How to Stretch Out Stirrup Fenders With a Broom

Anyone who has ever bought a brand new western saddle and ridden in it without first stretching out and reshaping the stirrup leathers has discovered that the position of the stirrups can make a big difference in your comfort level while riding. Stirrup fenders that have never been shaped will hang straight down from the saddle, making the open part of the stirrup face directly into the horse's side. You want to reshape the fender so that the open part of the stirrup faces toward the front of the horse and your foot can slide in easily and comfortably.

Things You'll Need

  • Broom
  • Leather cleaner
  • Leather conditioner
  • Rag or sponge
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean your saddle thoroughly with leather soap and then use your sponge or rag to rub leather conditioner deep into the leather, especially the stirrup fenders. The more supple your saddle's leather is, the more easily it will accept being re-shaped.

    • 2

      Put your saddle on a saddle rack. Turn the front of one stirrup toward the back of the saddle until the open part of the stirrup is facing forward.

    • 3

      Stick the handle of your broom through the opening on the stirrup you have turned so that it is held in place and unable to turn.

    • 4

      Go to the other side of the saddle and turn the second stirrup so that it mirrors the first. Push the broom handle through that stirrup as well. The broom handle will hold the stirrups in place. Over time, the constant pressure provided by the broom handle will re-shape the stirrups. You will have to replace the broom after every ride until the stirrup fenders have broken in and no longer attempt to twist back to the original shape.