Safety Stirrups
Safety stirrups are riding stirrups built to release your foot more readily than a standard iron if you come off, helping to reduce the risk of being dragged. They do this in a few different ways — a rubber band on the outer side that pops off (the classic "peacock" design), an angled or bent outer branch that steers the foot free, a curved or flexible outer arm, or a magnetic/mechanical release that lets go under a sideways or twisting pull. At Just Horse Riders we stock safety stirrups and accessories from brands including Shires, Lorina, Korsteel, Sprenger, Premier Equine and LeMieux, with irons from £20.16. No safety stirrup can guarantee a clean release in every fall, so treat them as one part of your safety kit alongside a correctly fitted boot, a well-adjusted stirrup and advice from your instructor.
In a hurry? Quick answer
- Want the classic, budget-friendly option? Peacock stirrups such as the Shires Fillis Peacock Stirrups (from £38.70) use a rubber band that detaches — a popular choice for children.
- Prefer no perishable rubber band? A bent-leg iron like the Shires Bent Leg Stirrup Irons (from £20.16) uses an angled branch instead.
- Want a modern release mechanism? The Premier Equine Intego Duo Safety Stirrups (from £198.00) release under a sideways pull.
- Buying for a child? Peacock stirrups or the LeMieux Junior Vector Balance Stirrup (from £129.95) are worth a look — always fitted with a saddle-fitter or instructor's guidance.
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How do safety stirrups work?
Every safety stirrup is designed to let your foot leave the iron more easily than a standard stirrup would if you fall. Different designs achieve this in different ways: a rubber band that detaches, an angled branch that guides the foot out, a flexible or curved outer arm, or a magnetic or spring mechanism that releases under load. The aim is the same — to help reduce the chance of your foot staying trapped and you being dragged. They lower the risk rather than removing it, so correct fit and adjustment still matter, and they are best chosen with input from your instructor.
Which types of safety stirrup are there?
The range at Just Horse Riders covers four broad mechanism types. The table below compares how each one works and who it tends to suit. Prices and stock shown are examples from the current range and can change.
| Mechanism | How it releases | Often suits | Example in range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peacock (rubber band) | A thick rubber band on the outer side pops off under pressure, opening the stirrup. | Children and novice riders; a long-established, lower-cost design. | Shires Fillis Peacock Stirrups (from £38.70) |
| Bent-leg / offset iron | An angled outer branch helps steer the foot free, with no rubber band to perish or replace. | Riders wanting an all-metal iron with a lower price point. | Lorina Bent Leg Safety Stirrup Irons (from £39.08) |
| Curved / flexible outer arm | A shaped or flexing outer branch is designed to give and let the foot slip away. | Riders wanting a premium, discreet design. | Sprenger Bow Balance Safety Stirrups (from £193.90) |
| Magnetic / mechanical release | A magnet or spring holds the foot bed, then releases under a sideways or twisting force. | Riders wanting the newest release technology; check reset instructions. | Premier Equine Intego Duo Safety Stirrups (from £198.00) |
Which safety stirrups are our favourites?
A spread of picks across the mechanism types and price points, all in stock at the time of writing:
- Shires Fillis Peacock Stirrups — from £38.70. The classic rubber-band design and a popular first safety stirrup for children.
- Shires Bent Leg Stirrup Irons — from £20.16. A budget-friendly all-metal bent-leg iron with no band to replace.
- Lorina Bent Leg Safety Stirrup Irons — from £39.08. A sturdy angled-branch iron for everyday riding.
- Korsteel Safety Stirrup Irons — from £43.65. A dependable safety iron from a well-known value brand.
- LeMieux Junior Vector Balance Stirrup — from £129.95. A junior-sized stirrup with a wide, angled tread.
- Premier Equine Intego Duo Safety Stirrups — from £198.00. A modern mechanical-release design for riders wanting the latest technology.
Are peacock stirrups good for children?
Peacock stirrups are a long-standing, budget-friendly choice for young riders because the rubber band detaches readily and they are simple to use. The band can perish or come off in normal use, so check it regularly and keep spare rubbers and leathers to hand. As with any safety equipment, a child's stirrups and boots should be fitted and checked with a saddle-fitter or riding instructor rather than bought on size alone.
What size safety stirrups do I need?
As a general guide, there should be roughly a finger's width on each side of your boot when it sits in the stirrup — enough room to move freely, but not so much that the foot could slip too far through or, worse, jam in a fall. Because the right size depends on your boot and how you ride, it is best confirmed with your instructor or saddle-fitter. Getting the size right is a key part of how safely any stirrup performs.
How should safety stirrups be fitted and cared for?
Peacock and similar stirrups have a definite orientation — the opening or release side faces outward and, on peacock irons, the rubber band sits to the outside. Fitting them the wrong way round can stop the release working as intended, so follow the maker's instructions and check with your instructor if unsure. Inspect rubber bands, leathers and any mechanism regularly, replace perished parts promptly, and store stirrups dry. For related kit, browse our stirrup irons, stirrup leathers and stirrup treads, and see children's riding boots for a matching boot.
Safety stirrups FAQs
Do safety stirrups actually prevent your foot getting caught?
Safety stirrups are designed to help your foot release more easily than a standard iron, which can reduce the risk of being dragged. They lower the risk rather than removing it entirely — no stirrup can guarantee a clean release in every fall. Correct fit, a suitable boot and advice from your instructor all play a part.
Which way round do safety stirrups go?
The release side faces outward, away from the horse. On peacock stirrups the rubber band sits on the outer edge. Fitting them the wrong way can stop the release working as intended, so follow the manufacturer's guidance and check with your instructor if you are unsure.
Are peacock stirrups suitable for children?
Peacock stirrups are a popular, lower-cost choice for young riders because the rubber band detaches readily. The band can perish, so check it regularly and keep spares. Always have a child's stirrups and boots fitted and checked by a saddle-fitter or riding instructor.
How much do safety stirrups cost at Just Horse Riders?
Safety stirrups in our range start from around £20.16 for a bent-leg iron, with peacock designs from about £38.70 and premium mechanical or curved-arm stirrups from roughly £129.95 up to £290.90. Prices and stock can change, so check the product pages for current figures.
What is the difference between peacock and bent-leg safety stirrups?
Peacock stirrups use a rubber band on the outer side that detaches to open the stirrup, while bent-leg irons use an angled metal branch and have no band to perish or replace. Peacocks are often chosen for children; bent-leg irons suit riders who prefer an all-metal design. Both aim to help the foot release in a fall.
Safety-stirrup advice from the Just Horse Riders team. This is general guidance, not a substitute for a professional fitting — please confirm size, fit and suitability with your riding instructor or a qualified saddle-fitter. Last reviewed 12 July 2026.