how long is too long? (length of stirrup leathers)

[stormchaser]

Since last week I've been lengthening my stirrup leathers to the point that I rise very little (just an inch or less it seems) from the saddle during the rising trot. When I dangle my feet down the bottom of the stirrups bounce below my ankle bone.

It feels really comfortable, and I sitting trot seems to be a lot better, just like no-stirrup work.

Once in awhile I lose a stirrup during canter, but it had been like that before even when I rode with shorter stirrups. (I can also canter without stirrups.)

How long is too long? I know my heels probably won't be as far down as they should, but I seem to be more balanced with longer stirrups, even my RI said I've been doing great this week.:cool:

[Rob26]

I've heard the correct length is around the ankle bone height... I must admit I prefer a longer stirrup length and enjoy no stirrups :)

[joosie]

It's down to personal preference I think. I ride quite long too, I get stiff knees otherwise and I find it makes me more stable in the saddle. I think that your stirrups are only "too long" when you can't keep your feet in them!

[HorseManiac]

i think they are the length you legs are so you just slip your feet in.
NeLlY xXx

[kirstie]

Like Joosie said it down to personal preference some people like to ride short and some like to ride long. I like to ride long :) . But if you want an accurate measure the stirrup iron should be to the ankle bone.

[stormchaser]

Thanks! I think I'll just keep them at that length!

[CMR]

For "normal"(what is normal) riding the irons should hit around your ankle. For Dressage it's a little bit longer(probably the bottom of your shoe, and for jumping it's higher.

[BeachRiding]

Ha,ha I ride either way too long or way too short! RI always gets after me!

[Wally]

For me ankle bone hight is jumping length! far,f ar too short.

When I dangle my legs by my stirrups the trad comes about level with the sole/ heel seam of my boot.

[teapot]

Im 5ft 10 and was riding a 17.2 once, my stirrups were level with the lower part of his shoulder. Then are whacked up 4 or 5 holes for jumping

[purrrfect]

meant to be at your ankle bone but i always ride short

[jemma]

i was told that your stirrup leather should be the lenght from you figner tip to under you arm pit ?? :rolleyes:

[claire hodgson]

classical dressage length - you should be able to remove the horse and be essentially standing with your legs slightly bent.

jumping - a lot shorter! for balance etc.

racing - a lot shorter still! for the horses balance