Horse glossary
Stirrup
A foot support attached to the saddle.
In Spanish: Estribo
What it means
A stirrup is the metal or composite frame that hangs from each side of the saddle on a strap called a stirrup leather. The ball of your foot rests on the stirrup's tread, which helps you balance, rise at the trot, and get on and off. Safety stirrups are designed to release your foot more easily in a fall.
Why it matters
The right stirrup length puts your leg in a balanced position: too long and you reach for them, too short and you perch forward. Stirrups that fit your boots also lower the chance of a foot getting stuck.
Example
Ask an adult to set stirrup length.
Try this
A common starting check is to put your fingertips on the stirrup bar and stretch the stirrup along your arm: the tread should reach your armpit. Your instructor will fine-tune it once you are in the saddle.
Common mistake
Shoving your whole foot deep into the stirrup feels secure, but it makes it harder to get free in a fall. Keep the ball of your foot on the tread with your heel a little lower than your toe.
Topics
Where this word comes up
- Tack Up (English Basics)A beginner-friendly, step-by-step tack-up routine with instructor help.
- Tack Safety CheckA quick, simple tack check you can do with an instructor before riding.
- Mounting Block BasicsA calm, step-by-step mount and dismount routine with instructor support.
- Smooth Mount & DismountMount and dismount without rushing.
- Riding BootsBoots with a small heel help keep your foot safer in the stirrup.
- StirrupsFoot supports attached to the saddle.