So I’m looking at new stirrups, but I need to be eq legal. I’m looking at the MDC S Classic because it looks like it will help my stirrup placement (I’ve had issues keeping my stirrup at the right angle on my foot), but want to make 100% sure it’s completely legal in the equitation medal classes. 
Thanks for being so helpful!
Just go with regular Fillis irons. No grey area. And there is nothing wrong with reaching down and placing your stirrups exactly where you want them on your foot after you’re done schooling before you go into the ring 
I don’t believe that offsets have ever been acceptable in the equitation ring.
[QUOTE=AmmyByNature;7692097]
I don’t believe that offsets have ever been acceptable in the equitation ring.[/QUOTE]
That’s why I was asking, I wasn’t sure. I’m still new to doing proper eq, and all of the rules are mind boggling.
Don’t use offsets in the eq. Don’t use hinged stirrups. There are a few wide track stirrups that should be okay, as long as they are the ones like regular fillis irons with a wider foot bed.
And it does seem like they are changing the rules every year. No sense on dropping a bunch of money on fancy irons if there’s a chance next year they’ll be banned.
Are you allowed to have cheese grater stirrup pads? I often had the same problem. The extra grippiness of the cheese graters helps keep them in place. It also feels like my heel stays much more down and secure over fences.
[QUOTE=ellevt;7692157]
And it does seem like they are changing the rules every year. No sense on dropping a bunch of money on fancy irons if there’s a chance next year they’ll be banned.
Are you allowed to have cheese grater stirrup pads? I often had the same problem. The extra grippiness of the cheese graters helps keep them in place. It also feels like my heel stays much more down and secure over fences.[/QUOTE]
That’s my next question - are different pads allowed?
[QUOTE=StormWarriorC;7693966]
That’s my next question - are different pads allowed?[/QUOTE]
Paint them white and hope no one notices? LOL.
Well, if you look at the actual rules, nothing is specifically prohibited under USEF except the black branches. It is possible that Medal sponsors might have different rules. But all that is on their websites and easy to verify.
You can use cheese graters far as I know or any other common tread. But it would be frowned upon to use offsets or something equally obvious to compensate for lack of flexibility or ability to hold proper leg position- that is part of the challenge after all. Both offsets and bendy irons are easily seen by the judge and don’t necessarily put the leg in proper alignment by Equitation standards, just soften the ride for the rider.
Non rated and/or older Adults are a bit more lenient. Not AA age group and Medals.
The ONLY rule about stirrups in the equitation is that black irons are not allowed. This nitpicky idea that equitation judges won’t watch you if your stirrups aren’t regular, heavy, normal irons with regular stirrup pads is fabricated by riders who don’t understand why they weren’t given a ribbon. You MIGHT run into an old school judge that cares but they will very rarely totally kill you for it. To be totally honest, it doesn’t matter unless you’re in a 3’6" medal flat class. MAYBE if you’re flatting a 3’ class that got very competitive.
You don’t want something that looks crazy, but I wouldn’t hesitate to use this type of offset iron http://www.doversaddlery.com/mdc-ultimate-stirrup®-irons/p/X1-07014/. Different stirrup pads, wide track irons, and (attractive) lightweight irons are all 100% totally fine. Jointed irons are a grey area, but if you want them get a pair with grey rubber and go for it. I would only switch them out for equitation finals involving a flat if you’re worried, but if you can find any USEF Talent Search finals flat pictures MULTIPLE well known riders who relieved good scores flatted with jointed irons.
The MDC Classic Hunter Stirrups are a good option.
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