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Best English Riding Stirrups

By RW Crew | Updated: July 18, 2024

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 with 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 to aid you on your quest to find the perfect stirrup for your needs and wants!

Our Top 8 English Stirrup Picks

Stirrup Type 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 Stirrups for Equitation

A woman wears the MDC 'S' Classic Aluminum Stirrups while riding a horse.

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

Customer Feedback:

"As an avid equitation rider, I’m always on the lookout for the perfect stirrup to keep my leg still and secure, all while featuring a traditional look. While they appear as a traditional aluminum stirrup at first glance, the 45 degree position of the ‘S’ top bar rotates the stirrup slightly away from the saddle, allowing for a more comfortable and secure leg position. The wide tread footbed adds to that security as well, making for the ultimate equitation stirrup."

From: Alisha, General Manager - California, USA

A close up photo of the Flex-On Aluminum Ultra Grip Stirrups.

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

Customer Feedback:

"As a rider who has suffered my whole adult life from lower back pain, I have always ridden in a jointed stirrup to help alleviate soreness after my rides. When I was told that the Flex-On stirrups were designed by a doctor, I knew I wanted to try them. Since I have been riding in these stirrups, I have not had a back pain episode. I chose the Aluminum Incline with the Ultra grip. Having the stirrup at an angle helps to put less stress on my lower back, and the ultra grip keeps my foot in a better position—especially in sitting trot exercises."

From: Christine - California, USA

Best Stirrups for Cross Country

A woman wears the Freejump Soft'Up Classic Single Branch Stirrups while riding a horse.

Key Takeaways:

Wide Carbon Footbed with Tilted Steel Nubs

Forward-Center of Gravity Helps Heels Drop

Absorbs Shock for Joint Relief

Flexible Outer Branch for Safety

Customer Feedback:

"The Freejump Soft-Up stirrups are unlike any other! My favorite thing about these stirrups is that they have the feel of a heavier metal stirrups with all of the benefits of composite material. It has even been shown that these absorb up to three times the shock of a traditional iron! The Freejump Soft-Ups are also extremely grippy due to the wide footbed and pointed steel studs, so I trust them to stay comfortable and stay put—whether I'm galloping around a cross country track or jumping through a combination. I would highly recommend wide leathers to go along with these for ultimate stability."

From: Josey - California, USA

Best Quick Release Stirrups

A close up photo of the LeMieux Vector Balance Stirrups.

Key Takeaways:

Durable, Lightweight Aviation-Grade 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

Customer Feedback:

"If I were looking for a stirrup that would help in an emergency situation, I would pick the LeMieux Vector Balance Stirrups. This stirrup has an integrated side arm, which has a two-stage release system to help get a foot out when needed. The five-degree incline keeps my heels at the perfect angle, so keeping my heels down is one less thing I have to worry about. I also like the tread on this stirrup, enough to keep my foot more stable, but not too much where I will feel stuck."

From: Christine - California, USA

Best Lightweight Stirrups

Royal Rider Stirrups sitting on a cement block with greenery behind it.

Key Takeaways:

Made from Dupont Techno Polymer Construction

Wide Arch and Footbed for Greater Support and Stability

Non-Slip Grip Footbed

Easy Maintenance

Durable and Lightweight: Only 9oz

Customer Feedback:

"In addition to these stirrups being super lightweight, I felt secure and locked in. The tread on the footbed helped me stay put and connected from the moment I got on to the moment I got off. The lightweight build is durable and keeps my horse and I comfortable, no matter what we're doing when riding. The name doesn't lie, these stirrups are perfect!"

From: Katie, Web Content - California, USA

Best Stirrups for Ankle Pain

A close up photo of the Freejump Air'S Off-Set Eye Stirrups.

Key Takeaways:

Patented Air Cushion System Absorbs Shock

Polyamide Top Headband Releases Under Pressure

Supergrip Studs Keeps Feet Secure

100% Recyclable

Customer Feedback:

"Say goodbye to sore ankles when you step into the Freejump Air’S Stirrups! These versatile stirrups are a great choice for anyone who experiences lower leg pain, as they feature a patented Air Cushion system that absorbs shock and concussion. My favorite part about these stirrups is they are made from recycled materials, so you can feel good about your purchase!"

From: Katie, Web Content - California, USA

Best Selling English Stirrups

A woman wears the Compositi Reflex 3D Swivel Wide-Track Stirrups while riding a horse.

Key Takeaways:

Ergonomically Shaped Swivel Wide Footbed

Made from Hi-Tech Polymer Composite

Provides Tension Relief for Knees, Lower Leg, and Ankle

Bright, Colorful Footbed

Customer Feedback:

"The best stirrups ever hands down!!!! For my whole life riding horses, I thought pain in my ankles, knees and hips, and the ball of my foot tingling, was a normal side effect of riding. I decided to try these on a whim and discovered that pain was completely from the concussion coming from using the typical, old-fashioned irons. Once I started using these, the pain was totally gone. Changed my life. I have used these religiously for every ride, including weekly fox hunting wherein I find myself riding for three or four hours of mostly galloping and staying in two point. No pain, no issues of losing my stirrups to slippage, no tingling balls of feet. I just bought a new pair after four years of constant use, as the old had just started losing their footbed grip. They lasted through a lot of use! You won't regret buying these."

From: Anonymous

Best Stirrups for Kids

A little girl wears Centaur Fillis Peacock Stirrups while riding a horse.

Key Takeaways:

Solid Stainless Steel

Durable Rubber Tread

Peacock Leather Loops with Rubber Rings

Design Prevents Foot from Being Caught

Customer Feedback:

"Perfect for the kiddos just starting out, I recommend these stirrups for all my students taking lessons. They’re sturdy, dependable, and the rubber ring sides are perfect for a sticky situation if a quick release is needed. The rubber rings and rubber tread pads are easily replaceable as needed, ensuring these stirrups will continue to perform even for the toughest of riders. They’re available in a variety of sizes ranging from 3.5” to 4.75”, so you can surely find the perfect pair for your kid."

From: Amanda Garcia, RW Sponsored Rider - California, USA


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 measure, 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

Monoflap saddle with Freejump stirrups, sitting on a bay horse.

Having so many choices for stirrups can be intimidating. Some riders still find a plain Fillis iron to be enough, but there are a multitude of other options—depending on what you want out of your stirrup. Some riders may opt for a stirrup that combines comfort with safety or maybe fun with function. With so much variety, 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, feel free to contact our friendly customer service at 1-800-620-9145 or at info@ridingwarehouse.com if you have any questions. Happy riding!


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