Stirrups--Cage or no?

[Debbie Parsons]

I need another pair of stirrups for yet another saddle and am debating on a pair with cages vs no cages like I've been using. I ride in trail running shoes but when things go south, I lose my stirrups so have never worried about getting a foot through a stirrup. Yet, I know unusual things can happen and thought maybe now is my chance to increase my safety. My concern is catching things in the cages; I've done that with the plain stirrup at times so it may be a mute point.

 

Thoughts?

 

Debbie

[ka...@astelier.com]

Great question, can't wait to hear the answers. I'm about ready to order my first pair of "endurance stirrups" and have also been wondering what to do. 

My uneducated inexperienced thought was, cages should not be any more dangerous than no cages, because there is actually less open area for a stick to be able to slip in there than on a completely open stirrup? 

So then what about a full tapadero? Have you considered those? It doesn't seem like a lot of people use them and I'm wondering why. They are often used with "field and trail" / trooper saddles but not in endurance. Maybe because of the extra weight? The field and trail type ARE very heavy (thick doubled up leather) but I imagine the endurance ones wouldn't be as bad. 

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[Jonni]

Personal preference, that not everyone will agree on one way or the
other. I've decided after way to many years of riding, that I prefer
the caged stirrups. I have a horse that is capable of some rather
abrupt maneuvers. I ride in Ariat Terrains, that have a small heel,
but the thought of my foot through a stirrup is not a pleasant one. I
have not caught any limbs or branches in a stirrup that did not break
easy. When I was about 5, the neighbor kid got his foot caught, and
was drug to death. I still remember that, and figure a branch of
limb, if it were to get caught, is unlikely to kill me. Foot through
stirrup, and being drug by a horse...... outcome not so good....

Jonni

[Char Jewell]

I've been using caged stirrups by Easy Care for 10+ years - I've never been caught on anything.

 

Thanks,

Char Jewell

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From: Debbie Parsons <sabalp...@gmail.com>
To: Ride Camp <ride...@endurance.net>
Sent: Monday, October 3, 2011 7:47 PM
Subject: [RC] Stirrups--Cage or no?

I need another pair of stirrups for yet another saddle and am debating on a pair with cages vs no cages like I've been using. I ride in trail running shoes but when things go south, I lose my stirrups so have never worried about getting a foot through a stirrup. Yet, I know unusual things can happen and thought maybe now is my chance to increase my safety. My concern is catching things in the cages; I've done that with the plain stirrup at times so it may be a mute point.

 

Thoughts?

 

Debbie

[Kathy Mayeda]

I like the caged stirrups.  I have yet to have anything catch in it.

 

K.

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[Buddy]

When stirrups catch a limb, bush or vine my horse feels as if he is
caught and cannot get loose. Panic can set in and you may have a
control problem.. I pay very close attention how close I am to limbs,
bushes and vines and tuck in as I go along hoping not to be caught and
my horse not feel as if he is caught... I wear boots that have a good
heel and will not be caught in the stirrup if I have to get off
quick...Cages will in my opinion require you to place the toes in the
stirrups and not the complete foot up to the heel of your boot.. If I
were to buy stirrups with cages I would get the type that are
completely closed that anything that hits them will be deflected off.
And could keep the toes warmer when riding in cold weather.........
Enjoy the trail as you may choose and always take good care of your
horse..

[Nathan Hoyt]

If the cages make you nervous, you can try endurance tapaderos.  Synergist makes some.  I am sure they are a bit heavier than the caged stirrups and I know they are a lot more expensive.  The principle is the same as the cage stirrups, but with full coverage.  I've heard they are hotter in the summer, but I have no personal experience except for my pony saddle when I was 6.  Sorry, but I can't recall whether they were hot or not:)

Nate

[Firedance Farms Arabians]

Hi Debbie,

The most scared I've ever been on a horse was at the beginning of a ride.   My horse was acting up and suddenly my entire foot went through my stirrup!  Luckily, my horse stood for 30 seconds...long enough to get it out, but I've worn cages ever since.  Yeah, they've been bashed by trees and branches have caught them, but it never  jerked my foot. 

I don't say I like them though, as I have a few horses that they bother when I get on...the cage hits their shoulder.  But I wear them, just like my helmet.

Louise

Louise Burton
Firedance Farms Endurance Arabians
http://www.firedancefarms.net