STIRRUP SAFETY

If your feet play the second largest role in establishing your base in the saddle, then many of your safety checks should be directed at your stirrups. Here are several things to keep in mind for stirrup safety.

• Check the tread. When the leather tread wears out, it slides around on the stirrup and so does your foot. Have the tread replaced by a leatherworker.

• Adjust the nuts tightly. The nuts at the tops of your stirrup are vital for keeping your stirrup attached to your fender. Keep them locked down.

• Don’t skip the hobble. I see too many riders skip the leather hobble that goes around the fender, just above your stirrup. Having this hobble in place can give you an opportunity to save yourself if your Blevins buckle fails.

• Tie your stirrups up during hauling. If you haul your horse saddled or put him on a walker with the saddle on, tie your stirrups up every single time. This keeps your stirrups from getting caught on anything that could put your horse in a dangerous situation. It also saves your stirrups from damage if they hit the walls of the trailer or the sides of the walker, for example. When you untie the stirrups, always check the Blevins buckles to ensure that they’re still in place. • Be sure your boot fits your stirrup. Wide squaretoe boots can be problematic with some stirrups, especially for kids. Be sure that you can easily remove your boot from your stirrup and ride with your boot centered in the stirrup.