Stirrup Length

[MaryLynn]

I am short 4'11" and during my lessons I have had to adjust the stirrups often after mounting. I use the "rule of thumb" that the stirrup should reach under the armpit. Would it be better to go on feel and not necessarily the "rule of thumb" and still be safe?

[Kaz]

Hello MaryLynn,
I maybe only 15 but that dosent mean that my advice or point of view is worthless. I find that when I use the "rule of thumb" that my stirrup leathers always end up way to short. Also if I use the other method of hanging your legs down and making sure the bottom of the stirrup irons touch your ankles I also find that the stirrups a too short. I find that the lenght of stirrup is a matter of personal preference. However it must be comfortable, not too long and not too short. It the stirrups are too long you may have difficulty rising to the trot and if they are too short then you will be putting unneseccary pressure on your joints. Riding with shorter or longer stirrups shouldn't make you any less safe.
Also a bit of extra info: you shouldn't judge the length of your stirrup on what hole it is on because generally the legt leather gets streched in the process of mounting. If you get used to riding with wonky stirrups it will be very hard to put right and you will put your horse out of balance. This is only my suggestion if you have any queries about your riding you should speak to your instructer. Hope I have been of some help.
Karen

[Mike]

Kaz

Just a quick reflection; if you'd have left out that first sentence nobody would have known what age you were. Your message was very clear and informative. Don't run yourself down before you start - you are better than you think you are.

Mike

[MaryLynn]

Kaz,

Thank you very much for your reply. It was very helpful. I am going to have to investigate the whole matter by trying different lengths. Trying that method, I'll find what feels best. You are right, there is no "rule of thumb".

[Anne]

Kaz .... Mike is right .... age is irrelevant and All advice and comments useful ... I've gained an awful lot since joining this list ... so carry on contributing ....

Take Care

Anne

[KarlR]

My wife, who is 5'2" finds that she cannot get the stirrups short enough! She has to put a loop in just to reach them, so you must have lots of trouble!

In any case, I tend to use the rule of thumb before mounting, because I feel that it's roughly correct, and then adjust them by feel once I'm in the saddle, usually down 1-2 holes.

[cynthia]

i'm 5'2" as well, and i typically have issues with my stirrup leathers, but i imagine that this is only due to the fact that i'm frequently using a different saddle each lesson, and of course, one that other students (often younger riders) have used at some point previous to my ride. it's actually quite ridiculous what the girls do to the leathers... there always seem to be extra holes on one side and not the other, so i'm sitting up there on the horse, legs in the air, trying like mad to not have one leg longer than the other! ;)

i always use the stirrup-to-the-armpit thing, though, and that's been just fine for a general estimate. it's by no means uncommon to have to adjust the leathers again after you mount. in fact, it's pretty much a necessity, and it's also perfectly acceptable to go solely on "feel".

several people in my barn have gone out and bought their own stirrup leathers, though... if you're completely frustrated and want to go that route, you can get a reasonably cheap set (~$50 US).

-cyn

[MaryLynn]

Thanks to all who have replied to my questions. All of you have been very helpful. Tonight I have a lesson and hopefully this will go much better. I have been a little discouraged because I don't seem to be taking to this horseback riding like I thought I would. But it does take time to master, like anything. I will be posting a again for help real soon. It is nice to know there are others who can give advice.

[Janice Morley]

Can someone explain the "stirrup in the
armpit" method of measuring length to me?
I'm not familiar with it. Does it work
with English and Western saddles?

[kateyboo]

Hi, I also can nver judge the right length of my stirrups. I prefer (at the moment) to ride with quite short stirrups as I feel it gives me more control when doing rising trot. However I also find that if my stirrups are too short, then my heels aren't kept down and my position is badly affected. And as I'm only 4'10'' I often have to have a twist in them (sometimes two).I heard that your stirrups will be different lengths on every horse you ride cos some are broader than others etc. Anyway, I'm sure you'll find a suitable length soon and as your riding progresses you'll "lengthen your legs" and your stirrups will need to be longer.

Love Kate x x x :D

[Janneke]

Hi!
I allways use the 'armpit method' because of the different amount of holes in the stirups. When doing that, I know the length is apprx. correct(I even know on which horse I have to lengten it, before I mount, out of experiance) Also I know then that they are the same length at the start, so I'm not trying to get them the right length for hour, I just adjust them both the same amount of holes,'till it feels comfy.

The method is performed like this:
You take the stirup at the metal thing in the bottom :( (help! what's that called!!!!!!!!) and put your fingers on the place where the leather is connected to the sadle. The you run the stirup along your arm to your armpit. It should end somewhere inthere. Where acxectly is in my view a matter of experience. If you ride the same horse often, you'll know after a while.

Hope I helped a bit! Love, Janneke

[This message has been edited by Janneke (edited 14 November 1999).]

[MaryLynn]

Well my last week lesson went much better. I adjusted the stirrups a little shorter and it helped so much with the rising trot. I seemed to be able to get in sync much easier. It was more enjoyable going with the flow.