Now, I am not a dressage rider, and therefore have No Business Posting here, but I am the Queen of Velcro Tack Adaptions and did exactly what Ambrey posted minus any vinyl. One Wrap Velcro, available at Lowes and similar chains, is maybe half an inch wide. I have a trail/endurance saddle with English leathers, and am using endurance stirrups currently. This means there was a wide-ish loop right above the stirrup, since these stirrups dont have a neat little slot for the leathers but are essentially like a western stirrup. The loopy place in the leathers looked like an invitation to disaster so I grabbed my handy dandy velcro and wrapped it up. Later got to thinking about the buckle under my thigh, ran it down to the backside as it were of the stirrup, rewrapped, buckle disappears, no metal bumping me or horsie, no loop to stick a toe in if I happen to lose a stirrup. And you can certainly unloop the velcro and run stirrups up if you like. Back to lurking.
Just keep in mind that if you have short legs, these can only be adjusted so far before the buckle ends up under your knee. (Ask me how i know.) I originally bought a more expensive pair (from the Michigan Duett dealer) and then ended up buying the webbers because the original were two long. My 6’ friend is now using those. 
I don’t remember the name, but they might have been the Prestige.
Judy
I would follow the advice of checking with Gary Mundy. He does really nice work and unless he’s stopped making them completely, I’m pretty sure that he would make you a pair if you emailed him.
Desperate times call for desperate measures…
This morning I filpped my Stubben hunter leathers (brown) upside down and TAPED them into place with lovely masking tape.
Worked like a charm… yay to no more thigh bruising… except one tape keeper was mostly blown at the end of the ride and will need replacing at a severe cost of… about .03C and four seconds of my time 
I think I’m going to contact Gary Mundy and also that Canadian link I posted.
I dropped my enormous big-n-fluffy hunter sheepskin pad under the trial Passier and although it ‘looked’ wierd and unworkable, it felt fantastic, and we had a GREAT ride.
ESG:
Well, gee, I thought I could help you. I have 2 pairs, one black, one brown. Both are from Dressage Extensions. The black ones I’ve had for more than 10 years. The brown ones were purchased about 2 years ago. But when I checked DE’s website, they don’t seem to carry them anymore. Maybe I got the last ones. :winkgrin:
You must’ve, you lucky devil. :winkgrin: I do wish they still made them. Maybe I’ll try contacting Barnsby and see if they’re even still made. Even if I had to send to England for them, it’d be cheaper than new stirrup leathers. :yes:
If I am successful, I’ll pass on the contact info. :yes:
Can someone PLEASE post a link to a picture of these leather cuffs? I do a bit of leather work and I’d love to make a pair. I’ve never seen any and I’d like to take a boo at how they are fashioned.
Thanks!
Eileen
I found a picture of some Prestige leathers that come with a stirrup sleeve:
Mine are similar to that picture. It’s a simple design, just a stiff leather tube about 4" long, stitched up one side, and slightly wider at the bottom where it goes over the stirrup buckle. Mine have a cute fox face logo on them. I guess they’re Barnsby but I’m not 100% sure about that. I’ll have to look at them tomorrow and see if there’s a maker name on them. I’ve been using mine for many years and wouldn’t want to go back to stirrup buckles under the thigh again.
Mine are like yours, RidesAHalflinger, except that the little emblem dohickey is white and has “CB” intertwined in gold script, for “Cliff Barnsby”.
Still hoping that I can get hold of Barnsby and see do they still make them.
Antares Single Strap Leathers - Deal
This store has a pair of Antares single strap leathers in size 2 at a reduced price. ($149, more specifically)
[URL=“http://www.fine-used-saddles.com/catalog.htm?Iit=24&Ict=8”]
Fine Used Saddles
There is only one pair left! I have these and am so spoiled to them it is hard to use any others. :winkgrin:
These are the ones I have…
Cinder
Whoa! Excellent picture, Cinder, thanks!
How thick is the leather on that? Compared to the stirrup leathers – about half the thickness? One third?
I’d have to use an awl and/or leather needle and hand stitch 'cause I don’t have a leather machine. Could use pyrography for decoration or one of my knotwork stamps.
One more question for everyone – if you put the buckle on regular leathers down at the ankle, where does the excess strap go if you don’t have a keeper?
Eileen
No problem, Roan. I do a little leather work myself.
I’d say the sleeve is a little less than 1/2 the thickness of the leather I have. If my leathers are 10oz, I’d say 6 oz or so?
Totoal length is aboput 5 1/2", but that would depend on how many holes you are going to allow…
The bottom is slightly wider than the top to allow for the buckle to come through.
Feeling inside, I think the leather has been slightly scored where it folds to allow for a cleaner fold and the sewn edges are skivved to reduce the thickness. Top and bottom edges back-sewn for extra strength. Easy to do with a Speedy Stitcher or standard two needle stitching.
Finish the edges with Tracanth (SP?) Gum and a bone and you’re good to go.
Good luck!
Cinder
Neat!
I’d say the sleeve is a little less than 1/2 the thickness of the leather I have. If my leathers are 10oz, I’d say 6 oz or so?
I lost all my links when my hard drive et al died. Finally found the Siegel of CA site again! They have J & E Sedgwick stirrup leather sides at 12.5 oz… They have bridle backs at 7/9 oz, bridle butts at 9/10 oz, and mini butts at 7/9 oz. So, I think a common size would be the 7/9 oz. Good gravy! A 10 sq ft mini butt is $207 on there.
Do you know of any other reputable leather dealers that are cheaper? I want GOOD leather, bridle leather, not cheapo stuff.
Totoal length is aboput 5 1/2", but that would depend on how many holes you are going to allow…
You mean holes to cover?
The bottom is slightly wider than the top to allow for the buckle to come through.
Feeling inside, I think the leather has been slightly scored where it folds to allow for a cleaner fold and the sewn edges are skivved to reduce the thickness.
Nod, that’s how it looks in the picture. I have to find my skivver.
Top and bottom edges back-sewn for extra strength. Easy to do with a Speedy Stitcher or standard two needle stitching.
I have a lacing pony, which should work for the two needle. No Speedy Stitcher here, but I wish I had one.
Finish the edges with Tracanth (SP?) Gum and a bone and you’re good to go.
I use a deer antler
Thanks for the information, Cinder!
Eileen
I get my stuff from Weaver. They have a high end “English Bridle Butt” that they sell. I’m in Canada, so I buy mine from a supplier here, that brings it inin bulk.
Weaver also have Speedy Stitchers, which are really useful for small pieces and give about the same finish if you can get the tension JUST right. If you call they’ll send you a drool- worthy catalogue!
If you don’t do THAT much, you might try to find a friendly leather worker in your area that you can buy smaller pieces from. A side is SO huge for strap good! I do browbands and you can get QUITE a few out of a whole side!
Good luck!
Cinder
Has anyone posted these:
http://www.doversaddlery.com/dover�s-nylon-lined-bottom-adjustable-leathers/p/X1-06921/cn/90/
You can’t tell in the picture, but they loop over your stirrup bar and have the adjustment buckle at the bottom.
However, I also like the Bates webbers, if you’re looking for leather. Otherwise, the Wintec ones work great (but I’ve got a Wintec).
[QUOTE=cinder88;3220639]
I get my stuff from Weaver. They have a high end “English Bridle Butt” that they sell. I’m in Canada, so I buy mine from a supplier here, that brings it inin bulk.
Weaver also have Speedy Stitchers, which are really useful for small pieces and give about the same finish if you can get the tension JUST right. If you call they’ll send you a drool- worthy catalogue!
If you don’t do THAT much, you might try to find a friendly leather worker in your area that you can buy smaller pieces from. A side is SO huge for strap good! I do browbands and you can get QUITE a few out of a whole side!
Good luck!
Cinder[/QUOTE]Hey, a fellow Canuck! I’m originally from Guelph, Ontario 
Yah, I don’t do a lot of bridle leather work. Just a few browbands, alterations to longeing cavessons, halters and stuff. I mostly work with elk and moose sides and stuff when I do Native American crafts.
I’ve tried asking locally and I haven’t found anyone who’ll sell me anything more than a couple of straps.
I’ll keep looking.
Eileen
