8 Best English Riding
Stirrups of 2023
No matter whether you're trotting down centerline or jumping through a tricky combination, a good pair of stirrups can make all the difference in your ride. However, we know that picking a stirrup can be a daunting task due to the extensive amount of options.
From traditional steel to lightweight composite, the English stirrup market has transformed over the last decade to include new technologies and materials, all designed to enhance your riding experience. To help you sort through the plethora of choices, the RW community has pulled together their favorite stirrups of the year to help you on your quest to find the perfect stirrup for your needs and wants!
Our 8 Best English Stirrups
Stirrup Purpose | Our Pick |
Best Stirrups for Equitation | MDC 'S' Classic Aluminum Stirrups |
Best Stirrups for Dressage | Flex-On Aluminum Ultra Grip Stirrups with Incline |
Best Stirrups for Cross Country | Freejump Soft'Up Classic Single Branch Stirrups |
Best Quick Release Stirrups | LeMieux Vector Balance Stirrups |
Best Lightweight Stirrups | Royal Rider Perfect Stirrups |
Best Stirrups for Ankle Pain | Freejump Air'S Off-Set Eye Stirrups |
Best Selling English Stirrups | Compositi Reflex 3D Swivel Wide-Track Stirrups |
Best Stirrups for Kids | Centaur Fillis Peacock Stirrups |
Best Stirrup for Equitation
Key Takeaways: |
'S' Design: Eye Positioned at Patented 45ยบ Wide Footbed, High-Traction Tread Improves Leg Position and Provides Joint Relief Durable, Lightweight Aluminum Construction |
Shop the MDC 'S' Classic Aluminum Stirrups |
What the Community Has to Say:
Best Stirrups for Dressage
Key Takeaways: |
Elastomer Springs in Footbed Absorb Shock Inclined, Aggressive Tread Keeps Foot in Stirrup Aluminum Frame Reduces Weight Prevents Muscle Fatigue and Supports Position |
Shop Flex-On Aluminum Ultra Grip Stirrups |
What the Community Has to Say:
Best Stirrups for Cross Country
Key-Takeaways: |
Wide Carbon Footbed with Tilted Steel Nubs Forward-Center of Gravity Helps Heels Drops Absorbs Shock for Joint Relief Flexible Outer Branch for Safety |
Shop Freejump Soft'Up Classic Stirrups |
What the Community Has to Say:
Best Quick Release Stirrups
Key Takeaways: |
Durable, Lightweight Aviation-Grad Aluminum 5 Degree Angled Footbed Impact-Absorbing Cushion Offers 70% Compression Rating Offset Frame Allows Easy Stirrup Retrieval Integrated Safety Arm Releases in the Event of a Fall |
LeMieux Vector Balance Stirrups |
What the Community Has to Say:
Best Lightweight Stirrups
Key Takeaways: |
Made from Dupont Techno Polymer Construction Wide Arch and Footbed for Greater Support and Stability Non-Slip Grip Footbed Easy Maintenance Lightweight and Durable 9oz |
Shop Royal Rider Perfect Stirrups |
What the Community Has to Say:
Best Stirrups for Ankle Pain
Key Takeaways: |
Patented Air Cushion System Absorbs Shock Polyamide Top Headband Releases Under Pressure Supergrip Studs Keeps Feet Secure 100% Recyclable |
Shop Freejump Air'S Off-Set Eye Stirrups |
What the Community Has to Say:
Best Selling English Stirrups
Key Takeaways: |
Ergonomically Shaped Swivel Wide Footbed Made from Hi-Tech Polymer Composite Provides Tention Relief for Knees, Lower Leg, and Ankle Bright, Colorful Footbed |
Shop Compositi Reflex 3D Swivel Wide-Track Stirrups |
What the Community Has to Say:
Best Stirrups for Kids
Key Takeaways: |
Solid Stainless Steel Durable Rubber Tread Peacock Leather Loops with Rubber Rings Design Prevents Foot from Being Caught |
Shop Centaur Fillis Peacock Stirrups |
What the Community Has to Say:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size stirrup do I need?
A: Stirrups are measured along the footbed, from branch to branch. The right size stirrup should be one inch wider than the widest part of your foot. An easy way to measure this is to put your boots on and step on a tape measurer, then add one inch (1/2 inch on each side) to that width. If the stirrups you are interested in don't come in the size you need, it is better to size up rather than down. We recommend having a stirrup that is slightly too big rather than too small.
Q: Do I need specific stirrups for certain disciplines?
A: There are some rules regarding legal tack for different disciplines, but those clarify what you can't use rather than what you have to use. If you're concerned about the legality of your stirrups, it's always a good idea to check your discipline's rule book!
Q: Do different stirrup leathers go with different stirrups?
A: Many stirrup brands also produce stirrup leathers. Some stirrups have features that pair with their associated leather, such as a wide leather port or a narrow leather port. You don't have to buy from the same brand but do take the dimensions of your stirrup into consideration and buy leathers accordingly.
Closing Thoughts
Having so many options for stirrups can be intimidating. Some riders still find a plain Fillis iron to be enough, but depending on what you want out of your stirrup, there are a multitude of options. Some riders may opt for a stirrup that combines comfort with safety or maybe fun with function. With so many options, you'll never have to settle for a stirrup that doesn't let you be the best rider you can be! We hope that this guide of our favorite English stirrups helps you in your shopping endeavors. As always if you have any questions feel free to contact our friendly customer service at 1-800-620-9145 or at info@ridingwarehouse.com. Ride on!
Shop All English Riding Stirrups |