Best Western Riding
Stirrups of 2023

The stirrups on a saddle affect rider stability and balance. Our aim is to offer the ideal western riding stirrup for you, regardless of whether you are a roper, pleasure rider, or barrel racer. We ride what we sell in a literal sense, so we have personal feedback or the means to help you narrow down what you are looking for! We intentionally carry and bring in stirrups we feel meet a variety of needs while keeping you and your horse's safety in mind. Western saddles absolutely require stirrups that are compatible with your personal comfort. With so many options from aluminum to metal to wood, our crew has put together this guide of our favorites to help you sort through the choices we offer!

Top 5 Western Stirrup Picks

When it comes to training in the arena or heading down the trail, you need a stirrup you can rely on time and time again. It is safer to have the ability to quickly slip your feet in and out of the stirrups, in case of a problem or emergency. The leather construction of these Tucker stirrups allows for a soft feel, yet are grippy in providing you security when you need it. The angled cone also offers less strain on your joints with a more natural stirrup positioning. Ideal for long hours in the saddle, you can also maintain a classic western look!

Deeper stirrups are commonly used for roping events because the intense performance during roping tends to demand a wider platform for the rider to stabilize on. Roping stirrups are meant to be heavy-duty to hold up to the strain of roping, and the multi-layered wood structure of the Nettles stirrups provides great strength. We would recommend the version without metal levelers for arena events since the leveler can make contact with the front of your ankle and possibly be uncomfortable. However, the leveler works great for multi-purpose use and trail riding, where you are not riding as aggressively. The footbed of roping stirrups, in the case of the Nettles, are typically leather-wrapped for better grip in the saddle!

The stirrups you use during barrel racing should help you keep proper balance and position during the transitions on your run. Barrel racing stirrups should enable you to get your stirrups flat in the arches of your feet to send your horse, yet they should also allow you to get your heels down during the turns. The forward angle of the Metalab stirrups gives more of an athletic stance, while the rubber tread provides grip so you are less prone to lose your stirrups during your run. Choosing stirrups designed specifically for barrel racing will help you achieve better-quality runs!

Western show stirrups are flashy for good reason, especially in Western pleasure! You can add some personal flare to your tack set with these Cashel stirrups, which feature engraving to help you stand out in front of the judge. It is imperative to be comfortable during showing, when your nerves tend to be heightened. Having a bit heavier pair of stirrups helps you find them more easily in case you lose your stirrups. The heavy gauge aluminum construction of the Cashel stirrups adds some nice weight, so you can feel more secure in the ring!

As we all well know, horses are expensive: tack included. Finding an economical stirrup that is also functional can be difficult. We appreciate that the Tough 1 stirrups are budget-friendly, yet also offer joint support with their angled design. With so many different shapes and materials, this lightweight option combines most western stirrup concepts into an all-in-one. It is nice to not have to break the bank for a decent pair of stirrups for your western saddle when you are starting out with horses, or simply replacing your old stirrups!

Closing Thoughts

It can be difficult to choose a pair of stirrups for your saddle and riding purposes with so many different types, materials, and shapes on the market. The stirrups you decide on should fit your saddle and discipline, as well as be comfortable to help you better communicate with your horse—without your feet being bothered. If you are searching for more trail-specific options, check out our article on the Best Endurance Riding Stirrups. We encourage you to contact our customer service team at info@ridingwarehouse.com or 1(800)620-9145 should you have any questions. No matter your stirrup needs, see all of our western riding stirrup options below!