I just bought a new saddle and am looking for new stirrups. What are your experiences with American Equus? Any other recommendations? Thank you:lol:
Not trying to be a snob, but genuinely what are they so popular? Besides the fact that they are shiny and customizable, what is the draw? From the outside they seem ungodly expensive for what they appear to be. No judgement if you like them, I’ve never seen them in person or used them, so from the outside I don’t get it.
That’s exactly what I was thinking! I would consider buying them if they had any major benefits that couldn’t be found elsewhere, but these just seemed like a pair of ugly overpriced stirrups. I wasn’t sure if I was missing some key info about them that made them so special, but it seems like I wasn’t. Thank you!
They look like they have a wider footbed than your traditional stirrup and have some hardcore grip (aka nails to stick into your feet). I think there’s enough stirrup irons on the market now that you could save your money & buy a different pair. I currently use the Royal Rider plastic stirrups with the cheese grater footbed.
Pros:
Comes in silver and black, so if you’re showing local hunters you’ll be fine (hard to say for rated shows, however)
Easy to clean
Never lose your stirrup ever again
Cons:
Hard to get your stirrup back if you do take your foot out for whatever reason
Plastic looks different than metal
Cheese grater bed has a chance of scratching your stirrup leathers if you’re not careful about running them up
I was seriously lusting after some FreeJumps and with the help of COTHErs was able to procure a pair at a non-heart stoping rate. I hated them. They were way lighter than I thought and they put me in a chair seat. My friend scribed an eventing show and said she noticed the same thing from the light composite stirrups on riders using them. Try before you buy.
I am now back in fillis irons with comfort pads.
I actually rode in some when I tried a horse. Despite riding in the oversized CWD I had no business sitting on, I really really liked the American Equus stirrups. I even made a comment on them while I was riding. I typically ride in JIN and love them, and I did see lots of similarities. However for the hefty price tag and similarities, I’ll stick with my trusty JIN Stirrup.
What did you think of the grippiness? I have been interested in these stirrups for a while and am also considering JIN. If you didn’t already have JIN, which would you choose and why? I’ve tried a plethora of jointed irons (trainer prefers them) but I feel like I have more support in something not so flexible, hence wanting to try these.
Very grippy for sure. But, some people seem to be a bit dramatic regarding the actual grip part – I have never had an issue with either stirrup feeling that it “digs into my foot” or anything uncomfortable. Probably also depends on your boot? The JINs took getting used to from my jointed stirrups, but after two rides I was sold. The wide base definitely helps with stability. If I didn’t already have JIN, its hard to say. I really do like both, and I would have to ride in the AE again to properly answer that. I love the modern yet subtle look of the JIN stirrup, though. I’ve had the same ones for 4 years now, consistently using them (and not cleaning them nearly as much as I should)… and they’re still in the same wonderful condition, the grip hasn’t worn down at all. Hope I could help!
That is a hefty price tag. They seem very very popular on instagram. I’ve always loved JIN irons. (Sold mine when I stopped riding for a year, still kicking myself)
The free jumps imo aren’t comfortable at all… they look more appealing right now since I have a nasty horse that flipped over on me.
Isn’t there new irons out as well called tech something that look just like the equus irons but with the same idea as the free jumps? Also has anyone tried the samshield irons?
Thank you - that is honestly so helpful! I love super grippy stirrups and have been worried it wouldn’t be as grippy as my cheesegraters. This may be a good match for me! I will check them out again.
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Thank you all for the responses! I’ve decided against AE considering that there are many stirrups that are cheaper and do the same, if not better job.
My daughter has the tech stirrups. I bought them for the safety aspect as she’s a young child jumping and I’ve heard a number of bad stories about peacock stirrups. She likes them but it’s hard to say much as she’s still young. I have freejumps and am perfectly happy with them.
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