Waldhausen Stirrup Safety Clip Release Device

Waldhausen Stirrup Safety Clip — Angle-Activated Stirrup Release

The Waldhausen Stirrup Safety Clip is a stirrup release device that fits between your stirrup leather and your stirrup iron. If the rider's foot becomes wedged in the stirrup during a fall, the stirrup detaches from the clip once it reaches a certain angle, allowing the rider to separate from the horse.

It is best for riders who want an added layer of security with the stirrups they already own — whether schooling, hacking, riding young or green horses, or teaching in a riding school setting. Compared with buying a complete safety stirrup, the clip is a lower-cost way to add a release function to conventional irons and leathers.

Key Features

• Angle-activated release: the stirrup and clip detach once the stirrup reaches a set angle.
• Helps prevent dragging: designed to separate rider from horse if a foot becomes trapped in a fall.
• Keeps your own stirrups: works with conventional stirrup irons and leathers.
• Unchanged riding feel: no need to alter stirrup length or leg position.
• Clear assembly instructions: supplied with the product and must be followed carefully.
• Everyday use: suitable for flatwork, hacking and general yard riding.

Specifications

How to Use

1. Read the supplied assembly instructions in full before fitting anything to your saddle.
2. Remove the stirrup leathers from the saddle and take the stirrup irons off the leathers.
3. Attach the safety clip to the leather and the stirrup iron in the orientation shown in the instructions.
4. Repeat on the second side, checking both clips are fitted identically.
5. Refit the leathers to the stirrup bars and check the clips move freely and sit square.
6. Inspect the clips, leathers and irons as part of your pre-ride tack check before every ride.

Browse more rider safety equipment and saddle accessories in our stirrups collection.

FAQ

How does the Waldhausen Stirrup Safety Clip work?
The clip sits between the stirrup leather and the stirrup iron. If the stirrup reaches a certain angle within the safety clip — as can happen when a rider falls with a foot wedged in the iron — the two parts detach from each other, so the rider separates from the horse.

Will it fit my existing stirrups?
The clip is designed to be used with conventional stirrup leathers and stirrup irons. Check the assembly instructions against your own leathers and irons before fitting, as very wide or unusually shaped leathers and eyes may not be suitable.

Do I need to change how I ride?
No. The clip does not change your stirrup length or leg position, so you can school, hack and jump in your usual way once it is correctly fitted.

Is it difficult to fit?
Fitting is straightforward, but the assembly instructions must be followed carefully and both sides must be fitted the same way. If you are unsure, ask a saddler or experienced instructor to check your fitting before you ride.

What happens after the stirrup releases?
The stirrup separates from the clip and can be refitted following the assembly instructions. Inspect the clip, leather and iron for damage before using them again, and replace any part that is bent, cracked or worn.

Does a safety clip replace other safety equipment?
No. It is one part of riding safely. Always have a riding hat fitted by a trained fitter, replace a hat after any impact, and wear appropriate footwear and protective equipment.

About Waldhausen

Waldhausen is a long-established German equestrian brand supplying saddlery, rider equipment, horse clothing and stable essentials. Its products are designed for practical, everyday use on the yard, from leisure riders through to competition homes.