite stirrups longer than most others …

I just recently got a pair of composite stirrups to replace the 15-year-old Dominus jointed irons (the original Sprenger knockoffs) on my jumping saddle. The Dominus irons aren’t made anymore, and I decided against a pair of the newer Sprenger knockoffs after personally knowing at least 2 people that had similar stirrups break at the “Jointed” area while they were riding.

However, now I have read a few reports of composite stirrups breaking as well, although I don’t know anyone personally that it’s happened to … But particular brands weren’t named. So what I want to know is, is this a significant issue? If so, is there a particular brand(s) that tend to break, or is it all of them? Are they more or less likely to break than the jointed irons?

The ones I have are the Compositi stirrups, and although I haven’t used them for long, I like riding in them so far… However, I don’t want to be using something that is likely to break as I am galloping and jumping cross country! I’m not a big or heavy person (I weigh 122#) but I am getting ready to move up to Prelim so I’m jumping some decent sized stuff. I’m not really a fan of regular fillis stirrups for jumping – I like a little flexibility, and I’ve liked the lighter weight of the composite irons so far, plus I tend to brace my foot against the outside branch of the stirrup, and the thinner metal of fillis stirrups presses against the outside of the ball of my foot. I also liked that the Compositis were $30, not $300!

Any input is much appreciated!

[horsepoor]

I don’t use the composite stirrups, but a friend who is a h/j trainer does. He has had them break two different times that I know of – both times I think it was jumping, nothing super crazy (like a horse bucking or a fall or anything). They were the Prestige Silk stirrups. Both times the break was up at the top where the leather goes through, so probably the thinnest part of the stirrup. Prestige was great and replaced them after getting photos of the break. But I’d still be hesitant myself to use them cross country.

[Belmont]

I’ve been using Compositi Stirrups for two years now (Reflex for about a year, regular the year before) and no breaks.

[Sticky_Situation]

Thanks for the input so far!

Horsepoor, most of the examples I’ve heard have been similar to what you describe … Just jumping or galloping, nothing unusual like a horse fall or getting caught on something.

That said, I’m not (so far) aware of any involving the Compositi stirrups specifically. The ones I have are the “premium” model … Similar to a fillis style, regular footbed but “stickier” rubber sole, with wider sides.

[GucciJumper]

I haven’t had any problems with my Roya Rider flex ones in the past 4 years.

[nm724]

The composite stirrups are really great, I rode with Royal riders for years. You should change them every 2 years as per recommendation from them. I learned the hard way by breaking a 5 y.o RR stirrup in the middle of GP. I did change to Sprenger Bow Balance on my GP/show saddles after that. Still use RR for home saddles.

[Mozart]

I have had Royal Riders break after a couple years of average use. The company swiftly replaced them, no questions asked but it has left me a bit leery about composite stirrups.