Instructions
Lift up the jockey on the saddle to expose the stirrup bar. The jockey is the little flap that comes off the side of the seat. The stirrup bar is underneath the jockey. Grasp the buckle on the stirrup leather and pull it down away from the stirrup bar. Unfasten the buckle.
Pull the stirrup leather completely free of the stirrup bar. In some cases, the stirrup bar will have a movable keeper on the end of it to prevent the stirrup leather from sliding off; you will have to press the keeper down so it lays flat.
Slide the stirrup off the stirrup leather. Place the stirrup on the new stirrup leather by sliding the non-buckle end of the leather through the metal opening at the top of the stirrup.
Slide the non-buckle end of stirrup leather underneath the bottom of the stirrup bar, then pull it through the top and connect it to the buckle. Push the stirrup bar keeper back up to hold the stirrup leather in place. You may also be able to slide the stirrup leather back onto the stirrup bar by pushing it horizontally over the keeper and back onto the bar. Either method works as long as the end result is the stirrup leather looped and buckled over the bar.
Pull down on the stirrup leather so that the buckle is firmly pressed against the stirrup bar. Repeat the process for second stirrup leather. Adjust the stirrups as desired.
How to Replace Stirrup Leather on a Saddle
During the course of regular usage, English saddle stirrup leathers have a tendency to stretch. Over time, the left stirrup leather will almost always become slightly longer than the right leather because it is being used for mounting and dismounting, as well as regular riding. When stirrup leathers become uneven, it can negatively affect the rider's position and ability to maintain good leg contact with the horse, so in most cases the stirrup leathers will be replaced. Stirrup leathers may also need to be replaced due to age, tearing or if the leather begins to dry rot.