Updating my Tack - Thoughts on Stirrup Leathers?

[ApresEquestrian]

I swear we need a tack only forum just for me lol

I am currently updating my tack, mostly due to wear and tear. And one of the pieces I am in most desperate need of replacing are my stirrup leathers. I can’t remember what they are, but they are very good quality, stitched, dark brown, and half-spaced holes (a must for me).

The only thing is that they are IMPOSSIBLE to adjust from my horse’s back. Always have been and I’ve been using them for upwards of ten years.

Does anyone have any good stirrup leather recommendations I can find in Canada? Looking for a havana brown colour (to match my equipe) and half-hole spacing.

Thank you!

[Madison]

Have you tried the Prestige leathers? I’m sure you could find them in Canada pretty easily.

[Scribbler]

What makes them difficult?

Stiff buckles? Stiff or thick leather? Getting jammed in the bars?

Do you find other types of leathers easier to adjust in this particular saddle or is there something about the bars and the seat that make it harder to do?

IME it’s certainly easier to adjust stirrups if they are ahead of your thigh and you are in a chair seat and harder if they are under your thigh.

If you can identify the source of the problem you can shop for leathers that don’t have that problem

​​​The multilayer nylon core stirrups are softer but also thicker. True old fashioned single layer leathers are thinner but stiffer when new. Etc.

If your ideal leathers don’t have half holes can you send them to a saddle repair shop to have them made at carefully measured spots in the range you need to finesse?

As opposed to just making your own holes with a hammer and nail which is impossible to get centered.

[shmon]

Following because I have this issue too! I have the Beval lined calfskin leathers and they are absolutely impossible to adjust from the saddle even after being broken in. I think they’re just too thick with the lining - the leather is not stiff at all. For me the difficulty is in pulling the buckle away from the bar so I can adjust it. When I do it from the ground I feel like I have to use so much force I’m going to pull my horse over!

[BAC]

I also found the Beval lined leathers to be impossible to adjust from the saddle but that was not the case with my CWD calfskin nylon lined leathers, the leather was buttery soft, they had the half holes (a must for me as well) and in seven years of use they never stretched and were still in great shape when I stopped riding and sold my saddle. I would definitely buy them again despite being a bit pricey.

[L00kAtMeN0w]

I have the prestige leathers and love them. They’ve pretty much what you’re describing. Although, sometimes the placement of the stirrup bar (one that is more inset) will make pretty much any nylon lined leather impossible to adjust.

[Blondie22]

I have a CWD saddle and CWD leathers. I went to adjust them the other day from the ground and found them very difficult. The leather is very soft, but I had to really haul on them to pull the buckle down!

[silver_charm]

The Beval ones are awful, I have them and they’re a disaster trying to adjust them. I’ve loved the Prestiges when I’ve ridden in saddles with them, they’re my next pair for sure.

A downside is a lot of times the nylon lined calfskin are just pains to move around, so are often easier if you’re in the saddle so you can use the leverage when pulling up, and use your weight in the stirrup to drive them back home.

[fourfillies]

I use calf with a nylon core stitched Stubbens. Tough enough to wear well but thin enough to easily adjust. They have 1/2 holes. Their dark brown blends beautifully with my older buffalo Antares. And, they come in 52" which is hard to find but needed for my stubby legs. Leaves just enough “tail” without having to tuck under the saddle flap. Unfortunately, Stubbens lighter brown color is very orange and doesn’t take oil to darken, at all. No go for my Tad Coffin. Ironically I have Antares leathers on it, nice quality, come 52" but hard to adjust.

[Cabaret_SK]

I’m a big fan of my Equipe leathers (so should match your saddle). I’m fairly certain they have half-holes, and they have held up really well. 5 years old now and still look wonderful. They seem a little less bulky then some leathers, so I never had an issue adjusting them from the saddle.

[HiJumpGrrl]

I like the Nunn Finer leathers, too.

[touchstone]

GARY MUNDY!

Sorry about the all-caps, but I cannot recommend these highly enough. They are fully custom, so much cheaper, and you can actually adjust them from the saddle. I do not understand why people like the calfskin/lined leathers. They are impossible to adjust, bulky, and don’t last.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/GarysLeatherShopLLC/about/?ref=page_internal

[SolarFlare]

@touchstone-

GARY MUNDY!

Sorry about the all-caps, but I cannot recommend these highly enough. They are fully custom, so much cheaper, and you can actually adjust them from the saddle. I do not understand why people like the calfskin/lined leathers. They are impossible to adjust, bulky, and don’t last.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/GarysLeatherShopLLC/about/?ref=page_internal

Seconded.

OP, I’m in Ontario and I ordered two pairs of leathers through Gary (separate times). I’ve been using them for a number of years and they’re going strong. I got the unlined version and I think the holes are spaced 3/4" apart - but you can specify your preference. If you email Gary he’ll send you the order form/price list so you can see the options.

ETA - you can also get a stamp on each leather end (ie. initial, flower, etc). I got each leather stamped with a different symbol so that it’s easier to switch them and remember which was on the left side and which on the right.

[GucciJumper]

I personally hate my prestige leathers. I find the buckle annoying and struggle adjusting them while on my horse. I much prefer cheaper stirrup brands to them. The leather is great but I definitely wouldn’t buy again.

[Saskatoonian]

I hated the Beval calf leathers so much I sold them after using them once. They’re impossible. Too bad: they matched my saddle perfectly. And I’ll add to the list under “difficult to adjust” - though not nearly as bad as the Bevals - Red Barn. I hate lined leathers generally - they’re just so bulky - but my normal leathers (KL Select - they’re great) rub. First and last calf saddle I’ll ever get, thank you very much. (Lucky I love the saddle.)

[touchstone]

@SolarFlare

Seconded.

OP, I’m in Ontario and I ordered two pairs of leathers through Gary (separate times). I’ve been using them for a number of years and they’re going strong. I got the unlined version and I think the holes are spaced 3/4" apart - but you can specify your preference. If you email Gary he’ll send you the order form/price list so you can see the options.

ETA - you can also get a stamp on each leather end (ie. initial, flower, etc). I got each leather stamped with a different symbol so that it’s easier to switch them and remember which was on the left side and which on the right.

Gary lets you choose the hole pattern you want. I have the half-inch version.

On stamps, I did my initials. They are subtle, but you don’t have to worry about your leathers walking off.