Stirrups are a safety-critical part of your tack: the right size and a sensible safety design reduce the chance of your foot getting trapped in a fall, which can lead to being dragged — one of riding’s gravest dangers. They also affect comfort and security through their tread and any flex. Modern safety stirrups have improved enormously. This guide ranks the best, explains the safety features, and shows how to size them.
Why safety stirrups? A safety stirrup is designed to release your foot if you fall — via an open outer side (Freejump), a flexible curved arm, or a rubber-band side (peacock). Combined with correct sizing and a defined boot heel, they significantly reduce the risk of a trapped foot. They’re a worthwhile upgrade for riders of all levels.
The stirrups, ranked
- Open outer side releases the foot in a fall
- Wide, grippy, slightly flexible tread for comfort and security
- Lightweight composite construction
- Trusted across disciplines including jumping
- Premium price
- Modern look won't suit traditional show turnout
- Angled tread relieves strain on ankles, knees, and hips
- Self-righting design is easy to pick up
- Excellent grip and stability
- Premium German engineering
- Not an open-side release design
- Expensive
- Rubber-band outer side releases the foot in a fall
- Long-established, affordable safety design
- Popular for children and beginners
- Replaceable bands
- Bands need checking and replacing periodically
- Less refined than modern composite stirrups
Side by side
| Stirrup | Price | Safety type | Best for | C&F Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freejump Soft’Up Pro | $230 | Open-side | All riders | 9.2 |
| Sprenger Bow Balance | $200 | Angled tread | Joint comfort | 9.0 |
| Peacock Safety Irons | $45 | Rubber-band | Value/children | 8.5 |
| Tech Venice Safety | $160 | Flexible arm | All-round | 8.8 |
| Fillis Stainless (fixed) | $40 | None | Budget basic | 7.9 |
How to size stirrups
- Measure the width of your boot at the ball of the foot. The stirrup should leave roughly 1.5cm (about half an inch) clearance on each side.
- Too narrow can trap your foot; too wide lets the whole foot slip through — both are dangerous. Aim for the small clearance each side.
- Use stirrup treads/pads for grip, and check any safety bands or release mechanisms regularly.
What to skip
Stirrups that are too big “to grow into”. Excess width lets your foot slide right through — a trapped-foot risk. Size correctly now, especially for children.
Worn rubber bands or treads. On peacock stirrups, perished bands won’t release as designed; worn treads lose grip. Inspect and replace them.
Assuming fixed stirrups are fine because they’re traditional. Plain fixed irons offer no release. Given how affordable safety options are, there’s little reason not to ride in a safety design.
How to choose
For the best blend of safety and performance, the Freejump Soft’Up Pro open-side stirrup leads. If joint comfort is your priority, the angled Sprenger Bow Balance is superb. On a budget, classic Peacock safety irons deliver a release mechanism affordably. Size with about 1.5cm clearance each side and check any safety features regularly.
Stirrups attach to your saddle — make sure it fits first — and pair with a boot that has a defined heel for full stirrup safety.