Hello. I’m looking for a pair of safety stirrups, and I want to be sure they are show-legal. Any suggestions out there? From what I read, is the only criteria to show that they are “closed”? And I’m assuming that they mean NOT like the Free Jump stirrups? I’m looking at the LeMieux Vector and the Acavallos. I read a review from someone who said they didn’t think the LeMieux Vectors were dressage legal.
Thanks!
My understanding is also that Free Jumps (which I have and love) are not allowed under the current rules because the outer branch does not close. I bought a pair of Flex-On Safe-On, which do have a closed branch.
I don’t know why the Vector stirrups wouldn’t be legal - they seem to have a fully closed branch? You can always check with USEF before you buy if there are any questions.
ETA - @ParadoxFarm - I knew I remembered seeing Free Jumps called out. I’m having trouble uploading the picture, but you can see the specifics on page 54 here - https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/96D17lSsaCo/annex---bits-saddlery-equipment
I put the Acavallos on my jump saddle this spring and like them so much I just ordered another pair for my dressage saddle. Big Dee Web had them on sale, but Red Post in the UK is usually substantially cheaper than US retailers. Switching over from my Safestyles, which are not legal.
Seconding this - traditional FreeJump = not legal due to the outer branch not connecting to the rest of the stirrup, but the Vectors should be legal as they are a similar style as the Techlite and DO close all the way. FreeJump does have a newer style, the Air S(?), that has a different safety mechanism and closed branches so those should be legal.
I have a pair of NIB Vectors for sale if you decide to go that route.
Thanks, all, for your responses. I appreciate it!
Thanks, ClearDonkey!
One small difference OP may have considered already between the Tech Stirrups and the Vectors (which does not affect legality) is that Tech opens at the top and Vector opens at the bottom. The top opening does not auto close (that I know of) and creates a “hook” a rein or other things can get stuck on. The Vectors auto close and the bottom opening poses less (no?) risk, which was important to me when I was looking at stirrups.
Please PM me if you still are looking to sell these. 
Thanks.
I have tech venice sloped stirrups and the opening safety branch is on a spring that will close it back automatically. Is that what you mean by auto-close?
That is what I meant, I stand corrected! Thank you for informing me 
No need for fancy stirrups if you like the ones you already have. I’ve been riding in these for many years after giving up on earlier styles (KwikOuts, etc.) and have been super happy. https://www.waldhausen.com/en/waldhausen-safety-clip/9580501/
That’s interesting. I’ve never seen these before, sascha.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
