How to Change Leather Stirrups

Leather stirrups are available in a variety of styles for different types of riding. Wider treads where the foot rests are more comfortable for longer trail rides, while more narrow treads provide control in breaking a horse. Medium treads are generally used in barrel racing and reining activities to provide control and to keep your feet secure in high-speed applications. Changing leather stirrups on your western saddle takes only a few minutes to transform it for use in all types of riding.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle rack or fence rail
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the saddle on a saddle rack or a top fence rail to gain access to both sides easily.

    • 2

      Raise the left stirrup up and hold it in one hand. Reach under the leather fender to reach the stirrup buckle. Slide the top of the buckle upward to release it. Pull the bottom two prongs out of the stirrup leather to release it.

    • 3

      Pull on the stirrup to slide it off the stirrup leathers while holding the saddle seat steady on the saddle rack or fence rail. The stirrup will pull free from the free end of the stirrup leather.

    • 4

      Insert the loose end of the stirrup leather through the top roller of a new stirrup from front to back. Pull the loose end of the stirrup leather up under the fender and align the holes where the original stirrup was with the buckle.

    • 5

      Push the two metal posts through the holes in the stirrup leather. Slide the top of the buckle over the bottom and push the two halves together securely.

    • 6

      Repeat this process to change the right stirrup.