Best Western Riding Stirrups

Whether you are roping cattle or rounding the barrels, the right western stirrups can make all the difference. The stirrups on your saddle affect your stability and balance, as well as your overall enjoyment of riding. Our aim is to offer quality western riding stirrups that are ideal for your specific needs. We ride what we sell in a literal sense, so we have personal feedback—or the resources to at least 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 and disciplines require stirrups that are compatible with the riding task at hand. With so many stirrup options from metal to wood materials, endless shapes, and features, our crew has put together this convenient guide of our favorite western stirrups to help you sort through the choices offered!

Our Top 6 Western Stirrup Picks

When it comes to heading down the trail, you need a stirrup you can rely on time and time again. Ideal for long hours in the saddle, these aluminum stirrups are lightweight to lessen fatigue on your joints. In case of a problem or emergency, it is safer to have the capability of quickly slipping your feet in and out of the stirrups; with the extra wide design, these stirrups will help you do just that. You'll also want the balance of extra grip and security when you need it, which is provided by the rubber tread that provides extra traction. As an added benefit, aluminum is durable and rust resistant! So, you won't have to worry when crossing a creek or facing harsh terrain out on the trail. The lightweight, durable, and safe design makes the Martin Saddlery Aluminum stirrups our top choice for hitting the trails!

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. In the case of the Nettles, the roping stirrup footbed is 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. We favor these stirrups for barrel racing because of their high-quality, performance sport focused design, balance, safety, lightweight feel, and durability. Each one of these features are crucial characteristics for a great barrel racing stirrup, and the Weaver Visalia will help you achieve higher 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 Engraved 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 know, horses are expensive: tack included. Finding an economical stirrup that is also functional can be difficult. We appreciate that the Tough 1 Angled stirrups are budget-friendly, yet 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. The leather wrap still gives you that classic western look, while the rubber tread adds great slip-resistant traction. 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!

Coming in as our best all around western stirrups are the Tough 1 Mahogany Wooden Stirrups, because of their timeless appeal that compliments any western rider's tack. These versatile stirrups are suitable for riders of all skill levels and all types of western riding. They are extremely durable and have a classic bell-shape that's designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. The rich mahogany finish adds an attractive touch; finished with a complementing dark leather tread, these stirrups offer added grip and security. Our customers also love this stirrup, giving it 5-stars and appreciating the high-quality at a great price point!

Closing Thoughts

With such a variety of options available, it can be difficult to choose a pair of western stirrups that will suit your horseback riding needs. The stirrups you decide on should fit your saddle and discipline, as well as be comfortable for you to be better able to communicate aids with your horse. We hope this guide made choosing the perfect pair of western stirrups easier for you! If you have any questions or need further guidance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our customer service team at info@ridingwarehouse.com or 1(800)620-9145. We are always ready to help you make an informed decision, ensuring your rides are filled with confidence and comfort. Happy shopping!

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