Stirrups & Leathers
Stirrup Leathers
Steel, composite, flexi and safety stirrups plus leathers and treads — sized right for you.
Stirrup Leathers
Stirrup leathers are the adjustable straps that hang your stirrup irons from the saddle — and because they carry your weight every stride, they matter for balance, security and safety. They come in three broad types: traditional leather (supple, long-lasting, but it stretches and needs care), non-stretch or reinforced leathers (a nylon or web core keeps the length stable), and synthetic leathers (light, wipe-clean and often the best value). Just Horse Riders stocks 41 pairs from brands including Shires, Hy Equestrian, LeMieux, Premier Equine, Rhinegold, Cameo Equine and John Whitaker, from around £6 for a synthetic pair up to premium aniline leather.
In a hurry? Quick answer
- Everyday all-rounder: Shires Blenheim Stirrup Leathers — from £16.20.
- Won't stretch: Shires Easy Care Non Stretch Stirrup Leathers — from £16.20.
- Pre-stretched with numbered holes: Hy Stirrup Leathers — from £15.61.
- For children / small saddles: LeMieux Childrens Stirrup Leathers — from £34.95.
- Wider strap for comfort: Shires Velociti RAPIDA Wide Stirrup Leathers — from £54.90.
Prices shown are the lowest in-stock price at the time of review and can change. Pairs across the range start from £6.10.
What size stirrup leathers do I need?
Stirrup leathers are sold by length, and the right size depends mostly on your leg length and the discipline you ride in. The guide below is a general starting point — because leg length varies a lot between riders of the same height, check the maker's own size chart and, if you're unsure, ask your instructor or saddle fitter to watch you mounted before you commit.
| Rider | Typical length | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Child / small pony rider | Approx. 42"–48" (or a dedicated child leather) | Lead-rein and first ridden ponies; shorter straps sit closer to smaller flaps |
| Shorter adult / teen | Approx. 48"–54" | General purpose, hacking, jumping |
| Average-height adult | Approx. 54" | All-round riding; the most common adult length |
| Taller adult / long-legged | Approx. 56"–60" | Dressage and longer-leg positions where you ride with a longer stirrup |
As a rule, a shorter, more secure stirrup suits jumping and cross-country, while a longer stirrup suits flatwork and dressage — so a taller or dressage-focused rider needs enough leather to let the buckle sit up under the flap with holes to spare at both ends.
Leather or synthetic — which stirrup leathers are better?
Neither is simply "best"; they suit different riders and budgets. Traditional leather softens beautifully and lasts for years with care, but it stretches and needs regular oiling. Non-stretch leathers add a hidden nylon or web core so the length stays put — useful if you like your holes to match. Synthetic leathers are the lightest and easiest to wipe clean, and they resist water and stretch well.
| Type | Strengths | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional leather | Supple, hard-wearing, classic look; softens with use | Stretches over time; needs regular cleaning and conditioning |
| Non-stretch / reinforced | Leather feel with a nylon or web core that holds length | Slightly firmer; a popular middle ground for schooling |
| Synthetic | Light, wipe-clean, water-resistant, great value | Less of the traditional look and patina some riders prefer |
If you want a non-stretch feel, the Shires Easy Care Non Stretch Stirrup Leathers and Rhinegold Bonded Stirrup Leathers are both easy-care choices, while the Hy Stirrup Leathers come pre-stitched with numbered holes.
Why do stirrup leathers stretch, and why swap them side to side?
New leather naturally stretches as it beds in, and — because most riders mount from the left and put more strain on the near-side leather — one leather often ends up longer than the other. To keep the pair even, swap them from side to side regularly (for example, every few weeks) so they stretch at a similar rate. Numbered holes make it easy to check both leathers are set to the same length. If you'd rather avoid uneven stretch altogether, choose a non-stretch or reinforced pair.
How do I keep stirrup leathers safe to use?
Stirrup leathers are a safety-critical part of your tack, so give them a quick check before you ride. Look at the stitching at the buckle and the folded ends, feel along the strap for cracks, dryness or thinning, and check the holes aren't tearing or elongating. Clean and condition leather pairs regularly to stop them drying out, and replace any leather that shows worn stitching, cracks or stretched holes rather than risking it. If you're not sure whether a pair is still sound, ask a saddle fitter or qualified instructor to take a look.
Children's stirrup leathers
Younger riders and smaller saddles are better served by a shorter, narrower child's leather that won't leave a long tail flapping under the flap. The LeMieux Childrens Stirrup Leathers are made for exactly this. Whatever you choose, check the fit with the child mounted and supervised, and make sure the stirrup iron is the correct size for their boot — a properly sized iron and, where wanted, a safety stirrup are important for reducing the risk of a foot being trapped.
Completing your stirrup set-up
Stirrup leathers work as part of a set. Browse our stirrup irons to pair with your leathers, add stirrup treads for extra grip underfoot, or explore safety stirrups for added peace of mind. You can also see the full range of stirrups and leathers together.
Stirrup leathers FAQs
How much do stirrup leathers cost?
At Just Horse Riders, stirrup leathers start from around £6 for a synthetic pair and rise to premium aniline leathers over £100. Everyday leather pairs typically sit around £16–£30, with reinforced non-stretch and wider comfort leathers in the £27–£55 range. Prices can change, so check the product page for the current figure.
What length stirrup leathers should I buy?
Length depends on your leg rather than your height alone. Many average-height adults use a 54" leather, shorter riders 48"–54", and taller or dressage riders 56"–60". Children usually need a dedicated child's leather. Because leg length varies, check the maker's size chart and ask your instructor or saddle fitter if you're unsure.
Why should I swap my stirrup leathers from side to side?
Because most riders mount from the left, the near-side leather takes more strain and stretches faster, leaving the pair uneven. Swapping them side to side every few weeks helps both stretch at a similar rate so your stirrups stay level. Non-stretch or reinforced leathers reduce this problem.
When should I replace my stirrup leathers?
Replace them when you see worn or broken stitching at the buckle, cracks or thinning in the strap, or holes that have started to tear or stretch. Because leathers are safety-critical, check them before each ride and don't take chances — if a pair looks doubtful, retire it and ask a saddle fitter or instructor if you need a second opinion.
Are non-stretch stirrup leathers worth it?
If you like your two stirrups to stay exactly level and dislike re-adjusting holes, non-stretch or reinforced leathers help a lot — a hidden nylon or web core keeps the length stable while still giving a leather feel. Traditional leather stretches as it beds in, which some riders don't mind and manage by swapping sides.
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Stirrup-leather buying advice from the Just Horse Riders team — last reviewed 12 July 2026. Fit, length and safety guidance is general; for anything specific to you or your child, please check with your instructor or a qualified saddle fitter.