Stirrup turners

FarmGirl · Stirrup turners

So I am looking into getting or making some sort of device to turn my stirrups so it is more comfortable. What kind do you like and why?

gaitinalong

Do you mean stirrup turners like this?
http://www.chicksaddlery.com/page...utm_campaign=google%2Bdata%2Bfeed

Or something that lets the stirrup swivel to relieve knee/ankle stress?
http://www.chicksaddlery.com/page/CDS/PROD/SL4000

ElaineW

I tried to buy a turner thingie one time. it made my stirrups to long.. I am kinda short..
with the saddle i have now the stirrups are twisted and tied.
I would suggest finding a saddle repair guy/gal in your area and see if they can twist your stirrups for you and tie them so you won't have to add anything.
I tried with other saddles to put the broom stick through after wetting the leather. All that stuff didn't work well for me. The saddle I have now though came with the stirruped turned and tied. it's worth looking into.
My friend is also looking for a new saddle.I went with her to one shop and there was not a turned and tied stirrup 1! And these saddles where NOT cheap.I don't understand why it's not done.. it's very practical.

FarmGirl

Do you have a picture of the twisted and tied stirrups? I am pretty handy and would like to do it myself (low budget...) This may be easier to do than making a device like the ones in those links.

Horseshoe Creek

I have both of the stirrup turners shown in those links. They lasted about 2 minutes before I had to take them off. On the second one, the steel bit into my leg and on the first one, the corner of the webbing strap (very stiff) bit into my leg. If you are interested in them, I'd definitely try to find someone with them so you can try before you buy.

I'd go with getting them twisted and wrapped by someone who knows how to do it. There are instructions on the web somewhere too.

ElaineW

Here's a link that gave a good clear photo..
There's 3 options you can try to turn your stirrups on this page,,
I have tried 1, a gadget,, 2. broomstick method. Both with no success.. remember my shortness lol..
The 3rd method is how my custom build saddle has.. And it's wonderful!

Horseshoe Creek

I was told by a clinician recently that the broomstick will work better if you do a complete turn with the stirrups, not just turning inward until you can get the broomstick through.
My preferred method would definitely be the twist and tie, I think. There is another way with reversing the stirrup leather and blevin buckle??? I wonder if that would make it bulky - has anyone tried that one?

PasoBaby_CarolU

I've used the broomstick method forever. Getting the leather wet, soaked through even, is critical to it working.

FarmGirl

Hmm... can't do the broomstick method because my saddle is synthetic. No leather to get damp and remold. I think I figured out how to twist and tie them though...I'll find out tomorrow when I go riding

ElaineW

The problem I had with the broomstick method was the bulk of the leather I had to turn! LOL by the time I got the stirrups up high enough to fit my legs, to do the broom stick trick it didn't matter what I did! hahaha I could not get it all to turn and STAY

misstux

I've used a broomstick without wetting the leather. You just have to use it longer, much longer.

ElaineW

guess I should have put the link in!

http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/turning-stirrups-western-saddles.html

shelbie350

So I own the second one posted by gaitinalong and love them! I did have a little bit of trouble with them making my stirrups too long, as I am only 5' 4''. So, I had to take up my stirrups quite a bit. It actually required me to take my saddle into a shop and cut my fenders shorter.

I had previously tried the "Fender Bender" from Parelli. Hated them. I tried a broom stick and a two by four. I even twisted the fenders around double, they don't stay...

Now, I see that some of the nicer made saddles, including the Parelli saddles, have posted stirrup that is turned for you already. So nice!!! My husbands saddle is like that. It's called a Texas Twist according to their website. Its part of the reason I am seriously considering one of their saddles.

Good luck!

PasoBaby_CarolU

I like the idea of the permanent twist, I do have a question though about how it affects shortening and lengthening the stirrups. I also wonder how you'd do it on a synthetic saddle. The cordura saddles it might be easy on, but I've seen synthetics that are essentially plastic.

For all of you with short legs, especially if you are getting a custom saddle. Give them your inseam and get shorter fenders! If that isn't an option on an older saddle, any leatherman can cut them down. I have a friend here who ordered a Black Forest synthetic western. They specially made short fenders for her at no additional cost.

shelbie350

Carol

You are exactly right. It will add about 3 inches to the overall length of the fender really.

This whole fender length issue on western saddles and maybe even hybrids is something that belongs in my book I joke about writing..."Why didn't I know this? A horsewoman's journey of hardknocks."

The custom ordering of a saddle is ideal, though expensive and those just getting into the sport or back into the sport are usually not able prepared to invest in a custom saddle nor understand the need. Oh the pain it would have saved me over the years.

PasoBaby_CarolU

I often wonder about things like this. Western saddles are normally made for men, yet 75% of horse owners are women. The twist in the tree is usually too wide for women's pelvic bones and the rise to the pomel is often irritating to the crotch. The long stirrups are a problem I see all the time. I am the average height, 5' 5" of a woman, and I am usually on the last hole in the stirrup.

barnelda

http://www.chicksaddlery.com/page/CDS/PROD/1087/RS3000

This is what my friend uses and we love them!I say we because we all switch horses every ride but don't change saddles around.Like a chinese fire drill lol.

I plan on trying the rotators that lock in any position.