Hello! I am wondering how you measure stirrup leathers and irons. I see on the sizes there’s like 4, 4 1/2, 4 3/4 and I’m wondering which one to buy. Also, about measuring stirrup leathers. I mainly do equitation and I am 5’4. Please help me clear this confusion. 
For the irons you should put your riding boots on, and take a tape measure and put it underneath the boot at the ball of the foot (the part of the foot that actually balances on the irons). Take that measurement and add an inch to it and that should be the proper iron size.
Many times people have irons that are too small, and the problem with that is that it’s easier to get your foot stuck in the stirrup if you come off if the stirrup is too small.
For an average height adult rider, you’ll probably want 54" leathers.
If you have different boots for riding during warm and cold weather, be sure to measure with the winter boots as well as they tend to have a wider foot bed. With some of my winter riding boots I couldn’t get my toe, much less the ball of my foot, into the regular stirrup iron.
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4 1/2 inch stirrups are normally considered a child’s size. 5 inch is a regular size for average adults. I am a fairly small person, at 5’3" and have fairly small feet, and use a 4 3/4 inch stirrup. Measure the inside width of the foot bed of the stirrup if you need to find the stirrup size.
If you use a stirrup that is too small, your foot can more easily be caught in the stirrup. If too large, your foot can go through the stirrup. Both these possibilities can be lethal. Safest are those stirrups with a release “breakaway” option.
I thought 4 3/4 was the normal woman’s size? All of my stirrups are 4 3/4 and I have an average size 8 woman’s foot. But agree that you should measure your foot and go from there.
Stirrup leather-wise, I prefer a slightly shorter leather than the average 54" and usually buy myself 48" leathers. I’m fairly average height (5’6"), but ride with stirrups on the short side, so YMMV.
