How to Twist & Turn Western Stirrups

Due to the thick leather used in making a western saddle, new stirrups can be uncomfortable for the rider until the leather has been suitably broken in. The stiff leather can lead to shin rubs and sore ankles because of the excess stress on the joints caused by trying to keep the stirrups in place when riding. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to break in the stirrups before riding in the saddle, and this is achieved by twisting or turning them.

Things You'll Need

  • Neatsfoot oil
  • Western saddle
  • Broom handle
  • Bathtub
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill the bathtub with warm water. Dunk the western saddle into the water up to the skirt. Let the stirrups absorb water until they are thoroughly wet. Remove the saddle and place on a saddle rack so that the stirrups are hanging freely. Towel dry to remove excess water.

    • 2

      Twist the right stirrup toward the back of the saddle and place the broom handle through it. Picture a line running in the direction the saddle faces, and another line that crisscrosses that line in such a way to make a plus sign. You want your broom handle running in the direction the second line runs. This would be to the saddle's left and right, not fore and aft. The broom handle should be brought below the saddle, at stirrup height, and its midpoint should be directly under the seat of the saddle. The broom handle will poke through each stirrup, but it must enter from the back of the stirrup opening and exit/extend through the forward-facing opening of the stirrup. This should leave up to six inches of broom handle sticking out the other side. Take the other end of the broomstick and run it through the left stirrup in the same manner. The stirrups should now be held in place facing the way they will when riding.

    • 3

      Remove the broom handle when the leather has completely dried. Allow a day or two, depending on the air temperature, for this to occur. Because the leather was soaked with water, it will be dried out. Apply neatsfoot oil with a soft cloth to the underside of the stirrup fenders. The rough leather on the underside will absorb the oil readily and begin to soften the leather and keep it pliable and soft.