Stirrups & Leathers
Stirrups carry your weight every stride, so the right size and style matter for both comfort and safety. The choices are classic steel (fillis) irons, lightweight composite stirrups, flexi / jointed stirrups (kinder on knees and ankles), safety and peacock stirrups (designed to release the foot in a fall — the standard choice for children), plus treads and stirrup leathers in leather, synthetic and non-stretch styles. Just Horse Riders stocks them from brands including Shires, Rhinegold, Hy and Windsor, from around £3.
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Stirrup advice from the Just Horse Riders team — last reviewed June 2026.
Which stirrups do I need?
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Steel / fillis irons | The traditional all-rounder — solid and secure |
| Composite | Light, modern and easy on the leg — popular for everyday riding |
| Flexi / jointed | Absorb movement — kinder on knees and ankles |
| Safety / peacock | Release the foot in a fall — the standard for children |
| Treads | Replaceable rubber grip for the footbed |
| Leathers | Leather (classic), synthetic (easy care) or bonded non-stretch |
What size stirrup irons do I need?
Measure the widest part of your riding boot and add about 2.5cm — roughly a centimetre of space either side. Too narrow risks a trapped foot; too wide risks the foot slipping through. For children, choose peacock or other safety designs sized to their boots, and re-check as feet grow.
Choosing stirrup leathers
Leather looks smart and wears in nicely; synthetic is low-maintenance and great for everyday; bonded non-stretch keeps holes even when you ride long days. Check leathers regularly for cracking and stretched holes — they take constant strain — and swap sides occasionally so they wear evenly.
Stirrup favourites
- Best composite: Shires Compositi Premium Profile Stirrups (from £24.30).
- Kind on joints: Rhinegold Flexi Stirrup Irons (from £26.53).
- For children: Shires Fillis Peacock Safety Stirrups (from £38.70).
- Softest leathers: Rhinegold Softee Leathers (from £28.54).
- Non-stretch leathers: Shires Easy-Care Non-Stretch Leathers (from £16.20).
Frequently asked questions
What size stirrup iron do I need?
About 2.5cm wider than the widest part of your riding boot — enough for the foot to move freely but never slip through. Children's irons should be sized to their boots and re-checked as they grow.
Are peacock stirrups safe for children?
Yes — peacock stirrups have a rubber band on the outside that releases the foot in a fall, which is why they're the standard recommendation for children and novice riders. Replace the bands periodically as they perish.
Leather or synthetic stirrup leathers?
Leather is traditional, smart and hard-wearing with care; synthetic is lighter and low-maintenance; bonded non-stretch cores keep your stirrups level over long days. All work well — pick by budget and how much tack care you enjoy.
When should I replace stirrup leathers?
At the first sign of cracking, fraying stitching or badly stretched holes. Leathers carry your full weight — they are not the place to squeeze an extra season out of worn kit.
Not sure on size? Tap the WhatsApp button at the bottom of the screen and one of the team will help.